Exploring the Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.0 GME 272HP

Exploring the Wrangler 4-Door Sahara 2.0 GME 272HP: Review and Driving Impressions

Why Would You Drive Anything Else?

Let’s be honest—why would anyone choose anything other than a Jeep? I’ve been a fan for decades. In fact, I still have my Action Man Jeep from the 1970s, now proudly passed on to my kids. But this isn’t just nostalgia speaking—the Wrangler Sahara 2.0 GME delivers everything you’d expect from a Jeep and then some.

Sure, nobody really needs to accelerate from 0–62 mph in the blink of an eye. That said, the Wrangler’s 2.0-litre, 268 bhp engine gets you there in a solid 7.6 seconds, which is plenty fast enough for most situations.

Fuel Economy? What’s That?

Let’s address the elephant in the room. Yes, the fuel consumption is a bit on the hefty side. Officially, it’s rated at 27.4 mpg, but let’s be honest—you’ll be lucky to hit that in real-world conditions. However, what you’re getting in exchange is a spacious, five-door fun machine with enough grunt and versatility to handle pretty much anything you throw at it.

Conquering the Urban Jungle

Oddly enough, the Wrangler’s biggest challenge isn’t tackling the deserts of Dubai or scaling the Rocky Mountains—it’s navigating London. The city is like an extreme obstacle course: 20 mph speed limits, potholes the size of craters, kamikaze cyclists in twinsets and pearls (on rental e-bikes, naturally), and prams randomly shoved into traffic. And don’t get me started on cabbies—some of them seem to have mistaken Duel for a driving manual.

But the Wrangler takes it all in its stride. Perched high above the chaos, you glide serenely through it all, new side-curtain airbags and rugged rock rails at the ready.

Looks That Mean Business

The updated seven-slot 3D grille and subtle nods to the original Jeep design give the Wrangler its trademark rugged charm. A Jeep should look like a Jeep, after all—not some over-polished Chelsea tractor.

Inside the Cockpit: Rugged Meets Refined

Step inside, and it feels like the cockpit of a compact six-seater plane. The interior is kitted out with chunky, satisfying buttons, and the heated seats are a godsend, providing warmth and lower back support in equal measure.

The 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system is a highlight. It connects quickly and seamlessly, making it a breeze to switch between CarPlay and vehicle settings—something many modern systems struggle with. It’s the same tech you’ll find in new Maseratis, and honestly, it feels smoother than what some luxury cars offer.

For music lovers, the eight-speaker Alpine audio system is powerful enough to turn the whole car into a bass-pumping amplifier. Fancy a bit of drum and bass?

Lego for Grown-Ups

My absolute favourite feature? The windscreen folds flat. Pair that with removable doors, and you’re free to roam at will, fully immersed in nature—bugs in your teeth included! The soft-top version is on my bucket list, as the solid roof and doors take a few minutes to remove. Of course, you’ll need somewhere to stash them, but the Wrangler looks best stripped down—as the bishop said to the actress.

The aluminium doors and three-piece roof come off as easily as Lego pieces. Actually, scratch that—it’s more Meccano than Lego. Simple, satisfying, and incredibly practical. Plus, cleaning everything is an absolute doddle.

Manoeuvrability That Surprises

Despite its size, the Wrangler is shockingly nimble. I tested its super-low ratio steering in a car park filled with poorly parked vehicles. The Wrangler backed out with precision, clearing obstacles by millimetres. And don’t worry about losing it in a car park—it stands out loud and proud. “Yoohoo! Rugged explorer over here—the big red one!”

Standing Tall and Taking on Hills

At 2.42 metres, the Wrangler towers over most vehicles. Think Michael Jordan, but with wheels. It even looks like it could climb vertically, and in many cases, it does. Its off-road abilities are second to none.

The underside is protected by skid plates, so there’s no need to panic when tackling boulders—or, let’s face it, mounting the odd kerb in Chelsea. (Just keep an eye on those street cameras!)

Off-Road Mastery

Off-road, the Wrangler is a true master. Its approach, departure, and breakover angles are 35.4°, 30.7°, and 20.0° respectively. I’ve driven it for days across the Yorkshire Moors, over boulders that seemed impassable on foot. The Wrangler handled them with ease, gliding over terrain like butter sliding across a hot pan.

The Sahara delivers a powerful burst of energy with a slight delay in automatic mode, but switching to manual provides a swifter response. The brakes are strong and well-balanced, while the steering is deliberately loose, perfect for off-roading where sharp, precise steering would work against you. The last thing you want is to lose control of the wheel while crunching over a boulder.

Simply keep your foot steady on the pedal, and it does all the work for you. It conquered every challenge—rocky slopes, gullies and streams cascading over wet boulders. Thankfully, I had off-road experts with me. Left to my own devices, I would have attempted everything and might eventually have found its limits, but its capabilities felt almost magical, much like watching chamois leaping effortlessly between vertical outcrops.

The updated automatic gear changes are smoother than before, making the Wrangler more refined for long drives or fording streams. Four-wheel drive can be selected via a lever on the centre console, and 2H is best for smoother, everyday journeys.

On-Road Comfort and Quirks

At 2.1 tonnes, the Wrangler isn’t the smoothest ride at high speeds or around corners. There’s some body roll, and its square shape doesn’t help aerodynamics. But it’s still remarkably comfortable, even on long family road trips.

The suspension handles bumps and ruts well, although the rebound can feel a bit bouncy at times. But hey, it’s an off-roader—it’s impressive they’ve made it this comfortable at all!

Practical Tips and Fun Features

• Bonnet Release: Releasing the bonnet took me ages to figure out. Unlock the side levers, then look for a small circular plastic cover in the front grille. Lift it and use the car key to unlock the bonnet. (Ignore the internet’s nonsense about a lever in the footwell—it doesn’t exist.)
• Rear Window Access: The rear window flips up, making it easy to load and unload. Simple but brilliant.
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The Jeep Wrangler Sahara 2.0 GME is a remarkable blend of rugged off-road prowess and surprisingly luxurious comfort. Whether you're tackling the toughest terrain or cruising through the city, this is a vehicle that delivers on every front. It’s not just a car; it’s a statement of adventure, freedom, and a touch of nostalgia.

From its tough-as-nails off-road capability to its refined interior and tech features, the Wrangler is a true icon that has evolved with the times without losing its indomitable spirit. It’s the kind of car that makes you smile every time you get behind the wheel—whether you're conquering boulders, cruising through London, or simply enjoying a weekend drive.

If you're looking for a vehicle that can handle everything life throws at it and still look effortlessly cool while doing so, the Jeep Wrangler Sahara is more than up to the task. It's a car with history, personality, and a bit of cheeky fun thrown in. And let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like driving a Jeep.

Oh, and here’s a fun tidbit: the name Jeep comes from the military acronym GP, which stands for “General Purpose” vehicles.

Priced from £61,125

https://www.jeep.co.uk/jeep-wrangler/petrol