Some vehicles don’t just arrive – they announce themselves. The Jeep Wrangler is one such icon. Its presence instantly evokes a rich heritage woven into pop culture, military legacy and rugged outdoor freedom. When the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was delivered to me – courtesy of Stellantis South Africa – I was immediately transported to the era of Baywatch, where the original 1987 Wrangler once played a starring role on California’s sandy shores.
Fast-forward to today, and the Wrangler remains one of the most recognisable and revered nameplates in off-road motoring. Now backed by over 80 years of 4×4 engineering excellence, it begs the question: can the Wrangler still hold its own in an era of electrification, refinement, and rapidly evolving customer preferences?
Behind the wheel, the answer is both yes and maybe.
There’s no denying the Wrangler’s capability. Whether crawling over rocky outcrops or navigating unpaved trails in our country, it delivers a sense of confidence and grit few can rival. With mud-terrain tyres as standard on 17-inch alloy rims and a commanding stance, this is a vehicle made for the untamed. It’s not for the faint-hearted, and that’s precisely its charm. But daily usability? That’s where things get complicated. The 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine, while a lot smoother and powerful (producing 200kw of power and 400Nm of torque), is unapologetically thirsty – best suited to those who own a fuel budget, not just a fuel card.
Still, the Wrangler is not without refinement. Inside, a 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen anchors a cockpit that blends modern tech with durable luxury. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as do plush 12-way power-adjustable leather seats. Safety is also paramount, with more than 85 features including Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path Detection, Adaptive Cruise Control, and even Drowsy Driver Alert – a nod to the brand’s evolution beyond pure brawn.
But what if South Africa had access to the electrified Wrangler 4xe? Its blend of legendary capability and plug-in hybrid efficiency might just seduce even the most devout city dwellers into a more sustainable kind of adventure.
Ultimately, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon remains a true warrior – a descendant of the very vehicles that earned their stripes in World War II, when the original “Quad” was delivered to the U.S. Army on Veterans Day in 1940. That military-grade DNA is still palpable today.
Yet, in a market increasingly saturated with plush rivals like the Land Rover Defender, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, Lexus GX Overtrail and Ineos Grenadier – not to mention new contenders from China – the Wrangler faces its fiercest battle yet: remaining relevant to a new generation of adventurers.
Will it win them over? Perhaps. For those who value heritage, freedom, and raw mechanical honesty, the Jeep Wrangler will remain a beacon of authenticity. For others, a more elegant or efficient alternative might call louder.
One thing’s for sure – the Wrangler is not here to blend in. It’s here to endure.
Pricing starts from R1 299 900 for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, with a 5-year/100 000km warranty and service plan, including roadside assistance.
