For over 80 years, Jeep has been synonymous with rugged capability and adventure, and the 2025 Jeep Wrangler continues to build on that legacy. As one of the most recognisable vehicles on the planet, the new Wrangler refines its off-road prowess while incorporating modern technology, safety features, and a more efficient powertrain. The Overland variant of the Wrangler brings a blend of luxury and capability, while never taking its eye off the fun and free lifestyle look.
Staying true to its heritage, the 2025 Wrangler retains its classic boxy silhouette with some notable refinements. The Overland variant comes with a body-colour three-piece removable hardtop and ‘fender flares’, maintaining the Wrangler’s hallmark versatility. New Platinum Silver grille accents enhance its rugged aesthetic, while LED lights provide improved visibility and a more modern look. The inclusion of deep tint sunscreen windows not only adds to the vehicle’s premium appeal but also enhances occupant comfort by reducing glare and heat – noticeable even in Auckland.
Inside, the Wrangler Overland boasts premium McKinley leather-trimmed seats, offering both durability and comfort. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel add a touch of luxury, feature that would make winter drives much more enjoyable I’m sure. The cabin strikes a balance between ruggedness and refinement, with a leather-wrapped shift knob and parking brake handle contrasting with tougher more durable plastics. Ambient interior lighting elevates the experience too, creating a welcoming environment for both drivers and passengers. And for those looking for even more comfort, a 12-way power-adjustable Nappa leather front seat option is available.
Oh and let’s not forget the easter eggs – again staying true to its roots, Jeep has put little treats around the Wrangler to ‘discover’ from images on the windscreen to slats above the rear view mirror – fun for all the family.
The latest Wrangler is packed with advanced technology, making it more convenient and safer than ever. At the centre of the dashboard sits a standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen infotainment system, offering wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Satellite navigation ensures drivers can confidently explore off-the-beaten-path destinations without losing their way – although I stuck with Android. A 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system, complete with a subwoofer, delivers an immersive sound experience, perfect for long road trips or off-road escapades.
The biggest change is what lies under the bonnet, the 2025 Wrangler Overland is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, producing 200kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and responsive performance. Despite having a smaller engine compared to previous models, the Wrangler maintains category-impressive towing capabilities, offering over 2 tonnes of towing capacity (take that Jimny). The heavy-duty suspension with gas shocks and an anti-spin differential rear axle ensures superior traction and stability on and off the road. While purists may lament the downsizing of the engine, the overall balance of power and efficiency makes this a worthy trade-off.
While off-road testing wasn’t possible during my review (yeah I know), the Wrangler still proved itself on the road, which let’s face it, that’s where it will spend most of its life. The lighter engine contributes to a more balanced feel, making it easier to handle in urban environments. Acceleration to the national speed limit was seamless, showing that the reduction in engine displacement hasn’t compromised performance, although it did seem to rev higher than before, while the ride remains comfortable, thanks to the well-tuned suspension system.
Predictably, I spent a fair amount of my time with the Jeep hanging out by the coast, and the open-air experience with the roof removed (something that’s easy to do – albeit manually) added to the off-roader’s sense of adventure, making it an even more enjoyable drive.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler continues to embody the brand’s spirit of freedom and exploration while integrating modern features that enhance both on-road and (I assume) off-road performance. With advanced safety features such as Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Forward Collision Warning Plus, and Blind Spot Monitoring, the Wrangler is not only tough but also smarter than ever. Jeep has done well to retain the Wrangler’s off-road capability (it sports the trail-rated badge of honour) while refining the overall driving experience.
Starting at $84,990, the Wrangler Overland delivers an unmatched blend of capability, technology, and iconic design – a must for those reliving those carefree (aka kid’s free) days – or maybe that’s just me, sigh.
