Jeep Wrangler Safety Audit: Don’t Buy A New Jeep Wrangler for Your Teens
Jeep Wranglers are so cool, it’s no wonder teens are dying to have one. But buying a Jeep Wrangler for your teen could be one of the worst decisions you will ever make. We’ve all heard the argument that they are, in fact, super safe because of their sturdy frame and rugged roll bar. It turns out that the sturdy frame could actually tip your teens over. Jeep Wrangler safety is a hot topic for parents of first time drivers that are begging for a Wrangler.
Tested and found wanting
Car manufacturers typically run their own crash tests before putting vehicles into production. The Jeep had supposedly performed in Fiat Chrysler’s crash tests well enough to make it to production. But the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ran and audit on the redesigned Jeep Wrangler. Let’s just say that you don’t want one of these carrying precious cargo.
Safety first
Fiat Chrysler was apparently shocked by the results, initially thinking that perhaps the test wasn’t conducted properly. The IIHS made the appropriate adjustments and reran the tests. Again, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler flipped on contact.
The IIHS reports that the safety results of this test are highly concerning. A flip in a crash like this raises the likelihood of injury or death due to ejection. It’s especially scary when you think about the fact that a huge draw of the Jeep Wrangler is the fact you can take the doors and roof off.
This is probably not the kind of history that Jeep Wrangler wants to make
The newest generation of Wrangler flipped in both the first test and the second test which was tweaked slightly in favor of better results. Not only was the Jeep Wrangler the first car to ever flip during this IIHS test, it flipped twice. We have to agree with the “marginal” rating that resulted.
Not for teens
The image of a doorless topless Wrangler is alluring for a car full of rambunctious teenagers. But the new generation of Jeep Wrangler is not a good option for teens. There are many other cars that are comparable to the Jeep Wrangler that didn’t tip over in a safety audit.
A new Jeep Wrangler has a starting price range from $28,295 – $46,880. For an SUV in that range there is a wide spectrum of options. Something like the Hyundai Kona, the Toyota RAV4, or Subaru Crosstrek would be a lot safer and offer many of the same features as the Wrangler.
The Jeep Wrangler is great for off-pavement adventure, but it’s not the best when it comes to safety and reliability
The Jeep Wrangler is an off-road beast. But unless your teen is planning some major adventures off the beaten path any of those SUV’s would do just fine. Especially when equipped with AWD.
The Jeep Wrangler just isn’t a very safe car, and when it comes to keeping your kids safe that’s a pretty big issue. When buying a car for your teen, you want something reliable and safe. The two most common issues with the Jeep Wrangler are safety and reliability.
What about older Wranglers?
If you and your teen are Jeep Wrangler lovers and you can’t stand the thought of driving anything else, opt for an older generation. The tried and true 2004 model is considered by many to be the safest Wrangler model year ever. So if you’ve just gotta have it, go with an old faithful.
