2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

You'd think a four-door Wrangler would've been a no-brainer, but it won't be until later this year that you'll be able to take four of your closest friends off-road in traditional Jeep style with the 2007 Wrangler Unlimited. While the first Unlimited was an extended cargo-space two-door, this is essentially a four-door convertible sedan with all the capability (except, perhaps, in tight rocky spaces) of the conventional Wrangler.

• New 3.8-liter pushrod V-6 replaces heavier, longer 4.0-liter inline-six, maintains higher torque above 3400 rpm. Peak horses, 205; torque is 240 pound-feet.

• Six-speed manual or four-speed automatic available.

• Turbodiesel is available outside North America, coupled to a five-speed manual.

• 116-inch wheelbase is 20.6 inches longer than the standard two-door 2007 Wrangler.

• More cargo space, Jeep says, than Toyota FJ Cruiser, Hummer H3, Nissan Xterra, and Ford Explorer.

• 100-percent-stiffer frame, 50-percent-stiffer body, refined five-link coil suspension.

• Optional "Freedom top" has three removable rigid panels; left- and right-side front-passenger panels, and a rear section (Jeep Landaulet, anyone?).

• Standard Sunrider soft-top sunroof feature opens above front- and rear-seat passengers.

• Unlimited Rubicon gets an Off-Road Rock-Trac NV241 two-speed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, electric front- and rear-axle lockers, active anti-roll bar, and 32-inch BFGoodrich off-roaders.

• Unlimited X and Sahara models have Mark II Command-Trac NV241 part-time, two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and optional Trac-Lok LSD.

• Towing capacity is 3500 pounds.

On sale this autumn, expect a price in the mid-$20s and higher.