Used 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited SUV Review & Ratings

Performance

When one thinks of taking the road less traveled, the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited definitely comes to mind. Motivated by a powerful 3.6-liter Pentastar® V6 engine, this vehicle is all about performance. It produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission, it accelerates zero to 60 mph in 8.8 seconds. This may not be lightning fast by any means, but it is impressive considering the weight of the vehicle. Wrangler Unlimited comes standard as a four-wheel drive, and is well-known, respected and admired for its legendary off-road capabilities. More than 70 years of real-world testing have gone into creating a vehicle that can take you just about anywhere. This is especially true when you choose the Rubicon trim, which is tweaked for heavy duty off-road use. It has thoughtful features like sway bar disconnect, tunable monotube shock absorbers and a removable front air dam for increased flexibility. On the downside, the larger size means that it is not as agile on tight trails as the regular Wrangler. Plus, fuel economy is disappointing, returning 16 mpg in the city and 20 mpg on the highway.

Technology

• Audio - The base audio system is decent with six speakers, CD player, MP3 capability, audio jack and steering wheel controls, but the upgraded system that is standard in Sahara comes with premium Alpine® speakers that are worth the money.
• SiriusXM - Enjoy more than 130 channels of commercial-free music, talk radio and more. This optional feature is standard on Sahara.
• Sentry Key® Theft Deterrent System - This optional feature gives you two encoded keys with rolling code technology that must be used for the vehicle to start. Otherwise, the engine is immobilized.

Safety

Wrangler Unlimited did receive a “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety in frontal-offset protection, but scored quite poorly with a “Marginal” rating in side-impact protection. The vehicle also disappoints when braking is put to the test, taking 140 feet to stop from 60 mph. It does have a few safety features to offer peace-of-mind, including:
• Hill start assist
• Post-collision safety system
• Emergency braking assist
• Tire pressure monitoring
• Traction control
• Dusk sensing headlamps
• Seatbelt pretensioners
• Engine immobilizer
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Child seat anchors
• Rear door safety locks
• Stability control
• Electronic brakeforce distribution

Appearance

The seven slot grille paired up with the round headlamps on the 2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is often referred to as the “Face of Freedom.” That’s all you need to see to know this vehicle will take you anywhere. It is the only 4x4 convertible that offers a unique open air design to provide the most rewarding off-road outdoor experience. Plus, it comes in exciting colors like Commando Green and Crush Clear Coat.

Comfort

For a long time, Wrangler was limited, when it came to the interior; the Unlimited changes all that. Now you can actually comfortably haul passengers in the rear seat; three to be exact, rather than two. Although the cabin may be a little simple for some, it can easily be cleaned after a day in the dirt or mud. This is always a bonus! The controls are clearly marked and easy to use. There are even a few unexpected features on certain trims, such as illuminated cup holders and lighting in the foot well.

Cargo

There is a generous amount of cargo space in the 2013 Wrangler Unlimited. Behind the rear seat, you get 31.5 cubic feet, but if you fold the seats down, you enjoy 70.6 cubes.