by Matthew Konkle
Managing Editor
You never really notice the inside of a Jeep Wrangler. It’s always the grille first. Maybe the tires. Mirrors. Bumpers. Perhaps it is that raked-back boxy look that has been synonymous with the vehicle for decades.
But never the inside.
And yet, the interior of that Jeep arguably should be just as important to notice as all that other stuff. Because, after all, it is where you’ll spend all your time driving.
So, if you are unfamiliar as to just what, exactly, the inside of a Jeep Wrangler offers that can set it apart from other vehicles, we’ve compiled a list of top questions and answers all about the inside of a Jeep.
How Spacious is a Jeep Wrangler’s Interior?
The Jeep Wrangler does offer ample space, though it varies depending on the model. The two-door Wrangler seats four passengers, while the four-door Wrangler Unlimited accommodates five.
Up front, the most recent Wrangler features 42.6 inches of legroom and 41.2 inches of headroom, and the front seats are roomy for most drivers and passengers. Meanwhile, the two-door model's rear seats provide 35.7 inches of legroom which is sufficient for short trips or smaller passengers. However, longer trips can be a bit more difficult for rear occupants. Meanwhile, the four-door Unlimited model does have a more generous 38.3 inches, making it better suited for families or longer journeys.
Regarding cargo space, the two-door Wrangler provides 12.9 cubic feet of storage behind the rear seats, expanding to 31.7 cubic feet with the seats folded. The Unlimited expands to 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the seats and 72.4 cubic feet when folded.
Is a Jeep Wrangler's Interior Comfortable for Long Drives?
There are many out there who remember the older YJ and TJ series Wrangler vehicles that did not offer much of anything for comfort. However, all that changed when Jeep brought its newest Wrangler JL into production.
These days, Wrangler seats provide more than adequate comfort and lumbar support for any duration trip and even have an available leather option. Upgrade packages can also include heated seat options for those in colder climates.
Besides seating, the vehicle’s climate control system pumps out plenty of cold or hot air, depending on the season, and some trim levels feature a dual-zone automatic climate control to ensure all passengers have a comfortable cabin regardless of the weather.
Finally, regardless of whether the Jeep has a hard or soft top, noise levels inside the cabin are far quieter than ever. Jeep utilizes a thicker soft top material designed to reduce flapping and wind noise, while many hardtop versions include sound-deadening insulation to improve cabin quietness.
Of course, no one will ever confuse the inside of a Jeep’s cabin with a fancy sports car, but take a ride in a modern JL Wrangler, and then someone’s older YJ, and you’ll see just how far Jeep has come in the interior refinement department.
What Interior Technology Features Does the Jeep Wrangler Offer?
These days, Jeep Wrangler JL owners have seen a technological advance inside their vehicles unmatched in the entire line's history. Modern infotainment systems with large interactive touchscreens, a stable of gauges that monitor nearly everything on the Jeep, smartphone integration, cameras and plenty of driving assist devices.
The latest 2024 Wrangler JL models have all switched to the latest UConnect System that features a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and can be easily synched up to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. Additionally, this system comes with an available Wi-Fi hotspot capability, and some higher-end trims even have an Alpine speaker set up for premium sound.
For drivers, the Wrangler now offers a 7-inch digital cluster display that can toggle between plenty of vehicle stats like speed, fluid temperatures, compass, oil and transmission temperatures, performance metrics and numerous off-road measurements like pitch and roll, as well as current off-camber percentage.
All new Wranglers come standard with an integrated backup camera that is wired to the UConnect display, while some even come with a front camera that is perfect for those who off-road and want that extra front-end visibility.
Can a Wrangler’s Interior Handle Weather and Terrain Challenges?
Unlike most other vehicles, a Wrangler’s interior is absolutely built with these challenges in mind. Straight from the factory, the JL Wrangler features four drain plug locations—one under each seat. So, if the top is accidentally left open during a storm, you can remove the carpet, pull the plugs and quickly drain that interior.
Similarly, the Jeep’s interior is highly customizable for weather, with rubberized floor liners available to capture moisture, mud and snow before it can present a problem, and protective seat covers to shield seats against the same kind of elements.
What Storage Options Are Available Inside a Jeep Wrangler?
The interior of a Jeep Wrangler does come from the factory with a lockable center console, however with its narrow profile, it doesn’t provide a ton of space. Neither does the glove box. With a little modification, though, you can give that inside space several storage solutions.
MOLLE panels and bags can attach behind the front seats and provide several options for cargo, while under seat and cargo area lockable metal boxes give extra space and excellent security. Additionally, grab bar, door handle and center console storage trays provide gathering spots for smaller items like change, snacks and papers.
Another newer and popular item is headrest safes that swap out the factory seat headrest for an aftermarket version with an 18-gauge interior steel compartment for excellent lockable security.
What Customization Products Are Available for the Interior?
Floor liners and seat covers are always top-selling interior options, but there are plenty of other choices, such as those under seat storage boxes for security, center console and grab bar storage trays, smartphone mounts, MOLLE panels, grab handles for support, dead pedals for additional driving comfort, as well as rear cargo boxes and storage bags.
How Does the Wrangler Interior Compare to Other Vehicles?
A Jeep Wrangler’s interior will never have plush materials and high-end accents like you’ll find in luxury SUVs and automobiles. However, it is way more refined these days than in previous models, while still retaining its rugged, go anywhere mantra.
It utilizes plenty of weather-resistant surfaces so you won’t have to worry about water or other elements attacking important electronics. Additionally, its cloth seats, or leather optional ones, have plenty of lumbar support and are bolstered to help hold you in place during more demanding driving conditions.
But perhaps the best part of a Wrangler’s interior is the ability to actually open up that inside and drive with a fully exposed cabin. So, sure, the Wrangler may lack the plush offerings of some competitors, but its benefits more than make up for a little luxury loss.
