2009 Jeep Wrangler Overview Change Vehicle

This 2009 Jeep Wrangler overview explains changes for the model year, provides a summary of the 2009 Wrangler, and includes Jeep Wrangler safety, reliability, and fuel economy information.

Another year, another update to exterior colors. For 2009, the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited can be sprayed in Sunburst Orange or Deep Water Blue paint, a duo that replaces Rescue Green Metallic and Steel Blue Metallic. Less obvious are changes such as improved interior storage, cleaner emissions from models equipped with the manual gearbox, and safety enhancements including a standard hill-start assist system and optional trailer sway control.

There are three distinct Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited models available to buyers, with the most affordable and least desirable being the X. Behind the Wrangler with the single-letter name is a bare-bone list of features almost guaranteed to secure a future free of tax audits, though the Unlimited version does get cloth seats, air conditioning, and a height adjustable driver’s seat. Roll up in a Wrangler X, and there certainly won’t be any questions concerning one’s affluent lifestyle.

Move one wrung up the Wrangler ladder and you’ll find yourself staring at the Sahara, distinguished by its 17-inch alloy wheels, fog lights, tow hooks, side steps, and dark tinted rear glass. The Sahara also plays host to cruise control, air conditioning, and a premium sound system with a multi-disc CD changer and satellite radio. Unlimited models add power windows, power door locks, and remote keyless entry. The Sahara also has a compass to help point the way, and an outside temperature indicator to tell you how warm or cold it is outside. Among the many options are a navigation system, a hard-drive-based multimedia system, leather seats, and remote engine starting.

The top-of-the-line model is the Rubicon. Jeep has opened up its box of off-roading treats for this one, adding heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, locking front and rear differentials, a front stabilizer bar with an electronic disconnect, and a Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4.0:1 low range ratio.

Jeep equips every 2009 Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited with the same six-cylinder engine, a 3.8-liter V6 that delivers 202 horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. That mediocre output is distributed to the rear or all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic. The relative few who opt for a two-wheel-drive Wrangler will have a hard time venturing far off the beaten path, so we recommend Jeep’s available Command-Trac and Rock-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive systems. No matter which model or drivetrain you choose, you will get 15 mpg in the city. Stick with rear-drive, and 20 mpg is attainable on the highway. Otherwise, you can expect 19 mpg.

There’s positive news to report on the reliability front, as the 2009 Wrangler is managing to scrabble its way out of Unreliable Gulch. J.D. Power and Associates has bumped its prediction of dependability from below average to slightly below average. Consumer Reports suggests buyers will experience average reliability from their new Wrangler Unlimiteds, though the two-door Wrangler is saddled with a below-average rating. Either way, those are better than the rock-bottom scores handed to the 2007 and 2008 versions of the Wrangler.

Safety scores haven’t changed for 2009. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) hasn’t subjected the Wrangler to side-impact tests, yet it did conduct front-end crash evaluations and rollover resistance tests. The results were 5-Star ratings for the frontal impact test, a 4-Star rollover resistance rating for the rear-drive Unlimited model, and a 3-Star rollover resistance rating for all Wranglers with 4WD.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also lauds the Wrangler’s frontal-impact protection levels, though that praise is countered by a Poor rating for side-impact protection provided by the Wrangler two-door without side airbags, and a Marginal rating given to the Wrangler Unlimited without side airbags. This performance is why we strongly recommend opting for the available side airbags to supplement standard features including stability control, traction control, hill start assist, and four-wheel-disc antilock brakes with brake assist.

In many respects, Jeep continues to impress with a Wrangler that promises equal doses of fun and capability, all wrapped in a modernized yet unmistakable package. Thanks to changes resulting from 2007’s redesign, what was once a handful on the highway has morphed into an acceptable asphalt cruiser, and increased overall dimensions prove more hospitable for passengers. However, despite slight gains this year, the Wrangler continues to be a vehicle plagued by questionable reliability. Plus, crash protection in a side impact is not very good, according to the IIHS. That’s all the reason we’d need to take our hard-earned dollars elsewhere.

By Thom Blackett