There are many different reasons to look for a used Jeep Wrangler for sale, including a desire to get into the Jeep lifestyle (wave and all) or an interest in an impressive off-road machine. Let’s go with the second option, and say someone is interested in a pre-owned Wrangler to get an SUV they can take out on the trail. One expects to find all sorts of impressive features for going off-road in the Jeep Wrangler. That’s one of the things it’s best known for. How surprised would that person be when they get into a used 2022 Wrangler and notice no terrain management system is included? Nothing lets them choose between Sand, Snow, and Auto modes. Let’s dig into what this hypothetical shopper will find instead, and why it can work just as well for an off-road SUV.
A Brief Look at the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler has been around since the 1980s. Many different models and generations are out there, so looking at used options can quickly become a serious headache. To keep things simple, we will focus on the most recent generation of the Wrangler, which started with the 2018 model year. This gives us a good sense of what Jeep offers these days, and unless someone is dead set on getting certain features of a previous Wrangler generation, this is generally a great place to start. The 2018 model launched the Wrangler JL (replacing the previous Wrangler JK generation) with a full redesign, although core features like both two-door and four-door models, removable doors, and similar elements remained available.
When looking at a 2018 Wrangler with an eye toward hitting the trail, the Rubicon is arguably the best trim to look for, since it’s an absolute off-road beast. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has many off-road-focused features, such as a Rock-Trac 4×4 system for four-wheel drive (4WD) performance, a heavy-duty suspension, and Dana 44 heavy-duty solid axles. You’ll also find Tru-Lok locking front and rear differentials, enabling impressive control over how the wheels receive power from one moment to the next. This control is provided by a rocker switch next to the steering wheel that can be flipped to either lock the rear wheels or both axles, depending on the situation. Rock rails protect the rocker panels, and skid plates protect the underbody, including major components like the transmission. The Rubicon was also sold with 33-inch off-road all-terrain tires.
Another feature you will find in the 2018 Wrangler is Jeep’s Selec-Terrain system. This system selects different traction control settings to adjust to different types of terrain. It includes settings for Snow, which reduces power for smooth starts, and Sand/Mud, which prevents wheelspin and improves traction. Other models, such as the Grand Cherokee, have additional modes in some trims. For example, Sport mode optimizes performance for the street, while the Trailhawk adds Rock mode for rock crawling. The Wrangler made do with the more basic Selec-Terrain modes, at least until 2021.
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler and Off-Road+
An important addition came along for the 2021 model year, which can make this the best place to start when looking for a used Wrangler that’s up for some serious off-road adventures. Starting with the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon, an Off-Road+ button was added alongside the rocker switch for the Tru-Lok differentials. Pressing the button activates the Off-Road+ system, which automatically evaluates the terrain that the Wrangler is operating on and adjusts as needed. This can adjust several other systems, including the throttle, traction control, transmission shift mode, and more, to help optimize performance. That sounds a lot like an automatic terrain mode. That’s one way to think about it, and it makes sense why you don’t need Selec-Terrain when you have this feature. Just remember that it’s only standard on the Rubicon model.
Off-Road+ goes beyond the Selec-Terrain traction system and functions differently in 4-HI or 4-LO mode. In 4-HI, it adjusts performance for situations like driving across sand at higher speeds, like one would find in a Baja racing type of environment. It holds the transmission in lower gears, keeps the engine RPM up, and turns down (but not off) Electronic Stability Control, letting the wheels slip a little bit to maintain speed but not enough to lose control.
On the other hand, 4-LO shifts performance toward what you need for low-speed rock crawling. Throttle response is slower, providing more precise control over difficult obstacles. It will apply the brake to stop individual wheels from spinning and prevent unneeded upshifts to maintain smooth power delivery. You can activate this system in many different conditions and adjust your performance to meet the needs of where you are and the kind of terrain you’re driving on.
Are These Systems Enough to Hit the Trail?
Yes, absolutely. In fact, they’re likely far better for extreme off-road situations beyond what you’d want something like a Jeep Grand Cherokee with Selec-Terrain to handle. Although plenty of other Jeep models are Trail Rated and good options for heading off-road, you probably don’t want to take those vehicles at high speeds across sand dunes or climb over challenging boulders. These Wrangler Rubicon models, however, are absolutely designed with that kind of intense off-road experience at the forefront. In particular, a Wrangler Rubicon from 2021 or later with its Off-Road+ system is a terrific choice for someone looking at used models that can handle the most challenging situations.
This is one of those features that can be overlooked when talking about going off-road, because it’s a single term that encapsulates a lot of different experiences. For some folks, “off-road” means getting to a campsite that requires driving on dirt roads that could be challenging for two-wheel drive vehicles or SUVs without any kind of terrain management system. Other people want something that can tackle the Rubicon Trail in California or Imogene Pass in Colorado. They need something with serious chops to navigate that kind of terrain safely. The right off-road vehicle completely depends on what level of trail someone wants to conquer.
A used Wrangler is a great off-road SUV. However, the degree of off-roading someone wants to do can help dictate which model they should look for. The Wrangler Rubicon is the pinnacle to consider. It’s perfect for extremely challenging trails, but not necessary for something more casual. Other trims, like a used Wrangler Sahara or High Altitude, can work great even though they won’t have the Rock-Trac 4×4 system. It all depends on your particular needs.
The Importance of Details When Looking at Vehicles
All this illustrates the importance of researching to understand what’s available and what you’re looking at when shopping. Even when not actively shopping for a vehicle, just looking at what’s out there and getting to know different models, it’s important to spend some time looking at specific details and what each vehicle has. Used Wranglers can be tricky to navigate. There are important differences when looking at one trim compared to another, like what the Rubicon delivers compared to the Sahara or Sport. However, the extra effort is worth it to make sure you know what each vehicle offers, especially for something as specific as heading off-road in one’s ride of choice.
