2011 Jeep Wrangler

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Rating6.6

Ranked #12 in 

Compact SUV
Write Review
$22,045 - $33,320
Starting Price 
Nathan Dyer's image
Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on November 3, 2023

ProsConsWhat's New

Remarkable off-road performance

Sub-par fuel economy

Updated interior materials

Convertible top

Poor brakes

Additional standard interior features

A choice between 2-door and 4-door versions

Noisy cabin

Fun to drive

Security issues

Poor side-crash test performance

Specs & Features

$25,545

price

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

horsepower

240 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

torque

TBD

transmission

3.8L 6cyl 4WD 6M

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

When it comes to off-road prowess, there is absolutely nowhere the Jeep Wrangler can’t reach. This has been proved time and time again and the Wrangler is definitely an American icon in this business. It not only is formidable off the road, the long range of customization possibilities and the different 2-door and 4-door models available, makes it an even more exciting prospect for the adventure junkies. 

Buying Advice

Jeep Wranglers are usually bought by buyers who want superior off-road performance. Hence we think that the base trim Sport provides adequate features and options to fulfill all your adventurous needs at an affordable price. Opting for the 4-door version would also be a good idea as it increases interior space but will make things less exciting when rock crawling.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

It has received some much-needed interior upgrades which helps it look the part at least. For this year, the Jeep Wrangler is available in 3 major trims and 2 special editions with a base price of $22,045. It competes against similar off-road focused SUVs like the Nissan Xterra and Toyota FJ Cruiser.

Features
9.0/10

The line-up for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler is vast. It is available in 3 trims Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. The Mojave and Sport are priced the same at $22,045. All the Wranglers are also available in a 4-door version which is called the “Unlimited” sub-trim. The Rubicon is the top-tier trim for the Wrangler. It costs about $29,820. 

The Power Convenience Group which is standard on the Unlimited version of the Rubicon is optional on the 2-door version and also on the Sport trim. The Sahara is the next trim in line which costs $27,745. It gets all the equipment standards on the Sport and also the Rubicon’s non-off-road features and the Power Convenience Group. 

Trim

Sport

Sahara

Rubicon

MSRP (2-door)

$22,045

$27,745

$29,820

MSRP (4-door)

$25,545

$30,445

$33,320

Key Features

16-inch wheels

In addition to the features standard on the Sport and non-off-road features on the Rubicon;

In addition to the features standard on Sport;

 

6-speaker audio system

18-inch alloy wheels

17-inch alloy wheels

 

Cruise control

Special interior and exterior trim

Electronically locking front and rear differentials

 

Tilt only steering wheel

Side steps

Automatic headlamps

 

Fog lamps

6-speaker Infinity audio system

Acoustic insulation under the hood

 

Manual folding soft top

 

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

We Recommend

Jeep Wranglers are usually bought by buyers who want superior off-road performance. Hence we think that the base trim Sport provides adequate features and options to fulfill all your adventurous needs at an affordable price. Opting for the 4-door version would also be a good idea as it increases interior space but will make things less exciting when rock crawling.

Engine and Performance
6.0/10

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler is powered by a 3.8L naturally aspirated V6 engine. It produces 202 hp and has a max torque of 237 lb-ft. This engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission with a hill-start assist as standard but you also have an option for a 4-speed automatic gearbox. All the 2-door versions of the Wrangler come with an AWD drivetrain as standard. However, the Unlimited trim can be fitted with an RWD drivetrain. The Rubicon has a specialized transfer case that helps it to provide extra-low gearing for extreme off-road purposes. 

There’s no question about it that the Wrangler has a phenomenal off-road presence. The 4-door Wrangler is slightly more difficult to maneuver than the 2-door. Besides its off-road adventures, the Wrangler is a fun-to-drive SUV in cities as well. Its steering wheel has quick and engaging feedback to it, making the drive a fun experience. The cabin, however, is nowhere near as quiet as its competitors. There’s plenty of noise when it’s taken on highways or windy roads.

Model

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Nissan Xterra

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser

MSRP

$22,045

$24,260

$25,790

Engine

3.8L V6

4.0L V6

4.0L V6

Drivetrain

AWD

RWD

RWD

Transmission

6-speed manual

5-speed automatic

5-speed automatic

Power

202 hp @ 5,200 RPM

261 hp @ 5,600 RPM

260 hp @ 5,600 RPM

Torque

237 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

281 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM

271 lb-ft @ 4,400 RPM

0-60 MPH (sec)

9.5

7.8

7.2

Quarter mile (sec)

16.1

15.4

15.3

Top speed (mph)

107

117

112

Both rivals, the 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser and the 2011 Nissan Xterra are more potent than the Wrangler. Not just that, both these cars are also much faster to reach the 60 mph mark and the quarter-mile mark. Out of the three, the FJ Cruiser is the fastest taking only 7.2 seconds to reach 60 mph and 15.3 seconds to complete a quarter-mile.

Fuel Economy
5.0/10

One of the biggest drawbacks of the Wrangler is its fuel economy. Its 3.8L V6 is a thirsty engine that provides a fuel economy of 15 MPG in the cities and 19 MPG on the highways. This results in a combined mileage of 16 MPG, which is much lower than what its competitors offer. The RWD option available on the Unlimited trims improves the fuel economy negligibly. It only increases by 1 mile on the highway while the rest remains the same. 

Model

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Nissan Xterra

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser

MPG (City)

15

16

17

MPG (Highway)

19

22

22

MPG (Combined)

16

18

19

Fuel Capacity (gal)

18.6

21.1

19.0

Range (City / Highway / Combined (miles)

279 / 353 / 298

338 / 464 / 380

323 / 418 / 361

The 2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser has the best mileage among the three cars mentioned above. The standard fuel tank capacity of the Wrangler is also the smallest in the segment. Opting for the Unlimited trim changes that. You’ll get a 22.5-gallon tank which is better than any of its competitors. As far as standard fuel tanks go, the 2011 Nissan Xterra has the largest fuel tank capacity which helps it deliver a class-leading range. 

Interior
4.0/10

The interior design and features have received an upgrade for this year. The 2011 Jeep Wrangler now features a circular themed interior with a more rustic and organic feel to it. The 2-door version can seat up to 4 passengers while the 4-door can seat 5. The dashboard and center console have a straightforward and simple design but it's appealing. The fit and finish inside the cabin are also nice. The materials used do not look cheap but as this SUV is meant to be driven in all kinds of dirt and dust, they aren’t of premium quality either. 

As far as seating comfort goes, don’t expect much from the Wrangler. The space offered in the rear seats is much more admirable in the 4-door rather than the 2-door. The front seats are satisfactory at best and all the seats have a firm feel to them. The cabin is noisy thanks to the soft top. The acoustic insulation under the hood cuts out most of the engine grunts but windy roads and highway driving will still affect the peace inside. The soft top affects the cargo space too. The hardtop is the smart option which not only sorts out the noise to an extent but also gives you much more cargo space.

Model

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Nissan Xterra

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Seating Capacity

4

5

5

Front Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

41.3 / 55.8 / 41.0

39.9 / 58.3 / 42.4

41.3 / 58.4 / 41.9

Second Row (Head / Shoulder / Leg) (in)

40.3 / 61.6 / 35.6

39.3 / 58.3 / 34.4

40.3 / 53.9 / 31.3

Cargo Capacity (cu-ft)

17.2

36.3

27.9

The figure mentioned above for the cargo space in the Wrangler is for the folding soft-top version. The hardtop offers a lot more space. It has more than 46 cubic feet of storage which outperforms all of its rivals. The 4-door version has more space in the front as well as the rear seats which also outperform its rivals. The 4-door figures for the front row are 41.3/41.0/55.8 inches (headroom/shoulder room/legroom) and the rear row has 40.4/56.8/37.2 inches of space.

Some of the highlights of the interior are:

  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • Air conditioning
  • Cloth upholstery
  • Cruise control
  • Remote engine start
  • Leather upholstery (optional)
  • Heated front seats (optional)

How intuitive is the 2011 Jeep Wrangler’s infotainment unit?

The infotainment system is not among the good ones. It offers far fewer features in its base trim which are readily available on its rivals. The base Sport trim comes with a standard music system with a 6-speaker audio system. This system has basic functionalities of Bluetooth connectivity, iPod interface, AM/FM stereo, and MP3 player.

Moving towards the higher trim will improve this system drastically and will also add some useful features. The Sahara trim gets features like satellite radio, a CD player, and a 6-speaker Infinity audio system. The top-tier trim Rubicon gets a 6.5-inch touchscreen display as its infotainment system. It adds features like Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity and an optional navigation system. 

Some of the features offered by the infotainment system are:

  • AM/FM Stereo
  • CD/MP3 player
  • Satellite radio
  • Bluetooth connectivity
  • iPod/USB interface
  • Touchscreen navigation (optional)
  • 6-speaker Infinity audio system
  • Wi-Fi hotspot connectivity (Rubicon)

Exterior
9.0/10

The exterior of the 2011 Jeep Wrangler just screams “off-road”. Its big tires and fender flares along with a high ground clearance set the tone for some off-road madness. The front fascia of the Wrangler consists of the iconic 7-slot grille, circular automatic headlights, a big front bumper comprising fog lamps, and a simple and straightforward hood. The rear end also gives you a boxy feeling thanks to its upright profile. The rear end is characterized by rectangular tail lights, a full-size spare wheel, and a single exhaust outlet. 

The view from the side is when you notice that the Wrangler is the opposite of aerodynamic. It is a boxy-looking SUV that only concentrates on its off-road presence. It has a class-leading ground clearance of 10.2 inches and its huge fenders add more to the off-road persona. The Sahara trim gets special exterior trim which includes side steps, manual-folding and adjusting side view mirrors, and a foldable black soft top. Depending on the trim the wheels will be either 16-inch, 17-inch alloys, or 18-inch alloys. 

Model

2011 Jeep Wrangler

2011 Nissan Xterra

2011 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Curb Weight (lbs)

3,760

4,143

4,050

Length (in)

152.8

178.7

183.9

Width (in)

73.7

72.8

75.0

Height (in)

70.9

74.9

71.3

Ground Clearance (in)

10.2

8.1

8.7

Wheelbase (in)

95.4

106.3

105.9

The Wrangler with its 2-door configuration has one of the shortest wheelbases. All other dimensions are hence affected making it look smaller than its competition. When it comes to exterior looks, the Wrangler is the most rugged-looking SUV while the 2011 Nissan Xterra looks more toned down and subtle.

Some of the highlights of the exterior are:

  • Automatic halogen headlamps
  • Fog lamps
  • Side steps (Sahara)
  • 16-inch wheels (Sport)
  • Side bolsters
  • Fold-away manual mirrors
  • Full-size spare tire

Safety
6.0/10

When a vehicle is built for sheer off-road performance, the safety of the passengers is of utmost importance. Unfortunately, the 2011 model year of the Wrangler doesn’t live up to our expectations and has some disappointing crash test scores. The NHTSA has given it a 3-star rating for the rollover test. The IIHS has rated it “Good” for the frontal impact test, “Poor” for the side-impact test, “Moderate” for the seat-based rear impact test.

Its standard safety equipment is also not adequate either. You’ll have to pay an extra $430 just to fit your Wrangler with side-impact airbags. Such features are expected to be standard. However, some standard safety features include:

  • Hill Start Assist
  • Hill Descent Assist
  • Trailer Sway Control
  • Tire pressure monitoring system
  • Electronic stability control
  • Traction control
  • Electronic roll mitigation

Final Verdict

Jeep has made a genuine effort to uplift the interior design and layout to make it look more sophisticated and modern. However, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler cannot match the interior comfort and features which its rivals offer. It may not be the best SUV on the market but it provides a fun and thrilling off-road performance which is quite unmatched. If off-road prowess is the sole reason to buy a Wrangler. Otherwise, it is best to skip it and look somewhere else.

Trims

    Mojave
    $22,045 onwards
    • Leather wrapped steering wheel
    • Manual sliding rear window
    • USB/iPod audio interface
    Sport
    $22,045 onwards
    • 16-inch silver styled steel Wheels
    • ABS Traction control
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Manual Convertible top
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    Unlimited
    $25,545 onwards
    • 60/40 rear split bench seat
    • Auxiliary audio jack
    • Keyless entry
    Sahara
    $27,745 onwards
    • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Heated mirrors
    • Remote keyless entry
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    70th Anniversary
    $28,670 onwards
    • 18-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Leather Seat trim
    Unlimited Sport
    $28,910 onwards
    • 16-inch silver styled steel Wheels
    • ABS Traction control
    • AM/FM stereo
    • Cloth Seat trim
    • Front Fog/driving lights
    • Front manual air conditioning
    • Manual Convertible top
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    Rubicon
    $29,820 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Cloth Seat trim
    Unlimited Sahara
    $30,445 onwards
    • 18-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Seek-Scan Radio
    • Sirius AM/FM/Satellite
    Unlimited 70th Anniversary
    $31,370 onwards
    • 18-inch polished aluminum Wheels
    • Front passengers heated-cushion
    • Leather Seat trim
    Unlimited Rubicon
    $33,320 onwards
    • 17-inch silver aluminum Wheels
    • Cloth Seat trim

Compare to similar cars

Price

$22,045- $33,320

Engine

Gasoline

Rating

6.61

Horsepower

205 hp @ 5200 rpm

Torque

240 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

Capacity

5

Read Review

$22,995- $30,320

Gasoline

8

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,590- $28,995

Gasoline

7.24

210 hp @ 5200 rpm

235 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,240- $27,920

Gasoline

7.98

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$24,250- $31,400

Gasoline

7.75

182 hp @ 6700 rpm

172 lb.-ft. @ 4900 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,825- $24,185

Gasoline

7.47

166 hp @ 5800 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

4

Read Review

$18,895- $26,345

Gasoline

8.13

165 hp @ 6200 rpm

146 lb.-ft. @ 4600 rpm

5

Read Review

$18,295- $27,295

Gasoline

8.27

176 hp @ 6000 rpm

168 lb.-ft. @ 4000 rpm

5

Read Review

$20,555- $29,065

Gasoline

8.33

171 hp @ 6000 rpm

171 lb.-ft. @ 4500 rpm

5

Read Review

$21,990- $33,340

Gasoline

7.78

161 hp @ 6000 rpm

161 lb.-ft. @ 3500 rpm

5

Read Review

2011 Jeep Wrangler vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    8.6 sec--
    6.46 sec12.4 sec181 mph
    7.2 sec15.8 sec115 mph
    7.3 sec15.5 sec-
    7.3 sec15.6 sec-
    7.5 sec--

    2011 Jeep Wrangler vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      Fuel Tank Capacity
      Range (C/H)
      SourceCompare
      15 mpg19 mpg16 mpg18.6 gal.279/353.40 mi.Jeep USA
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18 gal.396/576 mi.
      22 mpg32 mpg26 mpg18.8 gal.413.6/601.6 mi.
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg16.6 gal.381.8/464.8 mi.
      23 mpg28 mpg25 mpg17.5 gal.402.5/490 mi.
      21 mpg28 mpg25 mpg17.5 gal.402.5/490 mi.

      2011 Jeep Wrangler vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        152.8 in.73.7 in.70.9 in.10.2 in.95.4 in.Jeep USA
        189.9 in.75.8 in.70.1 in.9 in.109.8 in.
        188.2 in.71.7 in.65.7 in.8.7 in.107.9 in.
        187.8 in.72.5 in.66.3 in.7.8 in.112.5 in.
        185.3 in.72.8 in.66.3 in.6.9 in.112.5 in.
        184.5 in.71.8 in.76 in.8.3 in.112.2 in.

        2011 Jeep Wrangler vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          17.2 cu.ft.102.9 cu.ft.5 cu.ft.Jeep USA
          47.2 cu.ft.97.3 cu.ft.89.7 cu.ft.
          29.3 cu.ft.45.4 cu.ft.75.6 cu.ft.
          31.4 cu.ft.99.5 cu.ft.67.1 cu.ft.
          45.2 cu.ft.-79.5 cu.ft.
          36.4 cu.ft.108.2 cu.ft.73 cu.ft.

          2011 Jeep Wrangler vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            Bed Length
            SourceCompare
            5 cu.ft.17.2 cu.ft.5 cu.ft.-Jeep USA
            13.5 cu.ft.26.1 cu.ft.54.6 cu.ft.-
            70.8 cu.ft.28.4 cu.ft.70.8 cu.ft.-
            79.5 cu.ft.45.2 cu.ft.79.5 cu.ft.-
            27 cu.ft.36.2 cu.ft.72.6 cu.ft.-
            13.1 cu.ft.31.4 cu.ft.63.7 cu.ft.-

            2011 Jeep Wrangler vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Towing Capacity
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              2000 lbs.1000 lbs.3760 lbs.Jeep USA
              5000 lbs.1700 lbs.4400 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1285 lbs.4050 lbs.
              5000 lbs.881 lbs.4143 lbs.
              5000 lbs.1150 lbs.3976 lbs.
              3500 lbs.1059 lbs.3335 lbs.

              2011 Jeep Wrangler SUV Problems, Issues, Complaints, Recalls, and which year to avoid?

              11

              Recalls

              6

              Investigations

              472

              Complaints
              Overall Safety Rating
              Read More

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              2011 Jeep Wrangler User Reviews

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              POPULAR TAGS

              MD

              Mark Davis

              2010 Jeep Wrangler

              Islander 4dr SUV 4WD (3.8L 6cyl 6M)

              Not Rated

              User Overall Rating

              Posted On: June 24, 2024

              Jeep Wrangler.

              Pros - ["I love having 4 wheel drive capability and knowing that my vehicle will get me where I want and need to go without any difficulties.", "I left my Jeep stock, with no fancy add-ons or upgrades because it is exactly what I need in a vehicle and I don't have to spend or waste money adding items that will break down and can be very expensive."]

              Cons - ["I would like to see better mileage from the gas engines. Mileage is fair but could be better.", "The stock battery should be replaced with a higher performance battery in my personal opinion."]

              A 6 cylinder, fuel injected engine that provides plenty of power and fair gas mileage. The interior is comfortable, seats recline and adjust easily. The entertainment system is very good and sound quality is great in the entire vehicle. GPS, bluetooth, Am/ FM stereo, CD player and Sirius XM radio capable. Internal roll bars that are padded so you don't hurt your head if you hit the bars when you ...

              Not Rated
              Features
              Not Rated
              Interior
              Not Rated
              Design
              Not Rated
              Safety
              Not Rated
              Reliability
              Not Rated
              Deal Value
              Not Rated
              Dealer Review