Jeep Fights Back: Adds Many More Features To Take On Bronco
Jeep knows Ford is coming after its exclusive hold on the market with the Bronco. Not only that but Ford announced yesterday that it will split off Bronco into its own brand. That means in the next few years it will take on every Jeep model selling well. You didn’t think Jeep would ignore this, did you? Now, Jeep fights back when it adds many more features to take on Bronco in 2021. The 2021 Wrangler just got better.
Jeep is in a great position to make each model better than it already is to fight the Bronco onslaught. It has got to keep it exciting and fresh. To that end, it will be moving features around to make them available as standard equipment on different package levels.
Selec-Trac full-time transfer case will be available as an option starting with the Sport
The Selec-Trac full-time transfer case will now be available as an option starting with the Sport. It was not offered on the Sport until now. It was only available starting with the Sahara package. This system automatically detects slippage in two-wheel-drive and will switch to four-wheel-drive. For Rubicon models, a similar system called Rock-Trac will be standard for rock crawling.
The optional Technology Group package for Sport S models will now be available as standard equipment. This gives the customer a seven-inch Iconnect infotainment screen along with automatic climate control. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also part of the package. Another cool feature is the Selectable Tire Fill-Alerts. This allows owners to select tire pressure and once that PSI is reached the horn will honk. This was previously only available with the larger touchscreen.
Rubicon models get the Gladiator’s Off-Road Plus system
A new option for both the Sahara and Rubicon packages will be a forward-facing camera. This allows you to see the terrain ahead of you. And Rubicon models get the Gladiator’s Off-Road Plus system. It allows faster speeds when the rear diff locker is engaged. The system includes throttle mapping, displaying transmission shift points, and allows for traction control customization.
In the powertrain department, there are changes too. All-new is the 4xe plug-in hybrid 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine available in the Rubicon according to MoparInsiders. It offers 31 miles range which should meet a lot of buyer’s needs without using gasoline. There was some confusion that the hybrid Wrangler would receive the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 from the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. But sources confirm the Wrangler Unlimited 4xe will come with the four-cylinder.
The engine will spin a new eight-speed plug-in automatic transmission from ZF. These are unique because they don’t have a torque converter. Instead, there is an electric motor system. So the engine will act more like a generator like the similar Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid V6 system. This is the first mass-market electric Jeep ever, and we expect it will be available in all Wranglers in the coming years.
