As with the 2020 model year, the assembled-in-India Wrangler is offered only in the five-door guise. Even the powertrain is carried forward unchanged and the Jeep continues with a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbo-petrol motor that is good for 268hp and 400Nm of torque. An 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox is available as standard.
Being a hardcore off-roader, the Wrangler gets the ‘Selec-Trac’ full-time 4WD system, with a 2.72:1 crawl ratio, and heavy-duty suspension even in the entry-level Unlimited trim. The Rubicon takes it a step further with the company’s ‘Rock-Trac’ full-time 4WD system, boasting a 4:1 crawl ratio, electronically locking front and rear differentials, electronically operated sway bar and performance suspension.
Both the trims can also be differentiated by their alloy wheels – while the Unlimited packs in a set of 18-inchers, the more off-road focused Rubicon variant gets wheels which are a size smaller, but sport tyres with thicker sidewalls. Other factors which add to the Rubicon’s off-road prowess are a higher ground clearance and better approach, ramp breakover and departure angles.
Notably, the limited-run 80th Anniversary variant, which commemorates the brand’s birth with the Willys MB in 1941, is based on the Unlimited trim and, as such, shares its running gear and equipment. However, it features some subtle styling touches to mark itself out as the special edition.
Most of the creature comforts remain common across the model range, including LED headlamps and DRLs, LED fog lamps, leather upholstery, 7.0-inch colour MID screen in the instrument cluster, 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control and keyless entry/start. Being a Wrangler, removable doors and a hardtop roof are a given.
On the safety front, the Jeep gets front and side airbags, electronic stability control, hill start assist, hill descent control, electronic roll mitigation, automatic headlamps, tire pressure monitor, and rear parking sensors and camera as standard.
The special edition features a unique design for the alloy wheels and ’80th Anniversary’ badging on the front fenders, as well as the central console and front seats in the cabin.