When Jeep announced in 2007 that they were going to stretch the iconic Wrangler, the diehard Jeep fans were up in arms. Once the new Wrangler Unlimited was released. However, the shouts of protest were muted against the cheers. Without losing the original character, Jeep created a stylish 4-door, 5-seater family version that did not compromise the “Jeepness” of the Wrangler. Now in 2009 the Wrangler Unlimited is going from strength to strength with minor improvements to keep it ahead of the field in the SUV class but still uniquely Jeep.
There are three trims in the 20cm longer Jeep Unlimited, the X, Sahara and Rubicon, and all are equipped with the same 3.8-liter V6 that produces 202hp through the 6-speed manual transmission which comes standard (4-speed automatic is optional). The X and Sahara models come in 2WD or 4WD, but the Rubicon is especially designed as an off-road vehicle and is available only in 4WD. Basically a carryover from last year, there are a few new features like the Hill Start Assist which helps keep the pressure on the brakes on steep hills to prevent rolling backwards.
Offroad the Wrangler Unlimited shines, thanks to its non-independent suspension, underbody skid plates and four-wheel disc brakes with vented front and solid rear discs for superior braking ability. For the specialist 4WD Rubicon there are Tru-Lock Locking Differentials on the heavy-duty axles and the Rock-Trac system which allows it to increase the torque to the wheels for slow crawling over obstacles. The Rubicon also features a 4:1 low-range gear and Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect for 4-wheel driving which gives 33% more wheel articulation. The Wrangler X trim carries twin-tube shock absorbers, but the Sahara and Rubicon add monotube shocks to handle extreme conditions smoothly.
The 2009 Wrangler is not a speed machine and acceleration is sluggish from start, as well as a fair degree of body roll around tight corners and a tendency to wander in strong crosswinds. It is also not much good as a tower, with a maximum of 3500lb. Fuel economy is average at best, ranging from 15mpg in city conditions to 19mpg on the highway so it may not be the car you choose as a city runabout. But as an offroad performer, it is a hard to beat the ruggedness and practicality of the Jeep Wrangler.
2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Interior and Features
The Jeep Wrangler has its priorities clearly set, and cushy is most definitely second to utility. But nevertheless, it certainly feels comfortable enough. It can’t compete with the likes of the Nissan Xterra or the HUMMER for interior pizzazz but the YES Essentials Fabric on the upholstery is fully washable, storage is great with hidden cargo holds around the cabin, and with the new length, there is adequate leg and head room in the front and rear seats. The back seat folds down to create a huge 83 cubic inches of cargo space at the back and there is now power locking doors and power windows available on all Wrangler Unlimiteds. Just for a bit of fun, the side doors of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited are removable and the windshield can be folder down for a safari-like feel on those 4WD expeditions.
For those who rate gadgets as a sign of advancement, the Wrangler has upgraded its offerings with the UConnect system available as an option. It features touchscreen and voice-activated GPS Navigation and music system with 30GB hard drive and a seven-speaker 368 Infinity stereo with speakers even located on the roof center bar. A year’s subscription to SIRIUS satellite radio is also included.
2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Safety
The Wrangler Unlimited has earned the full five stars in government crash testing for frontal impact safety and there are a range of standard safety options like Electronic Stability Control, Anti-lock Braking and Brake Assist available to maintain control in emergency situations. Chrysler’s rollover mitigation technology is included with the other braking features to control individual braking and prevent rolling. Advanced front multi-stage airbags are standard with optional side-impact airbags.
Safety features include:
- Standard front airbags, optional side-impact airbags
- Electronic stability control with rollover mitigation and brake assist
- Standard Smart Key that immobilizes engine in a theft attempt
- Traction control
- Antilock braking system
- Energy absorbing steering wheel and steering column
- Offroad emergency braking system
- Crumple zones and rollover bar
Overall the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited will probably not win too many awards for beauty and luxury, but as far as offroad performance and practicality goes, Jeep is an icon. For that breed of people who love the ruggedness and outdoors image of Jeeps, this model delivers all the performance expected, and for those who don’t quite get it – don’t worry “It’s a Jeep thing – you wouldn’t understand”.