5 Million Jeep Wranglers Sold: A Tribute

The Jeep brand reached a major milestone on August 30 with the sale of its five-millionth Wrangler—a 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition. The lucky owner from New Jersey will even receive $5,000 worth of Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar in addition to lifetime customer care benefits. Imagine that.

As a direct replacement for the Jeep CJ and various other Jeeps that date back to the original 1941 Willys MB, the Jeep Wrangler made its debut at the 1986 Chicago Auto Show as a 1987 model. That was the first generation, known as YJ, and three more have followed including TJ (1997-2006), JK (2007-2017) and JL (2018-present). At this pace, the fifth generation should arrive for the 2028 model year, but that remains to be confirmed.

“With 5 million Wranglers sold, the Jeep brand continues to grow, fueled by the unwavering passion of the Jeep global community,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “With legendary 4×4 capability, open-air-freedom and a timeless design, the Wrangler embodies the spirit and the soul of the Jeep brand.”

By the way, did you know that more than 80 percent of those 5 million Wranglers sold since 1986 are still driving, be it on or off the road? And don’t forget that the Wrangler has come a very long way, diversifying its lineup and gaining quite a bit of refinement and comfort over the past decades (naysayers will tell you it could still use some).

Initially, only a single two-door model with two engine options—a 2.5-litre four-cylinder and a 4.2-litre inline six-cylinder—was offered. The long-wheelbase, four-door Wrangler Unlimited launched in 2004, adding versatility and proving much more appealing to families. Nowadays, more than three quarters of Wrangler customers choose the larger body.

What’s New?

The current lineup consists of seven models—Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Willys, Rubicon, High Altitude and Rubicon 392—and four different powertrain options. These include a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder, a 3.6-litre V6 (with available mild hybrid tech), a 6.4-litre HEMI V8 producing 470 horsepower, and a plug-in hybrid system providing up to 35 km of EV range.

The 2024 Wrangler, which is about to land in dealerships, has received a significant update. The new grille is designed like the one on the 2023 Wrangler 20th Anniversary Edition, the centre touchscreen increases to 12.3 inches and comes with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, side airbags are now found in the first and second rows, while Rubicon models get a Dana 44 Full-Float rear axle and optional Warn winch with a capacity of 8,000 lbs.

Who’s ready for some fun on the trails?