Description
The Jeep Wrangler 2.5 marked the beginning of the modern era for Jeep, blending the rugged off-road heritage of its predecessors with greater comfort, refinement, and everyday usability. Introduced in 1986 for the 1987 model year as part of the first-generation Wrangler (the YJ series), the 2.5-litre version was the spiritual successor to the classic CJ-5 and CJ-7 — vehicles that had carried Jeep’s reputation for toughness through the mid-20th century. While unmistakably a Jeep in form and function, the Wrangler 2.5 represented a new direction: one where off-road capability coexisted with on-road civility.
The Wrangler 2.5 emerged from a period of transition. American Motors Corporation (AMC), which had acquired Jeep from Kaiser in 1970, sought to broaden the brand’s appeal beyond farmers and off-road enthusiasts to include suburban drivers who wanted adventure with comfort. The YJ Wrangler was therefore designed as a direct replacement for the CJ series but with improved safety, handling, and interior comfort — changes that would make it more accessible to a wider audience while maintaining Jeep’s legendary capability.
At first glance, the Wrangler 2.5 was both familiar and fresh. Its open-body design, upright windshield, exposed hinges, and removable doors all echoed the CJ’s utilitarian roots. Yet its appearance was smoother and more refined. The body lines were slightly wider and less angular, the windshield sat lower, and the interior was better insulated. Most notably, the YJ introduced rectangular headlights — a major departure from Jeep tradition — which gave the front end a distinctive, modern look that remains one of its defining features. The wheelbase measured 93.4 inches (2,372 mm), and the track was slightly wider than that of the CJ-7, improving stability both on and off the road.
Under the hood, the Wrangler 2.5 was powered by AMC’s 2,464 cc (150 cu in) inline-four engine, producing 117 horsepower and 183 Nm of torque. This engine, part of AMC’s long-serving four-cylinder family, was simple, reliable, and fuel-efficient. While not particularly fast, it offered sufficient power for the lightweight Wrangler and excelled at low-speed torque delivery — crucial for off-road work. Mated to either a five-speed manual gearbox (the Aisin AX5) or a three-speed automatic transmission, the 2.5 engine provided an ideal balance of drivability and economy.
The drivetrain featured Jeep’s proven Command-Trac part-time four-wheel-drive system with a two-speed transfer case, allowing the driver to select between rear-wheel drive for normal road use and 4WD High or Low for off-road conditions. Locking hubs were eliminated in favor of a simpler shift-on-the-fly design. The system, combined with the Wrangler’s short wheelbase, solid axles, and high ground clearance, made the 2.5 a remarkably capable off-roader — easily tackling steep grades, mud, sand, and rocky trails that would stop most vehicles cold.
Chassis construction remained true to Jeep tradition. The Wrangler used a separate ladder-frame chassis with solid front and rear axles suspended by leaf springs. While this setup gave it unmatched durability and wheel articulation, it also resulted in a firm ride on pavement. Nevertheless, AMC engineers made significant improvements in handling and stability over the CJ series, widening the track, stiffening the chassis, and refining the steering geometry. The Wrangler 2.5 was therefore less prone to body roll and felt more secure at highway speeds.
Inside, the Wrangler 2.5 marked a clear step forward in comfort and design. The cabin featured more supportive seats, better noise insulation, and improved ergonomics. The dashboard was redesigned with clear, legible instruments and integrated ventilation controls, while carpeting and optional full doors with glass windows made it feel more car-like than any previous Jeep. Yet it retained its utilitarian spirit — drain plugs in the floor allowed it to be hosed out after muddy adventures, and the roof and doors could still be removed for true open-air driving.
Performance-wise, the 2.5 was not about speed but about control and endurance. It could cruise comfortably at 60–65 mph (95–105 km/h), return decent fuel economy (around 22–25 mpg), and excel where traction mattered more than power. On-road, it felt composed and manageable, while off-road, its light weight and low gearing allowed it to crawl over obstacles with confidence. The five-speed manual transmission, in particular, gave drivers precise control, making it a favorite among enthusiasts who appreciated its mechanical honesty.
The Wrangler 2.5 was also the most affordable model in the lineup, appealing to younger buyers and purists who valued simplicity over luxury. It was lighter and more agile than the six-cylinder versions, and its smaller engine made it easier to maintain and repair. Many owners used it as both a daily driver and a weekend trail companion — a dual role that captured Jeep’s evolving identity in the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Over its production run, which lasted until 1995, the Wrangler 2.5 saw gradual improvements. The carbureted engine was replaced by electronic fuel injection in 1991, increasing power to 123 horsepower and improving throttle response and reliability. The interior gained more refinement, and safety features such as roll bars and optional anti-lock brakes became standard in later years.
On the trail, the 2.5 remained a true Jeep — agile, surefooted, and nearly indestructible. Its short wheelbase allowed it to turn tightly in forested paths, its 4WD system provided excellent traction, and its mechanical simplicity meant it could be repaired virtually anywhere. Whether used for rock crawling, beach driving, or exploring backcountry roads, it delivered the sense of freedom that defined the brand since the 1940s.
Today, the Jeep Wrangler 2.5 is recognized as a classic in its own right — the model that bridged the rugged utilitarian world of the CJ with the more refined Wranglers that followed. Collectors appreciate its honesty and mechanical purity, while off-road enthusiasts still prize its light weight and agility.
The 2.5 stands as a reminder of what made Jeep special: a vehicle built not for luxury or speed, but for capability, adaptability, and adventure. It proved that the essence of the original Jeep — simplicity, durability, and freedom — could evolve without being lost. In many ways, the Wrangler 2.5 was the last Jeep to fully embody that balance, a machine equally at home on city streets and mountain trails, carrying forward a legacy that began in the mud and grit of World War II.