2007 Jeep JK Wrangler - First Four-Door Wrangler Unlimited

When we first broke the '07 JK Wrangler story in April's issue ("2007 Jeep JK Wrangler"), a few of you quick-witted readers wondered about the possibility of a longer four-door version. It made sense, since the old TJ (94-inch wheelbase) was produced alongside the longer Unlimited version (104-inch wheelbase), and much was bandied about on trails and boardrooms about what would complement the new Jeep Wrangler JK (95.4-inch wheelbase). We're happy to say that, yes, the four-door Wrangler is virtually the same as the two-door (except for the 116-inch wheelbase) and it has more room and supposed capability as the TJ Unlimited. Of course, it's all an exercise on paper since we haven't been able to drive either one yet, but the up close and personal sneak peak we received in Detroit allayed our fears that Jeep had missed the proverbial boat.

The all-new '07 four-door Wrangler Unlimited has a 20-inch-longer wheelbase than the two-door model. The tow rating is also up to 3,500 pounds. The improved Dana 44 axle is standard on the four-door, and the rig is also available in a two-wheel-drive model.

In fact, the four-door is reminiscent of the Dakar concept and the Gladiator concept, but with the high degree of refinements thrown at the JK we covered last month. It will be available in the same versions, Wrangler X, Sahara, and, of course, the Rubicon with all the off-road bells and whistles which that designation implies, as well as the new electronic disconnect swaybar and the omnipresent selection of traction, stability, and safety controls. Another cool feature is the retro style 60/40 folding rear seat that still holds three passengers, making this the first five-passenger and first four-door Wrangler. It's a worthy successor to not only the TJ Unlimited, but also the XJ Cherokee line of Jeeps that have become so famous and irreplaceable, until now. The interior dimensions are of course truly cavernous by TJ comparisons; in fact the cargo volume of 46.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats is twice that of the TJ, and more than a contemporary Ford Explorer. With the rear seats folded down (not removed), the total volume is an incredible 86.7 cubic feet, an increase of 22 cubic feet over the '06 Wrangler Unlimited.

We won't bore you with a duplicate story on the four-door Wrangler specs and upgrades, since you can read the full two-door version story on our Web site, www.4wheeloffroad.com. But suffice to say the '07 Wrangler Unlimited is going to be a hot seller, and we intend to give both the two- and four-door a thorough thrashing and road test to give you the inside track and pricing on the latest in a long line of true off-road rigs.

Interior space is better than an old Cherokee XJ, and five people and a cooler can be seated comfortably for real off-road excursions. The 60/40 rear seat configuration is nice, and with the top off and seats folded down you could probably transport a refrigerator if the sport bar was not in the way.

Only the 3.7L V-6 engine is available, which is a modified version of the engine used in the Chrysler minivans. While horsepower and torque ratings are up from the old 4.0L inline-six, we hope the powerband allows the new Jeep to chug along the trail with all the extra heft of a four-door configuration.

The removable hardtop can also be configured with the driver or passenger part left in place, or front or rear sections independently. The Sunrider soft-top option is also available, as well as half doors. The full doors can be removed, and the windshield can still be folded forward.

Quick Specs