2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited

[natskiboy]

Might not get anything from this post but I figured since this is a Crawler website, some people have experience on Jeeps.

Im considering to pick up a 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited to replace my 2010 BMTroubleU X5 Diesel. Long story short, the X5 has been phenomenal on mileage and gas savings but the repairs on the car is costing me a bit.

Can the Jeep Wrangler be a family car? I have not test drove but I see people putting carseats in it and seems to be OK.
I have a 4 year old that is on a booster seat (Peg Perego) and and 15 month old that is on a Britax Boulevard car seat, with both seats installed my wife can still seat in between both. This is not necessary but some long trips, my 15 month old sometimes needs the company in the back :ror:

Hopefully someone with a first hand experience can chime in. Pros and Cons of the vehicle, problems to watch out for. I am not planning to take this car offroading but I know it is capable.

I am also considering the Jeep Grand Cherokee but the Wrangler is a bit cheaper.

 

[Duuuuuuuude]

People put car seats in all kinds of things. Doesn't mean they are family friendly vehicles...

Plant your own butt in the back seat. If its comfortable and not cramped, then its good. If not, probably should keep looking if you plan to keep it for a while.

 

[BLKXJ 96]

Sure....it can be.

The four door model is probably best for a family, and the 3.6 liter gas engine offered is a great motor. I know they offer a CRD diesel option for Europe...not sure about Canada. Keep in mind that this vehicle is a "box" so fuel economy is kinda poor-ish and in the US insurance seems to be about twice of a normal vehicle. The top come off so be prepared for water leaks and wind noise, these are some things the come with the jeep and add character. If you can't accept them the Grand Cherokee is a better option.

 

[cboggs]

Expect around 15-16 mpg out of the wrangler, it is a square box as far as aerodynamics. There is lots of room inside, more than the Grand Cherokee, and both will make good family cars. The 3.6 motor has plenty of power in both Jeeps and the auto tranny is excellent. I own a 2012 JKUR and have had no issues at all with it, my brother owns the 2012 Grand and had the heads replaced under warranty, both are 3.6 and autos. I think my brother is getting about 20-21 mpg in the GC.

 

[BJoe]

I don't own a JK, hut can confirm what has been said about the engine, I own a Chrysler 200 with the 283hp version of it and so far it has been dead nuts reliable and the whole car has 26.5k with the only "mod" so far being a drop in K&N. Only time it goes to the dealer is for oil changes, tire rotations, and software updates for the computers.

 

[JC-8]

I own a 2013 4 door Sahara and have 2 boys (6&8)
We traded an 08 4runner for this jeep.

I doubt you could fit an adult between those kids seats....not even comfortable to go to corner store.

Take a look at bottom of rear door as the opening is very small and tends to be a challenge for passengers to exit the jeep.

Reliable so far and power is good!

It has the new "quiet" soft top.....not awesome on longer trips.
Ride is quite impressive for a jeep!

All in all we should have bought another 4runner.

 

[rottenbelly]

I have had a 4dr JK for over 3 yrs now, (2007), my kids are 11 and 13 and tall.
Both have plenty of leg room but the seat sits up really straight. So I unbolted it and put a few washers under the front mounts to lay it back a little.
They say its much more comfortable now.

Lots of guys in the jeep club with the newer motors are getting 20 plus mpg on long trips.
My 07 on 37's and 5:38 gears has gotten 18.2 mpg on a long trip but it's usually around 14-16.

 

[k7zpj]

A couple of things to consider about the Wrangler:

• The metal doors and hardtop on the Wrangler are not meant to protect the occupants in the case of a crash.
• It is a really fun rig to drive and the top comes off in the summer.

I can get 4 adults in the Wrangler and still be comfortable. We are getting right at 21MPG highway and 18 city. The combination of the 3.6L engine and new transmissions did help the gas mileage and gave the Wrangler more power over the 3.8L engine.

The Wrangler interior was redesigned in 2011 which made the wrangle more comfortable, a little more rear leg room and Power Windows/Door locks. They also changed the hardtop to give a little better visibility in the rear window.

 

[Draggermirage]

You want safety and comfort, look into the newer Volvo XC90's. Do NOT go after the plentiful (and cheap) twin turbo 6 powered model. Any other engine/trans combination has been proven reliable. I prefer the V8 or the new single turboed 6 engine it comes with.

Mileage is on par or better then the Jeep with safety around you in ways the Jeep could only dream of. Not to mention the comfort levels. Far better than the vast majority of manufacturers out there.

I'm a little biased because,

1: My family and my safety is paramount.
2: I've driven a LOT of different vehicles out there. Not much compares in the same pricing range as far as comfort, safety and powertrain.
3: I work on Volvos on a daily basis and I own a 2009 S80 T6 AWD.
4: I've seen some twisted up Volvos that people walk away from. Shoulda seen the other car.

I know it's not on par with your questions on the Jeep, but these are my experiences. Especially once you involve your family into the fate of this vehicle.

Marcus