Segment:
Compact SUV / Off-Road Vehicle
Unique Selling Proposition:
Legendary off-road capability, open-air driving experience, utilitarian design.
Key Competitors 2009:
Toyota FJ Cruiser, Nissan Xterra, Hummer H3, Land Rover Defender (depending on market)
Off Road Focus:
Solid front and rear axles (part-time 4WD), available locking differentials, high ground clearance, robust chassis.
Body Styles:
2-door (JK), 4-door Unlimited (JKU)
Powertrain:
Engine and Transmission Operation, Break-in Procedures
Chassis:
Brake System (Operation only), Steering Column, Wheels, Tires (Basic Information)
Electrical:
Instruments, Gauges, Information Display, Fuses (Identification and Basic Troubleshooting)
Body Interior:
Seat Belts, SRS Airbags, Child Protection, Climate Control, Audio System, Security, Cruise Control, Cargo Loading
Operation:
Starting, Driving, Parking, Fueling
Maintenance:
Fluid Level Checks (Oil, Coolant, Brake Fluid, Washer Fluid), Tire Inflation, Wiper Blade Replacement (Implied), Minor Service Reminders
Troubleshooting:
Flat Tire Change, Dead Battery Jump Start, Overheating Response
Depth:
Consumer-level understanding of operation and basic owner maintenance. Does not include detailed repair procedures, diagnostic codes, or overhaul instructions.
Wheelbase 2Dr:
95.4 inches (2423 mm)
Wheelbase 4Dr Unlimited:
116.0 inches (2946 mm)
Length 2Dr:
160.8 inches (4084 mm)
Length 4Dr Unlimited:
184.4 inches (4683 mm)
Width Without Doors And Mirrors:
73.7 inches (1872 mm)
Height:
70.9 inches (1801 mm)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat 2Dr:
12.8 cubic feet (0.36 cubic meters)
Cargo Volume Behind Rear Seat 4Dr Unlimited:
31.5 cubic feet (0.89 cubic meters)
Curb Weight 2Dr Manual:
approx. 3,850 lbs (1746 kg)
Curb Weight 4Dr Unlimited Automatic:
approx. 4,380 lbs (1987 kg)
Towing Capacity:
2,000 lbs (907 kg) for 2-door, 3,500 lbs (1588 kg) for 4-door Unlimited
NHTSA Front Impact Driver:
4 Stars (2009 Model)
NHTSA Front Impact Passenger:
4 Stars (2009 Model)
IIHS Frontal Offset:
Good (2009 Model)
ABS:
Standard (front disc/rear drum or optional 4-wheel disc)
Traction Control:
Available (Electronic Roll Mitigation and Traction Control on some models)
Stability Control:
Electronic Stability Control (ESC) available on select trims/options.
Airbags:
Front Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) airbags for driver and front passenger. Side curtain airbags available on some models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point seat belts with pretensioners for front occupants, two-point for rear bench (2-door), three-point for rear bench (4-door Unlimited).
Rollover Protection:
Reinforced windshield frame and sport bar (roll cage).
Audio System:
Base AM/FM stereo with CD player. Optional Infinity speaker systems, SiriusXM satellite radio.
Connectivity:
Limited. Primarily focused on audio playback. No standard Bluetooth or USB connectivity for this model year.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most trims.
Navigation:
Not available as a factory option for the 2009 model year.
System Type:
Manual climate control (A/C and heater). Optional automatic climate control on higher trims (less common).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-6,000 miles or 6 months (depending on driving conditions and oil type, refer to manual for specifics).
Tire Rotation Interval:
Every 5,000-7,500 miles
Engine Air Filter Replacement:
Check at 15,000 miles, replace as needed. Heavy dust conditions may require more frequent replacement.
Cabin Air Filter Replacement:
Check at 15,000 miles, replace as needed.
Transmission Fluid Check:
Check periodically as per manual. Replacement intervals vary by transmission type and usage (e.g., towing, off-roading).
Engine Oil Type:
SAE 5W-20 (API Certified)
Engine Oil Capacity:
4.7 US quarts (4.4 L) with filter
Coolant Type:
Mopar Antifreeze/Coolant (HOAT - Hybrid Organic Acid Technology) or equivalent, 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Power Steering Fluid Type:
ATF+4 (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
Transfer Case Fluid Type:
NV241: Mopar NV241 Transfer Case Lubricant or Dexron III/Mercon ATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Type:
Mopar ATF+4 (42RLE)
Common Wear Items:
Clutch wear (manual transmission), ball joints, tie rod ends, exhaust system components (due to off-road use).
Electrical Quirks:
Occasional water ingress into the cabin, especially with the roof removed or aftermarket modifications. IPC (Instrument Panel Cluster) issues reported by some owners.
Engine Performance:
The 3.8L V6 is known for its durability but is not a powerhouse; can feel sluggish when loaded or at higher altitudes. Some reports of oil filter housing leaks.
Body Integrity:
Door seals and cowl seals can deteriorate over time, leading to water leaks. Body bolts may loosen with aggressive off-road use.
Brand Legacy:
Jeep is synonymous with off-road capability, originating from its military roots in WWII.
Wrangler Lineage:
Direct descendant of the CJ series, evolving from the YJ (1987-1995) and TJ (1997-2006) generations.
Jk Generation Introduction:
Introduced for the 2007 model year, marking a significant redesign with a wider track, longer wheelbase options, and improved on-road manners while retaining core off-road prowess.
Manufacturing Location:
Toledo, Ohio, USA
Off Road Accolades:
Consistently recognized by off-road publications and enthusiasts for its capability.
Consumer Ratings:
Generally high owner satisfaction for its intended purpose, though lower for on-road comfort and refinement compared to mainstream SUVs.
Fuel Economy Epa City:
15 mpg (approx. for 2WD manual, 4WD slightly lower)
Fuel Economy Epa Highway:
19 mpg (approx. for 2WD manual, 4WD slightly lower)