The Jeep Wrangler 4 Cylinder is the brand’s most significant tribute to the Willys-Jeep, which gained fame as a crucial tool in World War II starting in 1941.
Since 1987, the Wrangler has remained Jeep’s closest rendition of the original model. Despite the brand changing hands several times and growing with popular models like the Grand Cherokee and Wagoneer.
Created to replace the Jeep CJ line, which had a direct link to the 1940s-era vehicle, the Wrangler combined historic styling with modern comforts. As customers sought more convenience along with the off-road looks that often stayed on less rugged terrains like gravel driveways.
Though the Jeep Wrangler stays a top off-roader, both revived in the 2020s — match its prowess off the pavement. While these new competitors may be smoother on the road, for many, there’s no substitute for a Jeep.
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The Jeep Wrangler 4 cylinder has been around since the beginning and once even outperformed the six-cylinder version.
Jeep Wrangler 4 Cylinder
The 4 cyl automobiles are winning the world today. However, the automaker initially introduced the four-cylinder engine with the first generation and kept it through the second. In the third generation, the Jeep Wrangler’s four-cylinder option was discontinued. But it returned in the fourth and is still available in the current generation.
1. 1987-1995 YJ 1st Generation
The 1987 Wrangler is known as the YJ. It was debuted in mid-1986 during a major revamp of the Jeep lineup by Renault and American Motors (AMC) just before Chrysler acquired them. It replaced the Jeep CJ-5 and CJ-7, models rooted in the original civilian Jeep used in World War II. Although successful, safety concerns and technological advancements had made it outdated.
The Jeep Wrangler 4 Cylinder YJ offered less ground clearance but improved stability and handling compared to the CJ-7. Enhanced safety features, like trackbar suspension links added to the leaf-spring design. Also, a wider track, and anti-roll bars, addressed the CJ-7’s stability issues on pavement. However, the YJ retained the CJ-7’s wheelbase and retained iconic elements. Such as removable doors, a fold-down windshield, and impressive off-road performance.
The base engine was AMC’s 117-horsepower 2.5-liter four-cylinder, introduced in the 1984 Jeep Cherokee and exclusively paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The vehicle also featured a 112-horsepower and 4.2-liter six-cylinder engine derived from the CJ-7. It was paired with a choice of a five-speed manual or a three-speed automatic transmission. It came standard with part-time four-wheel-drive with low range.
Wrangler Trims
Like the CJ, the Wrangler YJ offered various trim packages and wheel options. Along with half-door and full-door frames, and removable soft and hard roofs for a nearly convertible feel. Except for the square headlamps instead of the signature round ones. It distinguishes a YJ from a CJ that could be challenging from some angles.
Trim packages accounted for most changes to the Wrangler over the next nine years. The luxurious Sahara model was first introduced in 1988, alongside the vibrant Islander which remained in production until 1993. The Renegade from 1991 to 1994 featured a uniform body kit alongside substantial fender flares and alloy wheels.
Significant changes began in 1991 with the fuel-injected 4.0-liter six-cylinder engine from the Cherokee. It had boosting power by 78 horsepower to 190. Anti-lock brakes became an option the following year, along with rear-seat shoulder belts. In 1994, an automatic transmission became available for four-cylinder Wranglers.
The YJ discontinue after 1995, with a new model waiting in the wings following a Wrangler hiatus until early 1996.
| Feature | Specification |
| Years | 1987-1995 |
| Engine Options | – 2.5L I4 (117 hp) – 4.2L I6 (112 hp) – 4.0L I6 (190 hp) (from 1991) |
| Transmission Options | – 5-speed manual – 3-speed automatic |
| Key Features | – Improved stability and handling – Trackbar suspension links – Wider track – Anti-roll bars – Part-time four-wheel-drive with low range – Removable doors – Fold-down windshield – Fuel-injected engine (from 1991) – Optional anti-lock brakes – Rear-seat shoulder belts – Automatic transmission for four-cylinder models (from 1994) |
| Trim Levels/Variants | – Base – Sahara – Islander – Renegade |
2. 1997-2006 TJ 2nd Generation
Debuting in early 1996 as a 1997 model, the Wrangler TJ was a significantly updated version of the YJ. It benefited from numerous improvements seen in the reworked Cherokee. It included a more modern interior that replaced much of the original AMC/Renault design with Chrysler components.
The most notable exterior change on the Jeep Wrangler TJ was the return of the round headlights, a long-standing feature of the CJs. Additionally, the 2.5-liter four-cylinder and 4.0-liter six-cylinder engines returned with a five-speed manual or three-speed automatic, though with some modifications. While the wheelbase was the same, the leaf springs were replace with coil springs at both front and rear. Majorly, for improved on-road ride and handling.
Trim Levels
SE, Sport, and Sahara were the standard trim levels throughout the TJ’s 10-year run. Apart from occasional special editions, like one in 2001 to commemorate Jeep’s 60th anniversary. The other one was a right-hand-drive version for specific markets like the U.S. Postal Service. The Wrangler saw few alterations as a specialized model as DaimlerChrysler concentrated on other matters.
In 2003, the TJ finally got some attention with the first new Jeep body style in 15 years. The Jeep Wrangler 4 Cylinder has Unlimited featured a 10-inch longer wheelbase. It is offering more usable rear seats and a significant cargo area, while barely affecting its off-road performance. Simultaneously, the new Rubicon model introduced stronger axles, a tougher transfer case, and off-road tires with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Additional changes for 2003 included a 150-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine from the Chrysler PT Cruiser and other models, replacing the older AMC-designed 2.5-liter four, alongside a four-speed automatic option that replaced the three-speed. New seats and audio systems were also present around this time, and in 2005, a six-speed manual replace the old five-speed unit before a major redesign arrived in 2007
| Feature | Specification |
| Years | 1997-2006 |
| Engine Options | – 2.5L I4 – 4.0L I6 – 2.4L I4 (from 2003) |
| Transmission Options | – 5-speed manual – 3-speed automatic – 4-speed automatic (from 2003) – 6-speed manual (from 2005) |
| Key Features | – Return of round headlights – Coil springs for improved ride and handling – More modern interior – New seats and audio systems – First new Jeep body style in 15 years (Unlimited) – Stronger axles – Tougher transfer case (Rubicon) – Off-road tires, 16-inch alloy wheels (Rubicon) |
| Trim Levels/Variants | – SE – Sport – Sahara – Unlimited – Rubicon |
Read More: The Fabulous History of the Jeep
3. 2018 – Present JL 4th Generation
The JL series Wrangler debuted in 2018, building on the success of what was once a niche vehicle. It retained a modified version of the third-generation platform but added several changes to widen its appeal and price range.
The 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower persisted, now available with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, sourced from other Fiat Chrysler (now Stellantis) vehicles. Shortly after, a new 270-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder was introduced, available only with the automatic and a 48-volt mild-hybrid system for improved fuel efficiency.
As before, two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited versions were offered in various trim levels, with the standard Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon models still available. Many upgrades made it easier to convert hard and soft-top versions without doors, windows, or a roof, or to fold down the windshield. Doors became lighter and easier to remove, and a new fixed-roof Unlimited version featured a Sky One-Touch power-retractable canvas roof for the easiest open-air experience.
Tech and Safety
Significant tech and safety updates included curtain and side airbags for both rows, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, a backup camera, a front-mounted off-road camera, and automatic emergency braking.
All models featured a version of the UConnect infotainment system, with screens from 5 inches to 8.4 inches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were recent introductions, accompanied by front and rear USB charging outlets.
The Scrambler pickup, discontinued with the CJ-7 in 1986, was replaced by the 2019 Jeep Gladiator. This new model was based heavily on the Wrangler Unlimited JL, with a bed on the back but similar roof options, removable doors, and the same dashboard and engine choices.
A 260-horsepower, 3.0-liter “EcoDiesel” V6 was introduced in 2020, paired only with the automatic, and joined both the Wrangler and Gladiator engine options.
Trim Levels
In 2022, Jeep launched the Willys trim level with the Xtreme Recon package, which included larger 35-inch all-terrain tires, 17-inch alloy wheels, bigger brakes, a lifted suspension, and special badging.
In 2023, the Freedom Edition introduced enhancements for rugged terrain, such as a reinforced steel front bumper and rock rails along the sides. Additionally, updates included fresh wheel designs for Rubicon models and new paint selections.
Two other engine options debuted in 2021. The Wrangler Unlimited 4xe, Jeep’s first plug-in hybrid (PHEV), paired a 2.0-liter turbo engine with an electric motor and a 17 kWh battery pack. It had an EPA rating of 22 miles per charge and a combined output of 375 horsepower on Sahara and Rubicon models.
On the other end of the fuel economy range, the Unlimited Rubicon 392 featured a 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter Hemi V8 from the Dodge Charger R/T Scat Pack and other high-performance Stellantis models. The first V8-powered Wrangler could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.2 seconds and had a combined fuel economy of 14 mpg in city and highway driving. The starting price was $75,000.
The 2024 Updates
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler underwent significant updates, marking the JL Wrangler’s evolution with redesigned styling. This includes a revamped grille to improve airflow for cooling, multiple new wheel choices, and an optional factory winch upgrade.
Improvements to the rear axle and enhanced cooling capabilities enabled an increased towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds. Willys trims received upgraded tires, a locking rear differential, and new fender flares inspired by the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Moreover, the Wrangler Unlimited 4xe drivetrain expanded its availability across various trim levels, including Sport and Rubicon X models.
The cabin above comes with notable upgrades, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen entertainment system that is now a standard feature. Optional built-in navigation includes extensive trail maps for testing the Wrangler’s off-road prowess. Additional upgrades like a power seat and improved active noise cancellation ensure the 2024 Wrangler is quieter and more comfortable than ever.
| Feature | Specification |
| Years | 2018-Present |
| Engine Options | – 2.0L turbo I4 (270 hp) – 3.6L V6 (285 hp) – 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp) (from 2020) – 6.4L Hemi V8 (470 hp) (from 2021) – 2.0L turbo I4 PHEV (375 hp) (from 2021) |
| Transmission Options | – 6-speed manual – 8-speed automatic |
| Key Features | – Mild-hybrid system (with 2.0L turbo I4) – Tech and safety updates – UConnect infotainment – Apple CarPlay, Android Auto – Sky One-Touch power-retractable canvas roof – 12.3-inch touchscreen entertainment system – Optional built-in navigation with trail maps – Power seat – Improved active noise cancellation – Increased towing capacity (up to 5,000 pounds) |
| Trim Levels/Variants | – Sport – Sahara – Rubicon – Willys – Freedom Edition – Unlimited – Gladiator |
Wrapping Up
Gas-only Wranglers are currently available. The base model offers a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, while the Rubicon still features a robust 6.4-liter V-8. Yet, Jeep’s future is electric-focused, signaling the eventual phase-out of gas-powered vehicles.
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