2010 Wrangler Unlimited 2-WD?

by Laura
(Fort Worth, Texas)

We were taking a road trip vacation to San Antonio, Texas from Fort Worth, which is about 300 Miles one way.

There were 5 of us and we had planned on renting a fairly large SUV for the trip. Well, when I went to pick up the rental for the trip the rather rude guy at the car rental place (I won't mention any names to protect the innocent) said they had already given our vehicle to someone else and all they had left was a 2-door compact car. That was unacceptable.

To make a long story short (and after a spirited exchange with the rental clerk) he found us a 4-door 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited.

None of us had much experience with Jeeps (although my dad loves them), but I thought this might be interesting.

I had always heard of being careful with Jeeps because they can roll over if not driven properly, so I took control and drove the entire trip.

The Wrangler proved adequate for the trip to San Antonio with the exception of poor acceleration on hills and inclines. The engine felt as if it was about to come unwound trying to make it up even relatively small hills...on the highway no less.

In general the Jeep felt way underpowered with 3 adults, 2 children and some luggage aboard. I checked and it had the 3.8L V6 engine with automatic, a soft top, A/C and it was only 2-wheel drive, instead of 4-wd.

Why would Jeep make a Wrangler that was only 2-wheel drive in the first place? That doesn't make much sense especially when I thought all Jeep Wranglers were 4-wheel drive.

The trip went well, but I don't think I would ever spend the money on a new Wrangler if it didn't have more power than my rental had. And a "2-wheel drive" Wrangler is just wrong!

BTW, Sea World and the River Walk were pretty cool!


Larry's Comment: Glad you had a fun trip Laura.

The 3.8L V6 being underpowered has been a concern for Jeep owners since it was first introduced in the JK Wranglers.

And yes...2-wheel drive Wranglers are just wrong!