What's your perfect Wrangler look like? Read Edmunds’ complete 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon long-term test review edmu.in/2KcIm9N, which discusses gas mileage, costs and more.

So many reviews seem to emphasize that a Wrangler is not a good daily driver, yet I see bajillions of them being “daily driven”, and their owners appear to love them. When I was researching my first Wrangler purchase, I read so many negative reviews about the road and highway driving experience that I expected to be appalled at my first test drive, but I was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed the Wrangler’s on-road feel: maybe I’d been given such low expectations that they could go nowhere but up. I’ve been driving about 18,000 miles per year in my 2013 Rubicon for the past 7 years, and it still makes me smile every day. When I replace it, I plan to get another Rubicon.

My 2010 wrangler I bought new and have put all 215,000 miles on it to date and all I’ve done is maintain it. It’s been one hell of a vehicle for me.

I have 201,376 miles on my 2008 JKU . It has been super reliable. It’s been lifted and on 35’s it’s whole life 🇺🇸

I keep hearing Jeeps suck from people that never owned a Jeep and people that do are like, they're good. I drove a wrangler for 10 days while road tripping through Southern California and I absolutely loved it. I wanna get one eventually

Carlos is looking more and more like Ben Affleck as he gets older

Thank you Carlos Lago for an excellent review. 😊👍 I still remember your great reviews when working for Motor Trend. Take care.

I have a 2018 JLUR and couldn’t be happier with it. No complaints, no issues, and the kids love the light trail/off roading we do occasionally.

Your mention of the aux switches and the settings in the uconnect system is something I was not aware of. Nice!

great write-up! just bought my 2016 JKU sport- lots of off-road goodies on it. I was researching the steering to see if the small amount of play in the wheel was normal- and it is. I love driving this thing (6 sp manual) i look forward to driving it every day! and my hand gets tired from all the other wrangler waves! love it!

Just rented one of these for a few days. I was thoroughly impressed with how it drives. This is my first time driving a "modern" 4x4 with a solid front axle and compared with my older 4x4s that I own (84' Toyota 4WD w/ solid front axle and 89' Toyota 4Runner w/ IFS) this thing steers and rides amazingly due to the coil springs vs older trucks w/ leafs. Also interior quality was really upscale even compared to newer vehicles. I really wish Toyota would put the straight axle back in the new 4Runners as I really don't think you would be sacrificing too much based on these new Jeeps.

Good honest review from Carlos! He gave points I didn't hear on other channels. It's a Jeep, love it or leave it. It's what other off-roaders are compared to.

I bought my 2009 Wrangler new. It's now 2020 and it has 120,000 + miles on it. The only thing that has broken on it was an "egr valve" (something to do with exhaust recirculation). The skid plates are pretty rusted and I'll need to replace them soon. Still going strong.

I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara! Thanks for this video!

I just rented a JL and it drove like a caddy. It was awesome and so smooth and comfortable.

Finally, a detailed and well done long term review! Excellent work, Carlos!

Carlos Lago was one of my favorite reviewers with Motor Trend. Great review here on Edmunds!

Great review of the Rubicon. I have owned many Jeeps and the reliability has not been an issue. While not a Wrangler, we just traded a 14 Grand Cherokee for a 22. The 14 was flawless. Don't forget the resale equation when owning a Wrangler. I have a friend who just traded his Wrangler Unlimited Sport. It was four years old with average miles, and he got $3500 less than what he paid for it new. Hard to beat their resale.

For people who love trucks, you just described why we love trucks. I feel like I'm out of my element if the ride isn't a little rough. I like to feel the road a bit. Lol

My 2019 JL hasn’t had any issues with 19,000km here in Australia.One minor recall. Third Jeep in my career,no issues of any consequence.

Just a note I was on the Jeep build website the other day (or maybe I was looking at a window sticker of a Jeep for sale) and the one touch soft top option had come down considerably from 4k to about 1500 or something much more reasonable. My guess is very few people were willing to pay that much for the convenience so the restructured some option pricing. I applaud that it seems much more tempting at a somewhat palatable price point.

Our 2013 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 5.7 Hemi was bought new. It has the 65RFE transmission. 7 years later, it's only got 46,000 miles. Can't determine reliability accurately because of the low miles, but it's the bread and butter of its class. I love it! V8 power, AWD and airbag suspension! Oil is changed with Royal Purple 5w-20 every year or 5000 miles. Engine always gets a chance to run hot to keep the oil is good condition for a full year (no fuel dilution or moisture). Other maintenance is coming up. Soon needs tires and an alignment, 16 spark plug tune-up (Hemis use 2 per cylinder), and fresh transfer case and diff fluid front and back. I'll do it myself and save me hundreds since I got access to a Rotary lift. And yes, I shut off the air suspension before lifting it!

Honest, simple, accurate review, thanks for the video.

Just passed 60k on my 2017 JK and not a single problem. I think the points made here are fair in that it doesn't ride or steer like a car, but "two hands at all times on the highway" is an exaggeration. It rides and steers exactly like what it is - a body on frame solid axle truck with a suspension that can be taken apart and put back together in a day with hand tools. The issues that I feel on the highway are mostly caused by the mud terrain tires that came on the Rubicon and Willys, but that was a trade off I was willing to make. If you are going to off road it even just sometimes, and perhaps even moreso, if you are going to take take the top and doors off with any regularity, these are a one of a kind experience and every trade off is more than worth it. 👍👍

I’ve got 38,000 on my 18 JLUR and I couldn’t be happier. Yes some recalls and small glitches here and there but I absolutely love this vehicle.

I'm glad my 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sahara doesn't have any of the issues and complaints you mentioned in the video about the JL.

Hey you’ve had the Jeep for 50k miles I would like to suggest putting synergy trackbar brace on the front and drive it after... Best mod for the money hands down. 249$ easy install and it takes all the play out of the steering wheel. $30,000 in my JL and the first thing I bought for my JT was the trackbar brace,

Haven't seen your vids since MotorTrend. Great review as always and great beard bro!

I have a 2014 jeep JK 2 door. I love it. I go off roading and I take my soft top down every chance I get. I'd highly recommend a jeep for any adventurous person

I love my 18 JLUR, my 5 year anniversary is coming up with it and it's been a blast

Thank you for this review. Ive always been a chevy tahoe man. But i think its time for a jeep. Glad you shed some light for me

50,000 miles? My friend, that is merely 1/2 the break in period for any Toyota.

I love the look and driving expirence of a wrangler. Something about them just makes you excited to drive one. Almost bought a gladiator last year, but the dealerships wernt playing nicely in the finacial department being that the demand was so high. So i went with a 19 ram 1500 laramie 4x4.

Just got a 23 Silver JL Sport 2 door 6 speed and it is a blast to drive in and off the road! It puts a smile on my face driving it with the too down which I do every chance I get weather permitting. I gave it an oil change at 1500 miles for breaking in and pl. to do my own every 5000. Did I mention it is a blast to row through the gears with the tip down on and off the road!!! I couldn't be happier, convertible and truck all in one

The Last Jeep I owned was a CJ7 from the mid ‘80’s and I finally purchased a 4 door rubicon JL in oct of ‘18 . True it does not ride like a car or a standard SUV, or for that matter newer Trucks but it is fun. Just note purchase it because you want fun because you are going to spend money maintaining it, and adding accessories to it .

50K miles and the auto transmission needed no repair? WOW

I’ll save you time; Wrangler drives like a wrangler

7:00 the supervising producer rocks his land cruiser in the back :)

at 1:26 you say "Electronically disconnectable front and rear sway bars" but it's just the front that is electronically disconnectable.

My wife had a 2013 JKR and put about 115k miles on it before selling it and was still running good just had some minor issues. My 2001 TJ just crossed 170K going strong

Literally two days ago, my 2012 unlimited oil pan rusted out from the inside, only 77,600 miles. Woke up to a puddle of oil in my driveway. Highway only, on the beach one time. Never in my life have I seen or heard of that happening on any vehicle. It's still dripping in the driveway (with a pan now), I'll make a video before it gets towed Monday.

Have had a turbo Sahara for a year. It’s been perfect so far. So much fun. Coming from 2017 Tacoma.

Good review. But I think it needs extra mention that the Sport and Sahara trims can get as capable as the Rubicon, except for not having the electronic modes that come with Rubicon. You can upgrade with a lift kit, bigger tires and they all come in the same engine configuration. Yea you can tell: Wrangler Sport owner here ;)

Well done, Carlos. There is a simple fix to the biggest nit (on-center steering feel). The Synergy sector shaft brace is an inexpensive bolt-on part that improves on-center steering feel dramatically. Although not quite to the level of my E46 M3, on-center feel in my JLUR with the brace is at least on par with my ‘07 Odyssey, and that’s even with 37s and a 2.5” lift. Also, with regard to fuel economy, I’m surprised to hear you only saw 17.5 mpg throughout your test. I suspect that number was brought down some by off-road driving and highway/idle time as a support vehicle. I have the 2.0T with ETorque hybrid assist and I still typically get 17.5-19.5 per tank in mixed city/highway driving depending on driving conditions. But long highway trips are worse due to the hilariously poor aerodynamics. Anyway, at 25k into my first first Jeep ownership experience, I couldn’t be happier, trade-offs and all. 👍

Very good, very fair review. I have my first jeep, a 2019 JLUR and 10k miles in (including a ton of trails in Moab and CO), it has been amazing. It’s a really well rounded and incredibly capable vehicle.

The best roof option for a JL Wrangler is the Bestop Sunrider for the hardtop. It replaces the two Freedom Panels with a easy to open soft top over the driver and passenger. A must have for any Wrangler owner.

115k miles on my 2012 JKR, wheeled the hell out of it, daily driven. The only things to break was the OEM battery in 2014 and the thermostat in 2017. I'd say my Wrangler, with the AA head, has been nothing but reliable.

Can we all just stop with the “ToYoTA MOre ReLiABlE”, “I oWn A WrANgler WiTh 300k MiLEs, StiLl RuNniNg”, “i OwN FoRd/CHevy 300k MiLes, StIll RuNNing” seriously it’s your money, buy whatever your heart wants and take care of it, ANY vehicle is reliable as long as you take care of it.

Love Jeeps, but not for the price! Bought my 2008 Jeep used with 150k miles, great inside-out condition, for $2200. To this day, not a single problem, runs and drives excellent, and is extremely capable off-road even bone stock. You can see how you really don't need to dump almost 60k with tax + mods to really enjoy the "true jeep experience". I paid for my entire Jeep less than the sales tax alone on the new one. I know the newer one is nicer, but not 60k nicer.

I had a 98 TJ that I put 30k miles on it in a year, not a single issue during the ownership. Drove it to Florida from Colorado multiple times and then drove it to Vegas before I sold it.

2010 Jeep Wrangler JKU Soft Top 6 Speed Stick 260K Miles, still love it.

I used to hate this car time ago due to their poor reliability according to feedback I constantly heard, but honestly, This machine now rocks! I would love to have one soon! great video! thanks!

I absolutely LOVE my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport with 100k mi. I bought it w/20k mi. and like you stated, I just love to drive it, putting 80k mi on it in 4yrs.

Owned a 93 Jeep until 2003 love it the kids loved it and you had the best of both worlds but I do wish that they would come back with the in line 6 again had so much power I pulled my brother in law f250 plus a 42 foot camper out of the mud and it did it with easy

Third love of my life; my 2005 Jeep Rubicon TJ, manual transmission. 85k miles and still going strong.

19 (4dr) Rubicon, 32k, no issues, daily driver, Mopar lift on 35s. Love it!

As a chrysler tech, it should have an oil leake or two in 20k mi

I just bought a 2020 Rubicon. My 4th Wrangler. YJ, TJ, JK Rubicon. All had over 200000 miles when sold or stolen from me. My JK Rubicon has 265000 miles. I still own it. I drove the JL in 39"of water when it was still stock.

150k on my 07 JK, had oil leak, Replaced broken radiator, Corroded muffler/converters, rebuild wore out manual transmission, 2 sets of Baja Mickey Thompson’s, and new convertible top. Why I don’t get rid of it, it has not left me stuck in the snow, floods, ice, Or other weather related stuff, and fixing it is a lot cheaper vs buying a new one, but I do have my eye on gladiator Mojave.

Great review , thanks .

I have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited. 209000 miles 👍🏾

You can ignore the commentary on the steering, FC released a TSB for the “sloppy steering” to replace the steering gear. I hope owners replaced theirs, it’s like night and day after the repair (2018-2020 model years).

Lots of 4runner vs Jeep comments as usual ono these videos. Just traded a current generation 4runner for a 2021 Wrangler. Had the 4runner for over 10 years and loved it, but honestly fell in love with the Wrangler when I drove it. The next-generation 4runner is still a ways off and I still see owning another of those also. But definitely going to enjoy this Jeep in the meantime. Having now owned both, they are a much different overall experience.

The price of all vehicles are going thru the roof, the same can be said for the Tacoma’s and 4Runners being over priced and being ancient in terms of design and tech, plus they’re 2020 models without LED lights and other equipment yet still at around 50k as well

I've got a 2005 dodge magnum with 289k miles, so I'd imagine it has done well.

Just hit 60k on my JLUR and the only thing I’ve needed to do was replace a sensor. I’ve been super happy with it

Just checking in! 2008 Sahara, original owner, rusted hinges, oil consumption (1 quart per 1000 miles), blown ball joints at 40k, radiator blew a leak upper corner 50k, freedom top leak, blinker stalk burned out, clear coat peeled off wheels, electronic burning smell occasionally, oil pan gasket leak, upper valve cover leak, just blew the transfer case bushings, driver side window regulator died, I'm sure there's more I just cant remember.

My '16 JK Rubicon had two ABS wheel speed sensors replaced under extended warranty, and I replaced the other two, between 50k and 60k miles. Amazing how it didn't want to go, when those sensors crapped out.

On center vagness has to do with it having a steering box as apposed to a rack and pinion silly goose pants. Not "all that off-road hardware"

I agree with everything that he said. You must maintain both hands on the steering wheel while on highway. Everything else he said is very much true.. my boyfriend has a rubicon with a bunch of after market stuff and it is intense

I love the look of Wranglers and the package you get in the Rubicon, but I've never been a fan of how Wranglers ride on the pavement. Not enough off-road opportunities around me to put up with the highway manners. It's a great community and the accessory options are abundant. With that said, I lean more towards the 4Runner, particularly the TRD Off-Road trim, as it offers a lot of off-road goodies and capability with better behaviours for the highway and daily driving. Both are great vehicles in their own right...

Do an episode comparing Jeep to the new Bronco please? :)

I like how they say its loud and rides rough. I own a lifted 23 year old wrangler and THAT rides rough and is super loud, and that's part of what makes it so fun. Cars these days are so numb and refined that it makes this new version seem so "unrefined" when in reality it probably rides just like a 2005 truck, which is a good thing

Very Good PRACTICAL Review !! Thanks :)

Got the turbo 2018, great jeep! No problems and over 40k

"I'm of course talking about the roof you pervert" loll

Gonna throw in some real world problems that I have experienced. Bought a 2014 Sport S in late 2013. After about 33,000 miles the front speed sensors went out.. then at near 40,000 the rear speed sensors went out. Traded it in in late 2016 for a new jeep sport unlimited that was loaded on display (wench, 35" tires, lift kit, bumpers, Oh shit handles, LED lights etc)... At about 35,000 the rear speed sensors went out. At about 50,000 the front speed sensors went out. Then at 66,000 the transmission went out. Bought a new transmission from dealership and two weeks later that one went out. That transmission was obviously under warranty. Fixing to go pick it today actually .. Love my jeep but loads of problems and I rarely go off road, city driven mostly.

My Jeep ownership experience was different. I have a 2018 JL with 65,000 miles. The passenger mirror will not tilt up/down, the rubber end of the driver's power window switch has worn off, I've had a rear main seal replaced and my odometer occasionally will start at 999999 miles. My son as a 2019 Rubicon that had $3000 in repairs in a 5 week span, coolant leak ($1200) and also a rear main seal leak ($1800) .

A well done review - thanks!

50k miles for a jeep w no issues is something to be proud of. It’s quite the miracle.

Excellent video! I'm not a Jeep/offroad funboy, but enjoyed the presentation.

I can say the more I drove it the more it wondered all over the place. Not for casual relaxed driving. Well it jumped a line and got hit head on, no more 2018 rubicon. Seven months later and still haven’t settled. Good times , thanks Jeep Wrangler.

I drive a 2016 jk rubicon and once you get used to it, the steering is fine. If you've never driven a front and rear solid axle vehicle before, it is a learning process.

You keep saying 50,000 like that’s significant...

7:00 it's funny when they start interviewing their photographers, one of them has a LandCruiser in the background, another with a title of 4runner owner. I guess they all recommend Toyota over Chrysler.

I have been pleasently surprised wit h Wrangler reliability. We have 3 Wranglers and our 2016 JK Hard Rock has 91K miles and still looks and drives like new. Love that. No other vehielce including the bronco is as good off road. No other vehicle has the after market support to go insane off roading. Get a Wrangler and love the outdoors again.

2011 Rubicon Unlimited, love having a Jeep

Have a 95 Wrangler, 200k mlles. Runs fine, drive off road more than on road. About time for a new clutch, but otherwise just keeps going.

Is there a 50 thousand review for the 2.0 turbo?

Very well put together,nice production.

Thank you, great review!!! 👍👊

Great graphics

260000miles on my 1994 corolla oh wait this is about jeeps.

Just hit 60K on my 4runner. Only had to get new tires(by choice), changed some oil and fluids, bought a airfilter, and greased some zerks.

Thanks for this. To all the haters, I have a Jeep Liberty with 240,000 miles. It's been off road a lot, and I'll miss the little thing. I'm upgrading, and this video was a great start. My spouse has two 4-Runners. Nice vehicles, but fairly grandma. (No offense, granny.) I'm a Jeep guy, so the hard ride, and poor gas mileage are a part of the experience. (FWIIW, my Liberty gets 20 MPG) I have had that Liberty in places I would NEVER take the 4 Runner(s). Fact of life, Jeeps are built for off-road. Thanks again for the video.

Every Jeep should come with a spare Tacoma.

Nice ride, a true off-roader.

Best thing about Jeeps is their owners, sound of air or rustling top, they don’t even notice, a broken axle on a trail, who cares,,,,,, they are in Love with these vehicles and when you Live someone or something you can overlook a whole bunch of stuff! I’m to old for a Jeep, but I do like them so!

My 2013JKU Sahara is 100K km now, and I've had to replace the U-Joints in the direction, probably my fault.. Also, seats heaters are out. 3rd thing is the rear window defrost has unglued and can't be repaired! BUT, all the important things like engine, trans and suspension is A1! Amazing vehicle

Hmm.... I have never had to do two hands to feel safe and secure at high speeds. All Of my Offroaders have been modified with larger tires. The new stock Jeeps have splendid road manners. Especially for a JEEP.