There are better SUVs on the market than a Jeep Wrangler, so why would you want one? That’s the strange thing about the Wrangler, in fact, most of the Jeep models. They hold their value, but that’s not even the reason. If you’re looking for something you can have a blast with on the weekends or something you can strip the doors off of to completely transform your driving experience, then the Wrangler is why. It’s transportation, but with a lot of bonuses.

It is designed to be the best at off-road excursions. If that is something you’re attracted to there are so many ways to enhance that ability it’s hard to know where to start. Both Jeep and the aftermarket can improve on the Jeep’s capabilities. It depends on what you want to do beyond basic transportation. But, you’ve got to get it first, so let’s take a look at the base Jeep Wrangler.

Let’s see if we can keep this close to base list price

We’ll play a little game here where we attempt to stay at the lowest price for a brand-new 2020 four-door Wrangler. We’ve always wondered what the cheapest way would be to get into one of these new. Even keeping it at the lowest price you can get one for, there are still a couple of no-cost options available.

For a base Wrangler four-door, the list price is $33,290 MSRP for the Unlimited Sport. That’s the cheapest blank canvas Jeep you can buy. Jeep advertises a base price of $31,795 MSRP. But in configuring only the no-cost standard features, we still could not come in under $33,000 and change. Staying close to the base list price gets tricky because there are so many options and ways to quickly exceed $40,000 you have to be careful.

Even at the base price, there are two engine options

For that price, you get either a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder with a six-speed automatic or the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 with a six-speed manual. Bumping up to the V6 with automatic combined increases the price to $33,295. 

The base Wrangler four-door comes with 17-inch all-season or all-terrain tires, black steel wheels, soft top, and is limited to six standard colors before you tag on another $195 for a variety of additional hues. There is no bikini top or hardtop, no knobby off-road tires. And there are none of the special graphics or drivetrains that include an eight-speed automatic and the new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6.

First time for a V6 diesel but it will cost you

This is the first year ever for the V6 diesel and Jeep is playing that up. Of course, diesel is known for its torque and this one features 442 lb-ft of torque with 260 hp. At $4,000 it’s a stiff option, but the advantages in terms of the economy combined with the torque will be worth it for a lot of folks. But, keep in mind that bump in cost is more than 10% of the Wrangler base price. That’s a lot.

Interiors will be the standard cloth. Obviously, there will be no leather at the base model. Both black or a dark tan are offered at this price. The Uconnect 3 version of the display and audio system, which includes a small five-inch screen, is the base system. 

Honestly, the base V6/six-speed manual sounds like a blast and squeaks you in at the lowest price for a brand new Wrangler four-door SUV. Sure, a V8 and leather interior with some 35-inch off-road tires spice things up, but like we said; $40,000 is hovering over your shoulder at every turn.