Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Jeep Wrangler gets a redesigned interior. This off-road-ready SUV has 2 doors and seats 5. A 4-door version called the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is also available (see separate report). Trim levels include Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. All are available with a folding soft top or a removable hardtop. A 202-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine is the sole engine. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard, and a 4-speed automatic is optional. All Wranglers are 4-wheel drive; rear-drive models have been discontinued. The 4WD system includes a low-range gear for off-road use, and it should not be left engaged on dry pavement. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds on the 2-door. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front-side airbags. For severe off-road use, Wrangler can be equipped with an electronic-disconnecting front stabilizer bar, locking differentials, and specific tires. Wrangler has Jeep’s Trailer-Sway Control, which activates the antiskid system if it detects a towed trailer is not following its intended path. Leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control, and a navigation system with wireless cell-phone link are optional on the Sahara and Rubicon.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are 5-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for 7.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Kia Sportage , Mini Countryman, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.

Vehicle Highlights

The 2011 Hyundai Tucson sees some changes following its 2010 redesign. Volume GLS and top-line Limited trim levels are joined for 2011 by the base GL. The new model has a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which likely will have 140 horsepower. GLS and Limited reprise their 176-horsepower 2.4-liter 4-cylinder. GL offers a 5-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission. GLS and Limited have a 6-speed automatic. All Tucsons offer front-wheel drive; all-wheel drive is available on the GLS and Limited. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain-side airbags, and front-side airbags. Standard on all is Downhill Brake Control, which is designed to maintain constant speed when traveling downhill. Also standard is Hillstart Assist Control, which is designed to keep the vehicle from rolling backward down an incline. A tilt and telescopic steering wheel and wireless cell-phone link are newly standard on the GLS. A sport suspension, leather upholstery, and heated front seats are Limited-exclusive standard features. A navigation system and rearview camera are optional on the GLS and Limited. Limited models with navigation have a panoramic sunroof.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Among utility vehicles, Compact SUVs are typically the least costly and offer the best fuel economy. Most utilize a car-type chassis and are not designed for heavy-duty, off-road use. Nearly all are 5-passenger vehicles; some offer seating for 7.

Our Best Buys are the Honda CR-V and Volkswagen Tiguan. Our Recommended picks are the Ford Escape, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Subaru Forester, and Toyota RAV4.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Kia Sportage , Mini Countryman, and Mitsubishi Outlander Sport.