First Impressions: 2025 Jeep Wrangler

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of what you came here for, there’s something I desperately need to confess: Prior to driving this here 2025 Jeep Wrangler model, I never liked the Jeep Wrangler model, nor did it ever make sense to me why anyone would opt for this thing. I know, to most of you, and my automotive colleageus reading this, it might seem like heresy of the highest order. Punishable by law. Not only because the Jeep Wrangler is one of the most celebrated and recognisable vehicles to ever exist, but most probably becuase it forms part of the auto greats such as the likes of the Ford Mustang, Volkswagen Beetle, Land Rover Defender and Porsche 911. So, when Jeep South Africa invited me over to the Western Cape to experience the new Jeep Wranger in terrains I never could’ve imagined, it was hard to say ‘no’.

For that very same reason, Jeep South Africa and Stellantis flew a handful of journalists Cape Town, Western Cape, where an entire fleet of Wranglers were gathered for us at the airport. Over the next 48 hours in the adventure plaid Eastern Cape, I got to drive all the flavours of the new Jeep Wranger, each more distinct than the one before. And this one more adventurous than the one before. Befitting, the entire fleet of Wrangers on duty have a big stickers on them that read: “There’s only one.” After a few minutes sitting behind the wheel of the Wranger, I can confirm they’re 100% correct.

This new generation of the Jeep Wrangler is here to address a few shortcomings of the previous iterations, making it more comfortable to ride regardless of the terrain, adding more safety features such as the curtain aribags as well as the addition off-road centric options.

First Impressions

My very first Wranger of the launch experience was the 2025 Jeep Wranger Rubicon. Its priced at R1 299 900, which is a lot for any vehicle but the price-tag is justifiable. Under the hood you’ll find a 2.0-litre turbocharged I-4 engine that’s good for 200kW and 400 Nm of torque and mates to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission. It has electric heated Nappa leather seats all around, heavy duty suspension and all the niceties that come with the price tag. Elsewhere there’s a restyled 7 slat grill, forward facing and rear camera and automatic headlamps. There’s also more than 7 colours to choose from.

The iconic Jeep Wrangler body remains, but this time its more customisable with a choice of roofing options to choose from; one-touch soft top which operates more like a convertible, which is a great option and alternative to the modular clip on and off hard top. The rear side panels are easily removable for when adventure strikes.

Jeep Wrangler Sport models run on 17-inch steel wheels and Sahara models feature 18-inch alloy wheels as standard. Wrangler Rubicon is forged for off-road adventure and is shod with Mud-Terrain tyres as standard on 17-inch alloy rims.

Step Inside

Once you step inside, you’re greeted by a brand new 12-inch uConnect touchscreen for your infotainment which blends in beautifully with the rest of the dashboard. It supports wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto. Right next to it is an analog meet digital instrumental cluster, showing you all your vital information every step of the journey. Underneath the new infotainment screen you’ll find some welcomed phyisical buttons for your aircon, windows, driving modes and all other options. Then there’s premium Alpine Sound System which brings the party with you everywhere you go.

There’s also a host of safety features including Blind-spot Monitoring, Rear Cross Path detection, adaptive cruise control further Wrangler’s refinement, Drowsy Driver Alert, and Lane Departure Warning.

How’s the drive?

Sitting behind the wheel of the Jeep Wrangler, regardless of what flavour you choose (either Sport, Sahara or Rubicon) and grinning like a child as you gobble up dunes is one thing, and likely the Wrangler’s appeal and why so many people love it. Driving is a completely different experience. First, the Western Cape is absolutely beautiful and the Klein Karoo (Eastern Cape) is utterly majestic with its vast landscapes and forever changing terrain. One minute you’re in a hot desert, and the next you’re holding onto your hat near the beach and the other you’re in a sea of green pastures. Second, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon absolutely moves. It may still be boxy and probably the worst thing to be in when there’s a gust of cross winds, but it will blow your socks off with how how much of a fun experience it is.

It’s wortrh noting that although the Wrangler performed admirably on pavement, it was on rocks, gravel and in the sand (read: dunes) that it really shined. The suspension feels like it was born on the rough stuff and its right at home. The 2.0l engine is most certainly welcomed, but its not the best at saving you fuel in the long run. Dare I say that in fact, the V6 powered Wrangler gets the same mileage and consumpution figures as this new one. Ha!

Over the course of the trip I had driven all three flavours of the Jeep Wrangler now available in Mzansi, most of the time I was unashamely hogging the Rubicon; Sahara and Sport. I was never really a fan of the Wrangler before this trip, nor could I ever see it on my driveway.

Now, after spending little more than 48 hours with it, in a way that Jeep intended it to, I’m confident that I’ve gained all the knowledge into the world of all things Jeep and why “There’s only one.”

The Jeep Wrangler starts at R1 199 900 for the entry trim Sport, then at R1 249 900 for the Mid Spec – Sahara and R1 299 900 for the top spec Rubicon with all the bells and whisles.

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Posted By

Papi Mabele

Papi Mabele has a marketing background, he is a digital marketing expert with extensive experience in launching and building global brands in the emerging markets. Papi is also an avid tech writer, enthusiast and all round tech junkie. As a freelance writer and analyst he has been numerously published in Popular Mechanics (SA), GQ South Africa, Premier Magazine, Driven Magazine, Bloem News, Courant, The Weekly, Enthooze Magazine and PiE magazine amongst others.