The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: A timeless icon of freedom and adventure

Vouched hard for its toughness, durability, and versatility, the Jeep Willys MB was deployed to accomplish many roles, some of which include mobile machinegun carrier, troop transport, armaments transport, and even the role of a medic vehicle at some point, the Jeep Willys MB truly was a heroic vehicle, able to be driven and survive even the toughest conditions in the middle of battle.

Now, as the Philippines commemorates National Heroes' Day in honor of the countless men and women who fought for freedom in so many ways back then and even today, Jeep Philippines is proud to present the all-new generation Jeep Wrangler!

Carrying with it the pride of the OG war hero vehicle it’s based on, the all-new Jeep Wrangler is the right kind of ride to help freedom-loving Filipino off-roaders tackle challenges of the road less travelled, as well as the paved paths familiar to most of us.

Available in two exciting variants, the Wrangler Unlimited Sport and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, this bad-ass-looking mean machine still honors the nameplate’s timeless design as a hat-tip to the seasoned fans of the brand, and at the same time carries modern sophistication to cater to today’s breed of young professionals who live on the edge.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and its killer looks for Unlimited boundary-breaking adventures

A general overview of the exterior presents a classic boxy look that exudes strength. And it all begins with the iconic fascia. On both sides of the 7-slat grille are round halogen headlamps, flanked with daytime running lights and turn signals mounted on the fender flairs. This is finished off with a beefy bumper which houses a pair of fog lamps for added illumination at night or in bad weather conditions. Turning to the side, the Wrangler shows off its size. This is enhanced by a set of 17-inch steel wheels wrapped in 245/75R17 all-terrain tires for the Unlimited Sport and 255/75R17 rubbers for the Unlimited Rubicon. At the tail end is a pair of incandescent tail lamps for the former, while the latter sports an adaptive version.

But the highlight feature of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is the removable 3-pc hardtop across all the range. Imagine, a bright Saturday morning or afternoon drive on the great off-roads trails of Taal, battling the elements and appreciating what nature can offer in the form of cool breeze and fresh air, all because the “boundary” presented by the 3-pc hardtop has been removed for that occasion. Now that’s something to look forward to.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and its suite of goodies for the fun-loving driver (and passengers)

Beyond the basics of interior amenities like cloth- or leather-wrapped seats and all other creature-comforts, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is more than just a box with wheels and an engine. Inside the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a world of modernity, geared toward facing challenging road trips in style.

Those opting to go the Wrangler Unlimited Sport’s way will enjoy such things as leather-wrapped tilting and telescoping steering wheel. On this wheel is a cluster of controls which the driver can tinker to adjust infotainment and connectivity. Highlighting the infotainment/connectivity features is the 5-inch Uconnect 3 system with media hub for USB and AUX, and an 8-speaker audio system for blasting cool beats while letting it rip on and off the road. Of course, occupants will also benefit from the Jeep wrangler Freedom Panel Storage Bag for extra storage, as well as a 60-40 folding back seat to increase cargo space.

A Majority of what’s said above is also present on the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. But choose this, however, and an 8.4-inch Uconnect 4 NAV touch screen infotainment system with voice command and navigation is readily available. This is wired to an Alpine Premium Audio Suite which is capable of connecting to not just smartphones, but also to a host of media devices with USB connecting capabilities.

And here’s another thing about the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. If and when needed, let’s say, on a 2-day camping adventure, one can have the luxury of powering devices such as portable coffee makers, laptops, and air pumps for tents with the vehicle’s two auxiliary power outlets (12v and 230v). This practical feature, being utilized while the 3-pc hardtop is absent, is a blissful combination for memorable moments alone, with the family, or with a significant other.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and its performance that unleashes your “Free to Be” attitude

And this is where the real fun starts. Both the Wrangler Unlimited Sport and Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon spring into all-out action on and off the road with a 2.0L inline-4 cylinder engine, mated to an 8-speed automatic gearbox. This shared powertrain delivers 268 hp and 400 Nm of torque to all four wheels.

Geared for off-road use, or for city driving in areas of uneven elevations like ramps or inclines, both the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport and Rubicon feature Hill-Start and Hill Descent systems that assists the driver in manoeuvring up and down slopes with ease.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited as real as it can be in action

If you’ve already reached this point in the article, this author thanks you well. With all the technical specs mentioned, the feeling of monotony as a reader is understandably felt. Sorry about that, but worry no more.

The JamesDeakin.PH team recently took a test unit of the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to put it through its paces, and see how it performs in real-life situations. And mind you, what a color they’ve picked to test. A cool shade of vibrant metallic blue, just the way this author likes it (favourite color, yeah?).

But before anything else, it has to be made clear that the test drive was conducted while strictly observing IATF-mandated minimum health protocols to keep COVID19 from spoiling all the fun. These include wearing of face masks, face shields, social distancing, and regular sanitation of the team and of the test unit.

According to James Deakin, “My initial impressions are: it feels authentic. Too many new cars now lack character. They’re all the same under the skin. This takes a more mechanical approach, rather than bombarding it with more tech, which feels like a tribute to the analog era and creates its own unique driving experience—one the makes you feel more connected—because you feel like another moving part in a machine designed for freedom.”

The team’s Sales and Marketing Director, Erica, also took the Jeep Wrangler for a spin. Having experienced a sample of what the Jeep Wrangler is capable of, she said, “Connecting your phone is very seamless once it is connected to Uconnect. The Wrangler is maneuvrable and very responsive. The steering was smooth gives and gives enough power for you to overtake. I also truly loved the ruggedness of the vehicle.”

And finally, although this author is working remotely from home and unable to go with the team for the test drive (I really wish I could) because of the COVID19 quarantine protocols for persons with vulnerabilities, all I could rely on are what James and Erica said, plus the cool photos sent in by Paolo, our Photo Video Master. And I’m being honest here when I say that the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited looks so awesome, and that’s not even an exaggeration. I’m a photographer myself, and I know that the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a handsome piece of kit in all angles behind the lens. Its aesthetics are well-designed to live up to the timeless vibe the nameplate is rooted at, a smooth blend of tradition and modernity, which equates to a potential “future classic” it could become.

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and your chance to drive it home and experience the “Free to Be”

Jeep Philippines stickers the Wrangler Unlimited Sport at P3,690,000. On the other hand, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon rolls out of the dealership at P4,590,000.

And as Jeep Philippines’ way of letting you feel more of the heroic vibe the Wrangler Unlimited exudes, you’re entitled to dress up your ride with exclusive Jeep Wrangler Unlimited accessories. These include a 2-inch suspension lift kit to highlight the vehicle’s size and allow it to traverse more challenging terrain, a pair of 7-inch LED headlamps to better see the road ahead, and a pair of 4-inch fog lamps with daytime running lights to take road illumination a few more notches higher.

Log on to Jeep Philippines website https://www.jeep.com.ph/ or its official Facebook Page for more details. You may also drop by your nearest Jeep Philippines dealership in any of these four locations...

Jeep Alabang
Address: Alabang  Zapote Road, Filinvest Corporate City, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, Metro Manila
Contact: (+632) 8553 6334 / (+632) 8553 6335

Jeep Cebu
Address: Ceby Veterans Drive, Nivel Hills, Cebu City
Contact: (+6332) 260 3333
Mobile: +63977 2230295

Jeep Clark
Address: Clark Auto Zone M.A. Roxas Highway Clark Freeport Zone Angeles City, Pampanga
Contact: (+6345) 499 5562
Mobile: +63999 223 0295 / +63998 590 2568

Jeep Greenhills
Address: 1008 EDSA Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila
Contact: (+632) 8784 5002

Jeep Pampanga
Address: Laus Group Corporate Center, JASA San Jose, City of San Fernando, Pampanga
Mobile: +63999 223 0295

Photos by Paolo Lesaca. Jeep Willys MB WWII photo by War History Online