15 Surprising Facts About the Jeep Wrangler You Didn't Know

Written by Jim Belt in Jeeps

Sure, you know the Jeep Wrangler is an off-road beast that can climb mountains and ford rivers. But there's so much more to this iconic 4x4 that might just blow your mind.

Pop quiz: Did you know the Wrangler's windshield folds down for an even more open-air experience? Or that Jeep offers a 470-hp V8 monster version designed to slay the desert at ridiculous speeds? No? Well, keep reading, because those are just the tip of the iceberg.

This legendary off-roader is packed with clever innovations, surprising capabilities and premium features that defy its rugged, no-nonsense image. From a fuel-sipping plug-in hybrid model to upscale luxury trim levels, the Wrangler refuses to be pigeonholed.

So open your mind and prepare to have your expectations shattered. Here are 15 jaw-dropping facts about the unstoppable Jeep Wrangler that will make you see this iconic 4x4 in a whole new light:

15. It's a Decent Tow Vehicle

Despite its compact dimensions, a properly equipped Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 lbs, enough for hauling small campers or boats.

14. You Can Get a Luxury Wrangler

Think Wranglers are all rugged bare-bones affairs? Think again - the posh High Altitude model coddles with leather, premium audio and stylish appointments.

13. There's a Plug-In Hybrid Model

For maximum efficiency with trail-rated capability, the Wrangler 4xe pairs a 2.0L turbo engine with an electric motor and battery pack for up to 21 miles of electric range.

12. It's Available as a Long-Wheelbase 4-Door

Four-door Wranglers expand passenger space and access thanks to a 21-inch longer wheelbase compared to two-door models.

11. Moab Edition Means Serious Business

The rugged Moab edition brings even more extreme capability courtesy of steel bumpers, locking rear differential, rock rails and knobby 32-inch mud terrain tires.

10. Its Terrain Management System is Genius

For optimum traction, the Wrangler's terrain management system lets you select specific modes for mud, sand, rock and more.

9. Its Windshield Folds Forward

One of the Wrangler's coolest features is the windshield that folds forward for an even more immersive open-air driving experience.

8. Its Resale Value is Bulletproof

Year after year, the Wrangler sits at the top of residual value rankings, making it an excellent long-term investment.

7. Its Doors and Roof Come Off

While it's the Wrangler's signature party trick, the ability to fully remove the doors, roof and windshield for an open-air driving experience is still a true novelty even among off-road SUVs.

6. The Rubicon Trim Is Hardcore

The Rubicon model takes the Wrangler's trail abilities to an entirely new level with goodies like locking front/rear diffs, an electronic sway bar disconnect and beefy 33-inch off-road tires.

5. It's Available With a Torquey Diesel

Most buyers don't expect an oil-burner option, but the Wrangler can be had with an efficient 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 that cranks out 442 lb-ft of torque for unstoppable rock-crawling prowess.

4. There's a Hyper-Capable Desert Model

The new Wrangler Rubicon 392 model brings Ford Raptor-like high-speed off-road chops thanks to its 470-hp 6.4L V8 and specialized desert-tuned suspension.

3. It Offers Advanced Safety Tech

Despite its rugged image, the Wrangler is loaded with available modern safety aids like blind-spot monitoring, automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

2. The Interior is Surprisingly Premium

Don't expect bare-bones accommodations. The latest Wrangler sports an available heated leather interior, intuitive Uconnect infotainment system and more amenities than ever before.

1. It's One of the Most Capable Off-Roaders Ever

At its core, the Wrangler's true signature surprise is just how incredibly capable it is when the pavement ends with amazing approach/departure angles, ground clearance and underbody protection.

From its vast open-air possibilities and premium amenities to its class-leading trail abilities and cutting-edge off-road tech, the legendary Jeep Wrangler is still full of surprises even after over 80 years. It's the ultimate celebration of go-anywhere 4x4 freedom.