2020 Jeep Wrangler
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | SUV |
| Base Price | $29,647–$34,858 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2020 Jeep Wrangler at 7.0/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this suv. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.9/10, while Value at 6.6/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional suv — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We score reliability at 7.3/10 — better than most direct rivals, if short of the segment's best. Safety is a notable gap at 6.8/10 in our scoring — below what the best in segment deliver. Check the official NHTSA ratings for the trim you're considering before deciding.
Performance scores 7.6/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.9/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $29,647–$34,858, 16 MPG, seating 5, the Jeep Wrangler sits in the mid-market bracket of the suv segment. The value score of 6.6/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 6 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is a passable suv but not a standout one. Weaknesses in safety and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler ranks #2010 of 2454 suvs in the Carivo database — better than 18% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.4 points below the segment average of 7.4/10. Its $29,647 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $36,079 by about 18%.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full SUV ranking → · Best SUVs under $35k →
Smart-money pick: the 2017 Jeep Wrangler scores 6.9/10 — within striking distance of the 2020's 7.0 — and starts roughly $3,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.3/10 | $34,700 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.3/10 | $34,700 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.3/10 | $33,690 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.2/10 | $32,679 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.2/10 | $31,668 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.1/10 | $30,657 | Read review → |
| 2020 (this review) | 7.0/10 | $29,647 | |
| 2019 | 7.0/10 | $28,636 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.0/10 | $27,625 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 6.9/10 | $26,615 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 6.8/10 | $25,604 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 6.7/10 | $24,593 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 10/09/2020 · 20V191000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger… |
|---|---|
| Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower arm 24/01/2020 · 20V042000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The left side lower control arm bracket and weld may not be correctly positioned. |
| Fuel system, gasoline / Delivery / Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings 26/08/2021 · 21V665000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Wrangler vehicles equipped with the 2.0 Liter engine. A cracked fuel supply line connector may leak fuel into the engine compartment. |
| Power train / Clutch assembly 28/01/2021 · 21V028000 | Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Jeep Wrangler and 2020-2021 Jeep Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. |
| Power train / Clutch assembly 03/03/2020 · 20V124000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Gladiator vehicles equipped with manual transmissions. The clutch pressure plate may overheat and fracture. |
Showing 5 of 12 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2020 Jeep Wrangler's reliability 7.3/10 — above the middle of the pack for this class. It has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
12 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #2010 of 2454 suvs in our database (better than 18% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler starts at $29,647 and ranges up to $34,858 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Jeep models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.