Jeep Wrangler dimensions

Though more civilized than ever, the 2012 Jeep Wrangler remains a no-nonsense American icon. Its quirky character and original off-road features continue to hold appeal. Jeep Wrangler SUV offers the following pros: Superior off-road capability; strong engine; surprisingly fun to drive around town; two- and 4-door variations; rough-and-tumble image; it's a convertible. Jeep Wrangler SUV drawbacks are: Soft top is difficult to use and creates safety issues; noisy cabin; choppy ride; long braking distances; poor side crash ratings.

The 2012 Jeep Wrangler is a convertible SUV available in two-door Jeep Wrangler and 4-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited versions. Every comes in Sport, Sahara and Rubicon trims.

The Sport comes sparsely equipped with 16-inch metal wheels, front and back tow hooks, foglamps, a removable soft top, crank windows, manual locks and mirrors, cruise control, a tilt-only helm, a height-adjustable driver bench, and a six-speaker audio system with an optional stereo slot, CD player and helm controls. The Unlimited gets a bigger gas tank, four doors, more backseat and cargo room, air-conditioning and a 60/40 split-folding back bench. The Performance Comfort Group adds heated performance mirrors, performance locks and windows, and keyless entry. Air-conditioning (two-door), radio, a leather-wrapped helm and 17-inch alloy wheels are also auxillary.

The Sahara adds the above auxillary items plus 18-inch alloy wheels, an updated suspension, under-hood insulation, side steps, automatic headlamps, body-colored fender flares and a six-speaker Infinity audio system.

The Rubicon is not the most abundantly equipped trim level, per se, but rather the trim that boasts the most reliable off-road credentials. It adds on top of the base Sport equipment special 17-inch wheels, 32-inch tires, heavy-duty axles and transfer case, electronic front and back locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, rock rails, air-conditioning, a leather-wrapped helm and radio. The Performance Comfort Group is auxillary on the two-door, but traditional on the Unlimited.

The following packages are available on all trims. The Connectivity Group adds Bluetooth, an Ipod/usb stereo interface, an updated trip computer and a leather-wrapped wheel on the Sport. A multi-piece removable hardtop with a back defroster and wiper is auxillary with or without the traditional soft top remaining. It comes traditional in textured black, but can be had in body color on the Sahara and Rubicon.

Auxillary on the Sport and two-door Rubicon are a limited-slip differential and half doors that include plastic side windows. The Sahara and Rubicon can be equipped with leather upholstery and heated front seatings, automatic conditioning and a navigator that contains a touchscreen interface, digital audio cargo and real-time traffic. .