I’ve driven a few Jeeps in my career but they have always been the more staid family Crossover type. This is the first time I’ve driven a rugged, ready for off-roading type. Now all Jeeps go off-road, it’s just that the Jeep Wrangler Sahara has the looks for it. With its boxy body and high clearance chassis, the Sahara is ready to tackle anything you could throw at it.
With all this athleticism I was expecting a bit of a rough ride, au contraire, with last year’s redesign the Jeep Sahara now is a kinder, gentler Jeep with a nicer interior and more comfortable ride. I had a blast driving it! But die-hard Jeep drivers have no fear the windshield still folds down, the doors are still removable and the soft top comes off for that outdoor experience.
Available in two-door and four-door Unlimited, this review will focus on the four-door Unlimited. The Unlimited comes in five body styles: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Moab, and Rubicon. The Sahara is the subject of this review.
Some highlights of the Sahara trim are; 8-inch alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, painted exterior body panels and trim, automatic headlights, automatic climate control, and a 115-volt outlet. It also comes with a bigger driver information display, an additional USB port, and an upgraded version of Uconnect with a 7-inch touchscreen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone integration, and satellite radio.
My model was powered by a turbocharged four cylinder engine producing 270 horses and 295 lb-ft of torque. The turbo engine was paired with an eight-speed automatic. Expect to get 22/city, 24/highway, and 22/combined mpg.
Instead of the dressed-down interior usually associated with Jeeps, the interior of the Sahara is full of easy to use technology. Everything is logically placed and accessible for the driver. The interior has been well thought out and is more inviting than previous Jeep incarnations.
Although the Sahara has a narrow body which limits storage space somewhat, trunk space is good with 31.7 cubic feet and the back seats fold down into the floor. There is a lot of space back there with tie downs and a power outlet. There is also and underfloor compartment.
Although the ride is not refined, it is still pretty smooth. Yes, there is a certain amount of road noise in the cabin but it’s a Jeep afterall and comes with the territory. All in all, I found the ride pretty comfortable and the acceleration great. It packs plenty of power for passing and entering the freeway and it will tackle steep grades with ease. Steering is right on and the turning radius is remarkably tight.
If you are looking for something rugged that performs well in the urban jungle as well, give the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara a test drive.