Wrangler Power Steps

The "TK" Wrangler is heavily patterned on the styling from the Gladiator pickup concept inadvertently giving crisp edges to a very heritage-rich design. This off-roader emphasizes rock crawling over highway comfort, and when it comes to hardcore trailblazing, it's rarely matched. And although it has been redesigned for 2008, this particular Wrangler is a almost like a spitting image of its predecessor. If you want something familiar, then this is the jeep you are looking for.

Exterior-wise, the Wrangler features such classic elements as a vertically slatted grille, removable doors, exposed C-pillars and a tail-mounted spare tire. The features that make it distinguishable from previous models include shorter grille slats, clearly separated fenders, and fog lights incorporated into the front bumper. The new model also boasts of a curved windshield and tighter roof integration help effectively reduce interior noise by 20 percent. Other offroad features include three underbody skid plates, an available tow package with Dana 44 axles for lower trim levels and an available electronically disconnecting front stabilizer bar for increased ground clearance.

Now, for a closer look on its interiors. There is nothing blatantly new in the 2008 Wrangler except for the fact that the thin-spoke steering wheel has a circular hub, and a vertical center control panel features a high-mounted radio with circular air vents underneath. Newly available options include power windows and door locks — a Wrangler first — and an in-dash navigation system.

Safety features include standard four-wheel-disc brakes with ABS incorporate an offroad feature that allows sustained lockup over loose surfaces. Also standard is an electronic stability system with Chrysler's new rollover mitigation technology, which can pulse individual brakes in an attempt to prevent impending rollovers. Side-impact airbags are optional for the front seats. It is worth noting that side curtain airbags are missing in this particular Wrangler.