The year 2011 marked a new time for the Jeep Wrangler->ke425 after Chrysler->ke21 introduced a facelifted version of the off-road vehicle. A year later, the 2012 model has been released and while it looks pretty much the same as that of the 2011 model, Jeep->ke40 is introducing a new powertrain that is significantly more powerful than the last model.

With the new engine, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler now produces an output of 285 horsepower and 260 lb/ft of torque, an improvement of 83 horsepower and 23 lb/ft of torque from the 2011 model, while also carrying an improved fuel efficiency rating of 21 mph. This comes as an improvement from the 15 mpg city / 19 mpg highway rating of the facelifted 2011 version.

“Our new 3.6-liter V6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience – complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque," said Mike Manley, President and CEO of the Jeep brand.

Find out more about the 2012 Jeep Wrangler after the jump.

2012 Jeep Wrangler

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2012 Jeep Wrangler
  • Engine/Motor: 3.6-liter V6 engine
  • Horsepower: 260 horsepower
  • Torque: 237 lb/ft of torque
  • Transmission: five-speed automatic transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior and Interior

Seeing as the 2011 model underwent a substantial facelift, minimal changes were done on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler. Some of the changes found on the 2011 model will also be used on the 2012 model, including the redesigned instrument panel, new cloth bucket seats, a front seat map pocket, leather-wrapped steering wheel, and new storage areas that provide more interior cabin space for the off-roader.

The 2012 Wrangler will also be outfitted with a number of standard equipment, including Cruise Control with steering wheel controls, Hydraulic Power-Assist, Audio Cruise Control, a manual convertible roof for the Rubicon model, and SIRIUS Travel Link.

Last, the 2012 Wrangler, whether the two-door or the four-door Unlimited version, will be available in four unique trim models: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon. A new addition for the 2012 model will be the Rubicon trim receiving the same body-color hardtop as that of the Sahara models.

Performance

What's new with the 2012 Jeep Wrangler is the powertrain. Under the hood of this year's model is a new 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces an output of 285 horsepower and a peak torque of 260 lb/ft of torque. These numbers are an increase from the 202 horsepower and 237 lb/ft of torque output from the previous model.

The new engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and carries a faster 0-62 mph time of 8.4 seconds while also returning a better fuel efficiency rating of 21 mpg.

Pricing

Pricing for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler has yet to be announced, but judging from the stickers of last year's models, you can expect it to come with a base price of $23,000 for the Wrangler Sport, $25,000 for the Wrangler Sport S, $28,000 for the Sahara, and over $30,000 for the top-of-the-line Rubicon.

Competition

The Jeep Wrangler is not a car for the aesthetically vain; it's an off-road vehicle that would rather get dirty and muddy than be polished to the brim. If you're looking for another car that fits this description, the Toyota FJ Cruiser can provide the same type of dust-collecting, mud-swamping action as that of the Wrangler. Powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine that delivers a total of 260 horsepower and 271 lb/ft of peak torque, the FJ Cruiser's numbers aren't too far off from the 2012 Wrangler, except that it comes with a slightly bigger engine and a less powerful output. The prices aren't all that different from each other either, so it really boils down to the Wrangler offering more output while also improving its fuel efficiency