Safety ratings for the Wrangler often highlight its solid axles and removable roof, which create a different crash profile than unibody vehicles. So, is the Jeep Wrangler a safe car? It’s a question that sparks debate among off-road enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
The Wrangler looks tough, but does it protect you in a crash? Let’s break down the facts, ratings, and real-world safety features. You’ll get a clear answer without the marketing fluff.
Is The Jeep Wrangler A Safe Car
The short answer is: it depends on what you compare it to. The Wrangler scores well in some areas but struggles in others. Its body-on-frame design is great for rock crawling but not ideal for absorbing impact.
Modern Wranglers come with advanced safety tech. But older models lack many features. Let’s look at the numbers and real-world tests.
Crash Test Ratings From NHTSA And IIHS
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the 2024 Wrangler a four-star overall rating. That’s good but not perfect. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rates it “Good” in most crashworthiness tests.
However, the Wrangler gets a “Marginal” rating in the IIHS small overlap front test on the passenger side. This means the passenger compartment can be compromised in certain crashes.
- NHTSA overall: 4 out of 5 stars
- IIHS moderate overlap front: Good
- IIHS small overlap front (driver): Acceptable
- IIHS small overlap front (passenger): Marginal
- IIHS side crash: Good
- IIHS roof strength: Good
These ratings show the Wrangler is safer than many think, but not class-leading. The removable roof and doors create unique challenges for crash engineers.
Body-On-Frame Vs Unibody Construction
The Wrangler uses a traditional body-on-frame design. This is rare in modern SUVs. Most competitors use unibody construction, which integrates the body and frame into one unit.
Body-on-frame is stronger for off-road abuse. But it’s heavier and less rigid in a crash. The frame can bend or twist, transferring energy to the cabin.
Unibody vehicles absorb crash energy better. They crumple in controlled ways. The Wrangler’s design means it relies more on its frame rails to protect you.
This isn’t automatically bad. Jeep has added crumple zones and high-strength steel. But the basic architecture is older and less optimized for safety.
Airbags And Restraint Systems
All new Wranglers come with front, side, and curtain airbags. The curtain airbags cover both rows. This is standard since 2018.
Older models (pre-2011) only had front airbags. If you buy a used Wrangler, check the airbag count. A 2007 model has far less protection than a 2024 one.
The seatbelt pretensioners and load limiters are standard. These tighten the belt in a crash and then release slightly to reduce chest injuries.
One quirk: the removable roof means the curtain airbags deploy differently. They are designed to work even with the roof off. But Jeep recommends keeping the roof on for maximum protection.
Electronic Stability Control And Traction Aids
Electronic stability control (ESC) became standard on the Wrangler in 2012. This system helps prevent rollovers by braking individual wheels.
Rollover risk is higher in the Wrangler due to its tall, narrow stance. ESC is critical here. Jeep also includes roll mitigation software that applies brakes if the system senses a tip-up.
Traction control and hill descent assist are standard on most trims. These help you maintain control on slippery surfaces, which indirectly improves safety.
But the Wrangler’s solid front axle can cause handling quirks. On pavement, the steering can feel vague. This doesn’t affect safety directly but can make emergency maneuvers harder.
Forward Collision Warning And Automatic Emergency Braking
Starting in 2022, Jeep added forward collision warning (FCW) and automatic emergency braking (AEB) to the Wrangler. These are optional on lower trims but standard on higher ones.
FCW alerts you if you’re approaching a car too fast. AEB applies the brakes if you don’t react. These systems work well in tests, but they’re not as refined as in some competitors.
The Wrangler’s boxy shape and off-road tires can affect sensor performance. In heavy rain or snow, the system may disable temporarily.
Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are also available. These are helpful given the Wrangler’s large blind spots from the spare tire and high beltline.
Lane Keeping Assist And Adaptive Cruise Control
Lane keeping assist is available on the Wrangler, but it’s not standard. It gently steers you back into your lane if you drift. The system works okay on highways but can be confused by narrow roads.
Adaptive cruise control is also optional. It maintains a set distance from the car ahead. In stop-and-go traffic, it can bring you to a complete stop.
These features are nice to have, but they’re not class-leading. The Wrangler’s off-road focus means the technology is a bit behind unibody SUVs like the Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4.
If safety tech is your top priority, consider a higher trim with the Safety Group package. It bundles most of these features together.
Rollover Risk And Stability
The Wrangler has a higher center of gravity than most SUVs. This increases rollover risk. NHTSA gives it a three-star rollover rating, which is below average.
But the Wrangler’s stability control is well-tuned. It intervenes early to prevent tipping. Off-road, the Wrangler is actually very stable due to its low gearing and wide track.
On pavement, avoid sudden steering inputs. The solid axle can cause body lean in corners. Keep your speed moderate and avoid sharp turns.
If you lift the Wrangler or add larger tires, rollover risk increases. Aftermarket modifications can change the suspension geometry and reduce stability.
Child Safety And LATCH System
The Wrangler has LATCH anchors in the rear seats. They are easy to access and use. The lower anchors are visible and not buried in the seat cushions.
However, the rear seat is not very spacious. Installing a rear-facing car seat can be tight. The front seats may need to be moved forward to fit larger seats.
The top tether anchors are on the rear seatbacks. They are clearly marked. Most parents find the Wrangler acceptable for child safety, but not ideal for long trips with multiple kids.
IIHS rates the Wrangler’s LATCH system as “Acceptable” overall. The lower anchor force limits are good, but the rear seat space is a limiting factor.
Off-Road Safety Considerations
The Wrangler is designed for off-road use. This brings unique safety concerns. When you’re on a trail, you need to think about more than just crash ratings.
Rollover risk is higher on uneven terrain. Always use a spotter when navigating obstacles. Keep your speed low and avoid sudden movements.
The removable roof and doors are fun, but they reduce protection. If you roll over with the roof off, you have no structural protection. Always wear your seatbelt.
Off-road, the Wrangler’s solid axles provide excellent articulation. This helps keep all four wheels on the ground, reducing the chance of a tip-over.
Carry a first-aid kit and recovery gear. Cell service is often limited off-road. A satellite communicator can be a lifesaver in remote areas.
Comparing The Wrangler To Other SUVs
How does the Wrangler stack up against rivals? Let’s compare it to the Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Ford Bronco is the Wrangler’s main competitor. It has a similar body-on-frame design but slightly better crash test scores. The Bronco gets a five-star NHTSA rating in some configurations.
The Toyota 4Runner is older but very reliable. It also uses body-on-frame construction. Its safety ratings are similar to the Wrangler, with a four-star NHTSA score.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is unibody and scores higher in safety tests. It gets five stars from NHTSA and “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS. But it’s less capable off-road.
If safety is your top priority, the Grand Cherokee is a better choice. But if you need off-road ability, the Wrangler is still a solid option.
Common Safety Complaints From Owners
Owners report a few recurring safety issues. The most common is poor visibility. The spare tire blocks the rear view, and the high beltline makes it hard to see curbs.
The soft top can be noisy at highway speeds. This makes it harder to hear emergency vehicles or honking horns. Hard tops are quieter but still not as quiet as a regular SUV.
Some owners complain about the brakes. The Wrangler is heavy, and the brakes can feel underpowered. Upgrading to larger brakes is a common aftermarket mod.
The steering can be vague on the highway. This is due to the solid front axle and recirculating ball steering. It’s not dangerous, but it requires more attention than a rack-and-pinion system.
Safety Features By Model Year
If you’re buying a used Wrangler, know what safety features come with each year. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 2007-2010: Front airbags only, no ESC (optional on some trims)
- 2011-2012: Side airbags added, ESC becomes standard
- 2013-2017: Rearview camera optional, blind-spot monitoring available
- 2018-2021: Curtain airbags standard, forward collision warning optional
- 2022-present: AEB standard on most trims, lane keeping assist available
Older Wranglers are less safe. If you can, buy a 2018 or newer model for the best protection.
How To Maximize Safety In Your Wrangler
You can take steps to make your Wrangler safer. First, keep the roof on for daily driving. The hard top provides better crash protection than the soft top.
Second, upgrade your tires. The stock tires are okay, but a good all-terrain tire with better grip can improve braking and handling.
Third, add a rearview camera if your Wrangler doesn’t have one. Aftermarket units are cheap and easy to install. They help with backing up and spotting obstacles.
Fourth, consider a steering stabilizer. This reduces steering wobble and improves control at highway speeds. It’s a common upgrade for Wrangler owners.
Fifth, always wear your seatbelt. This is the single most effective safety device in any vehicle. The Wrangler’s seatbelt is designed to work with the airbags.
Insurance Costs And Safety
Insurance rates reflect safety. The Wrangler has average insurance costs. It’s not as cheap to insure as a sedan, but it’s not as expensive as a sports car.
The Wrangler’s high theft rate can increase premiums. The removable doors and soft top make it easy to break into. Always lock your doors and park in a garage if possible.
Some insurers offer discounts for safety features. If your Wrangler has AEB or lane keeping assist, you might get a lower rate. Ask your agent about available discounts.
Real-World Crash Stories
I’ve read many accounts from Wrangler owners who survived serious crashes. One owner rolled his Wrangler down a 30-foot embankment and walked away with minor bruises.
Another owner was rear-ended at 50 mph. The Wrangler’s frame absorbed the impact, and the driver had only whiplash. These stories show the Wrangler can be safe in real-world conditions.
But there are also stories of serious injuries in side-impact crashes. The Wrangler’s high ground clearance means it can ride over smaller vehicles, but it also means the side structure is higher and can be weaker.
Overall, the Wrangler is not the safest car on the road, but it’s not the most dangerous either. It’s a compromise between off-road capability and on-road safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Jeep Wrangler Safe For A Family?
Yes, but with caveats. The rear seat is tight for older kids. The safety ratings are average. If you have young children, the Wrangler can work, but a unibody SUV like the Grand Cherokee is safer.
Does The Jeep Wrangler Have A High Rollover Risk?
Yes, it has a higher rollover risk than most SUVs. NHTSA gives it three stars for rollover. But stability control helps reduce the risk. Avoid aggressive driving and keep the roof on for better stability.
Is The Jeep Wrangler 4Xe Safer Than The Gas Version?
The 4xe hybrid has the same crash structure. The added battery weight lowers the center of gravity slightly, which may improve stability. But the safety ratings are identical to the gas version.
Can You Drive A Jeep Wrangler Without Doors Safely?
Driving without doors is legal in most states, but it reduces protection. In a side-impact crash, you have no door structure. Always wear your seatbelt and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle.
What Is The Safest Year For A Jeep Wrangler?
The safest years are 2022 and newer. They have standard AEB, curtain airbags, and better crash structures. Avoid pre-2011 models, which lack side airbags and ESC.
In conclusion, the Wrangler is a safe car for its intended use. It’s not a luxury SUV with top safety scores, but it protects you well in most crashes. The key is to buy a newer model, keep the roof on, and drive responsibly. Off-road, it’s one of the safest vehicles you can own. On pavement, it’s average. If you accept its quirks and limitations, the Wrangler can be a safe and enjoyable vehicle for years to come.