Test Drive: 2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon tough, yet refined

Published: Saturday, June 11, 2011, 6:00 AM     Updated: Sunday, June 12, 2011, 12:33 PM

The Jeep brand is on a roll. Now in its 70th year, it's enjoying the success of the all-new Grand Cherokee and dramatic improvements in its entry level Compass.

But the good news doesn't end there. For 2011, the iconic Wrangler has been refreshed to the point that it can be called "refined." While some Jeep purists might cringe at that characterization, they shouldn't. The changes haven't altered the Wrangler's legendary off-road capabilities, they've just made the vehicle more usable and comfortable during the time that it spends on the road.

It's the year of the interior at Chrysler, and the Wrangler received an all-new one featuring vastly improved materials and ergonomics. The leather-wrapped steering wheel now has the full complement of controls for the audio system and cruise control. The center console locks and is topped with a soft-touch material. Our test vehicle was equipped with an advanced media center entertainment and navigation system, which topped the functionally redesigned central portion of the dash.

In order to reduce interior noise, without sacrificing the Wrangler's aggressive off-road tires, engineers installed large amounts of sound-deadening insulation. While the Rubicon is far from quiet inside, it is much improved and allows for normal conversation on the optional hands-free bluetooth phone connection.

The standard roof on the Wrangler is the "Sunrider" removable soft top, but the test Wrangler came with the three-piece modular "Freedom Top." The hardtop can be removed in part or entirely, creating everything from a large sunroof-sized opening to a full convertible.

In keeping with Jeep heritage, the doors can be removed and the windshield lowered onto the hood for the full open-air experience.

The Wrangler traces its roots back to the original Willys MA vehicles of World War II, which most just know as the Army Jeep. But it's now a thoroughly modern vehicle with a full complement of safety features including stability control, hill-start assist, electronic roll mitigation, and trailer sway control. The stability control can be turned partially or fully off as conditions dictate.

It's always been a challenge for Jeep to balance the Wrangler's safety, efficiency, and comfort with the amazing off-road capabilities that Jeep buyers demand. Efficiency still falls short, but technology has dramatically improved the safety, and 2011's refinements have brought the Wrangler up to par on comfort.

But what about the capability? It's all still there. All Wranglers ride on a five-link coil suspension setup with tuned shock absorbers that allow for epic amounts of suspension travel. Heavy-duty axles and full skid-plating add to the off-road credentials. The test Wrangler Rubicon featured electronically locking front and rear differentials, as well as sway-bar disconnect for increased suspension travel in extremely challenging terrain. If you want more capability, there is probably no vehicle with a more developed aftermarket modification culture as the Wrangler.

Perhaps best of all, the Wrangler still has the classic looks of a Jeep. You'll never look at a Wrangler and say, "What's that?"

2011 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4x4

Base price: $29,245. Price as tested $33,320 including $750 destination charge.
Type: 2-door 4wd Sport Utility Vehicle
Engine: 3.8-liter OHV V-6
Final assembly: Toledo, Ohio
Mileage: 15 (city) / 19 (highway)
Length: 152.8 inches
Wheelbase: 95.4 inches
Weight: 4,104 pounds

John M. Vincent can be reached at jvincent@oregonian.com.