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2021 Jeep Wrangler adds TrailCam, full-time 4WD updates and more

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2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara EcoDiesel (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

The Jeep Wrangler is now heading in to the fourth year of the JL generation. But, similar to its Gladiator sibling, what’s new for 2021 is more of a tweak than anything major. So, here’s quick look at the changes and additions:

TrailCam added to Wrangler

This is probably the coolest add for 2021. The TrailCam is a front-facing off-road camera that gives you a really good view of what’s immediately in front of you. It’s available with the 8.4-inch touchscreen and can be found in the off-road pages.

The front-facing TrailCam as it appears in the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. (Photo by Jill Ciminillo)

We’ve had the opportunity to test this in the Gladiator, and it’s incredibly helpful when traversing rocky trails. We definitely avoided more than one sharp rock using it!

Updated powertrain menu

The powertrain menu gets a small tweak for 2021 in the Sport, Sahara and Rubicon models. These engine/transmission combos will be available across all three trims.

  • 2.0-liter turbo engine (AT only)
  • 3.6-liter V-6 engine (MT only)
  • 3.6-liter V-6 with mild-hybrid eTorque assist (AT only)
  • 3.0-liter EcoDiesel (four-door models only – not a change, but worth noting AT only)

Previously the eTorque assist was only available on the Sahara trim.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.(Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

Full-time 4WD updates

The most important 4WD update is the fact the Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case with full-time 4WD is now available on all models. Only Sahara had this for 2020. This makes the low-range gear ratio 2.72:1.

Additionally, a Rock-Trac 4X4 system with full-time 4WD and a 4LO ratio of 4:1 is now optional on Rubicon models.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

80th Anniversary, Islander editions added

At this point Jeep has announced but not revealed there will be Wrangler 80th Anniversary and Islander editions, but since the reveal hasn’t happened just yet, details are scant and no photos are available. But here’s what we do know

The 80th Anniversary Edition will feature optional leather seats, Granite Crystal interior accents, a three-piece black hard top, 18-inch wheels with a Granite Crystal finish and commemorative exterior badging.

The Islander Edition adds unique beach-themed exterior and interior accents — including a “Jeep Tiki” decal on the hood – black side steps and 17-inch wheels with 32-inch tires. A white hard top will be optional.

Jeep assures us more details on these two models should be coming within the next month.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

And some other new stuff

We’ve called attention to the biggest changes for 2021, but there are a few other updates to note. First and foremost, we appreciate the two additional charge-only USB ports. Jeep didn’t say where these are located, but we’ll assume back seat.

The Select Tire Fill Alert is now standard with both 7- and 8.4-inch touchscreens and is included with the Technology Group. The final new thing of note is Off-Road Plus is now standard on Rubicon models.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (Image courtesy of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles)

Key specs

General Information
Vehicle TypeSport-utility vehicle
Assembly PlantToledo Supplier Park, Toledo, Ohio
EPA Vehicle ClassMultipurpose vehicle
BODY/CHASSIS
LayoutLongitudinal front engine, four-wheel drive
ConstructionLadder-type frame, open steel and aluminum body
Engine: 3.6-LITER PENTASTAR V-6
Power (SAE net)285 hp at 6,400 rpm
Torque (SAE net)260 lb.-ft. at 4,800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed (rpm)6,600 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel RequirementUnleaded regular, 87 octane (R + M)/2
Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)17.5 (2-door), 21.5 (4-door)
Max. Gross Trailer Weight2,000 lbs. (2-door), 3,500 lbs. (4-door)
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy/combined)17/25/20 — manual with ESS (2-door)
17/23/19 — manual with ESS (4-door)
18/23/20 — automatic with eTorque mild-hybrid assist (2-door)
19/22/20 — automatic with eTorque mild-hybrid assist (4-door)
Assembly PlantSaltillo South Engine Plant, Saltillo, Coahuila, Mexico
Engine: 2.0-LITER TURBO I-4
Power (SAE net)270 hp at 5,250 rpm
Torque (SAE net)295 lb.-ft. at 3,000 rpm
Max. Engine Speed (rpm)5,800 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel RequirementMinimum unleaded regular, 87 octane (R + M)/2; 91 octane or higher
recommended for optimum fuel economy and performance
Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)17.5 (2-door), 21.5 (4-door)
Max. Gross Trailer Weight2,000 lbs. (2-door), 3,500 lbs. (4-door)
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy/combined)22/24/23 — automatic with ESS (2-door)
21/22/21 — automatic with ESS (4-door)
Assembly PlantTermoli, Italy and Trenton South Engine Plant, Trenton, Michigan
ENGINE: 3.0-LITER ECODIESEL V-6
Power260 hp @ 3,600 rpm
Torque442 lb.-ft. @ 1,400-2,800 rpm
Max. Engine Speed4,600 rpm
Fuel RequirementUltra-low sulfur diesel
Fuel Tank Capacity (gallons)18.3 (4-door)
Max. Gross Trailer Weight3,500 lbs. (4-door)
EPA Fuel Economy mpg (city/hwy)22/29/25 — automatic with ESS (4-door only)
Assembly PlantCento, Italy
Transmission: 850RE automatic, Eight-speed overdrive
AvailabilityStandard — 2.0-liter I-4 ESS
Optional — 3.6-liter V-6 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist
DescriptionAdaptive electronic control or Electronic Range Select (ERS) driver-interactive manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
Gear Ratios
1st4.71
2nd3.13
3rd2.1
4th1.67
5th1.28
6th1
7th0.84
8th0.67
Reverse3.3
Transmission: 8HP75 AUTOMATIC, EIGHT-SPEED OVERDRIVE
AvailabilityStandard — 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 ESS
DescriptionAdaptive electronic control or ERS driver-interactive manual control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
Gear Ratios
1st4.71
2nd3.13
3rd2.1
4th1.67
5th1.28
6th1
7th0.84
8th0.67
Reverse3.3
TRANSMISSION: D478 MANUAL, SIX-SPEED WITH OVERDRIVE
AvailabilityStandard — 3.6-liter V-6 with eTorque mild-hybrid assist
DescriptionSynchronized in all forward gears and Reverse, multi-rail shift system with top-mounted shift lever
Gear Ratios
1st5.13
2nd2.63
3rd1.53
4th1
5th0.81
6th0.72
Reverse4.49
Final Drive Ratio3.45 standard, 3.73 optional (4.10 Rubicon)
TRANSFER CASE: NV241 command-trac
AvailableStandard — Sport and Sahara
TypePart-time
Operating Modes2WD High; 4WD High; Neutral; 4WD Low
Low Range Ratio2.72:1
TRANSFER CASE: MP3022 Selec-Trac
AvailableOptional — Sport and Sahara
TypeFull-time
Operating Modes2WD High; Auto; 4WD High; Neutral; 4WD Low
Low Range Ratio4.0:1
Axle Ratio3.45 standard
4.10 standard Rubicon with manual (optional for automatic)
TRANSFER CASE: NV241OR Rock-trac
AvailableStandard — Rubicon
TypeStandard - Part-time
Available – Full-time
Operating Modes2WD High; 4WD High; Neutral; 4WD Low
Low Range Ratio4.0:1
Axle Ratio3.45 standard
4.10 standard Rubicon
Axles
Front3rd generation Dana axles
Differential typeOpen or Tru-Lok electronic locking (on Rubicon models)
Axle ratios3.45, 3.73 (EcoDiesel), 4.10
Rear3rd generation Dana axles
Differential typeOpen (Sport and Sahara) with available Trac-Lok anti-spin,
Tru-Lok electronic locking (Rubicon)
Axle ratios3.45, 3.73 (EcoDiesel), 4.10
Suspension
FrontSolid axle, link coil, leading arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Stabilizer barElectronic sway-bar disconnect system — standard, Rubicon
Shock typeSport: Gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers with full displacement
Multi-tuned Valve (MTV) technology
Sahara: High-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology
Rubicon: High-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology
and hydraulic rebound stop
RearSolid axle, link coil, trailing arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar
Shock typeSport: Gas-charged twin-tube shock absorbers with full displacement MTV technology
Sahara: High-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology
Rubicon: High-pressure gas-charged monotube shock absorbers with MTV technology
and hydraulic rebound stop
STEERING
TypeElectro-hydraulic power
Overall ratio17.4:1 (2-door), 15.6:1 (4-door), 14.3:1 (EcoDiesel)
Turning diameter34.5 (2-door), 39.4 (4-door)
(curb-to-curb) (ft./m)
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock)3.6 (2-door), 3.2 (4-door), 3.13 (EcoDiesel)
P/S PumpElectro-hydraulic
BRAKES
TypePower-assisted, anti-lock brake system
AvailabilityStandard
Front
Rotor size and type12.9 x .94 (330 x 24) vented rotor — Sport
12.9 x 1.1 (330 x 28) vented rotor — Sahara and Rubicon
Caliper size and type1.88 (48) twin-piston floating caliper — Sport
2 (51) twin-piston floating caliper — Sahara and Rubicon
Rear
Rotor size and type12.9 x .47 (328 x 12) solid rotor — Sport
13.4 x .55 (342 x 14) solid rotor — Sahara and Rubicon
Caliper size and type1.77 (45) single-piston floating caliper — Sport
1.88 (48) single-piston floating caliper — Sahara and Rubicon
Dimensions and Capacities
Wheelbase96.8 — 2-door, 118.4 — 4-door
Overhang — Front29.2
Overhang — Rear40.8
Track — Front62.9
Track — Rear62.9
Overall Length166.8 — 2-door, 188.4 — 4-door
Overall Width73.8
Overall Height73.6
Liftover Height29.7
Cargo Width at Swing-Gate Opening41.1
Cargo Height at Swing-Gate Opening36
Load Floor Height30
CLEARANCES
Standard on SportStandard on SaharaStandard on Rubicon
Approach Angle (degrees)41.441.844 (2-door)
43.9 (4-door)
Breakover Angle (degrees)25 (2-door)2127.8 (2-door)
20.3 (4-door)22.6 (4-door)
Departure Angle (degrees)35.9 (2-door)36.137
36.1 (4-door)
Ground Clearance (inches)9.71010.8
*measurements the same for both 2- and 4-door models unless specified
Accommodations
Seating Capacity4 (2-door), 5 (4-door)
Front
Headroom40.7 hardtop, 42.6 soft top
Legroom41.2
Shoulder room55.7
Hip room53.9
Seat travel8.1
Rear
Headroom40.2 hardtop, 41.7 soft top
Legroom35.7 — 2-door, 38.3 — 4-door
Knee clearance61.6
Shoulder room57.7 — 2-door, 55.7 — 4-door
Hip room45 — 2-door, 56.7 — 4-door
Liftover height29.7
Rear seat folded72.4 cu. ft.
Rear seat upright31.7 cu. ft.
Total passenger plus cargo volume, (cu. ft. / cu. m)150.4 cu. ft.

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Jill Ciminillo

Jill Ciminillo is the Managing Editor for Pickup Truck + SUV Talk as well as a Chicago-based automotive writer, YouTube personality and podcast host, with her articles and videos appearing in outlets throughout the U.S. Additionally, she co-hosts a weekly radio show on car stuff for a local Chicago station. Previously, Jill has been the automotive editor for both newspaper and broadcast media conglomerates. She is also a past president for the Midwest Automotive Media Association and has the distinction of being the first female president for that organization. Jill is also currently a juror for the North American Car, Utility and Truck of the Year (NACTOY).

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