The Jeep Wrangler receives a new interior for 2011, with improved materials, increased acoustic insulation, larger rear windows and new available features like power mirrors, automatic climate control, heated seats, a USB audio port, Bluetooth and steering wheel controls. Stability control, hill start assist and trailer stability control are now standard on the Jeep Wrangler, while the optional hardtop is now body-colored on the Sahara.
The Jeep Wrangler proudly boasts of solid axles, removable doors, exposed hinges and a fold-down windshield. Yet these symbols of antiquated automotive engineering remain strangely appealing because the Jeep Wrangler is still the world’s most iconic off-road adventure vehicle. See, those doors have straps because they can be completely removed from the hinges. As well the folding windshield, which also comes in handy for hunting the occasional water buffalo. And with 10.2 inches of available ground clearance, solid axles and a steep approach angle, you’ll be able to track down that water buffalo on just about whatever terrain it may choose to hide.
The big news for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler is its revised interior; it’s part of Jeep’s attempt to become more appealing to mainstream drivers. There’s certainly a cognitive dissonance associated with adding new luxury features like heated leather seats, automatic climate control and a steering wheel with audio controls to a cabin that you can clean out with a hose, but then not everyone uses a Jeep Wrangler to its most rugged, dirty potential. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler is a unique experience to be sure. Yet for better or for worse, nothing matches the Jeep Wrangler’s array of unique talents, foibles and quirks.
The 2011 Jeep Wrangler is pretty much unstoppable in off-road situations, especially in Rubicon guise, thanks to its specialized hardware. The Jeep Wrangler is also surprisingly fun to drive around the city.