Jeep is known for its iconic, military-inspired SUVs that have graced every terrain for cars. The Wrangler is quite-arguably Jeep’s most iconic vehicle and the SUV, which earns the most loyal fans. Known for conquering any adventure, the Wrangler is one of Jeep’s most popular vehicles. But is the Jeep Wrangler a good family SUV?

Why the Jeep Wrangler isn’t the best choice for a family SUV

Regarding a family SUV, you need safety, space, and reliability. Unfortunately, that’s not the Jeep Wrangler’s strong suit. Though many improvements and updates have been made to the Wrangler family over the years, it’s still designed to off-road more than carry a family around.

The Wrangler may be designed for adventuring, which isn’t more noticeable than in its safety. According to MotorTrend, crash tests show mixed results regarding the Wrangler’s safety.

Even though MotorTrend experts point out that the newest Wranglers are safer than ever, “its older-style chassis and shortlist of advanced safety features bring it below average ratings from multiple testing agencies.” Not only does the Wrangler fall behind the competition in safety ratings but also in standard safety features.

According to U.S. News, the 2020 Jeep Wrangler is ranked at the back midsize SUVs, with a low overall score of 28 (out of 100). And that’s mainly because the Wrangler is a one-trick pony. While it excelled in many areas, the Wrangler only receives a score of two (out of five) in family-important spots like braking, emergency handling, and fuel economy. As one of the least fuel-efficient SUVs in its segment, a Wrangler isn’t the vehicle to do all your school runs in.

And if you’re looking for an SUV that’s comfortable for the entire family, you’ll need to look elsewhere. Drivers found that the Wrangler provides awkward access and a rough ride.  

Where the Wrangler reigns supreme, and who could get the most out of it

The Jeep Wrangler may not be the best choice for carting around the family, but that doesn’t make it a lousy SUV. When it comes to off-roading adventurers, the Jeep Wrangler reigns king.

Multiple sources named it the off-roading SUV of the year for many years. As an ideal off-roader, the Jeep Wrangler isn’t the best for families seeking efficiency and safety. After taking the newest 2020 Wrangler out for a road test, experts found that the handling is improved and has less body roll.

Even U.S. News doesn’t mind its low predicted reliability rating since its “exceptional off-road ability” makes up for it. According to U.S. News, the Jeep Wrangler is great for some but bad for others, depending on how you plan to drive it. While the Wrangler can go places few others can, the school pickup line may not be it.

Better choices for family SUVs

The Jeep Wrangler doesn’t fit in with most of today’s SUVs, which focus on reliability and safety for families. According to the experts at Edmunds, there are many family SUVs to keep your eye on, and the Jeep Wrangler isn’t one of them.

Top-rated, smaller SUVs include the Mazda CX-5 and the Honda CR-V. Third-row SUVs, which have started to conquer sales in recent years, are dominated by top-rated models like the Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Honda Pilot, and Ford Expedition.