The new Wrangler isn't a luxury car, but it's not the penalty box itused to be. Paved roads seem much smoother. Corners are handled with more
dignity. The interstate feels stable at 80 mph. And wet pavement is not
to be feared. At the same time, the Wrangler's off-road capability is superior
to that of even the legendary Jeep CJ. It's an impressive balancing act.
The Wrangler engineers achieved this balance by designing a coil-spring
suspension to replace the Jeep's 50-year-old leaf-spring suspension. And
they mounted it onto a rigid new chassis that provides a stable platform
for the suspension to do its job. Coil springs provide better handling
on and off road and enormous suspension travel.
Greater approach and departure angles mean the new Wrangler can cross
trenches and clamber over rocks and fallen trees that would trap the old
one. Few vehicles can match the Jeep's rock-climbing ability. At the same
time, the new Wrangler feels less like a utility truck when winding down
a curvy road.
A cautionary note here. The Wrangler is certainly sporty, but it's not