2020 Jeep Wrangler Tips Over During Crash Test

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler tipped over during its safety certification test. It happened during the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)’s driver-side small overlap front crash test and is clearly seen in the lead photo above (see video below). This results in the Wrangler earning a “marginal” rating for the test.

The Wrangler, which was redesigned in 2018, was evaluated three separate driver-side small overlap crash tests, one by Jeep as part of the Institute’s verification test program, and two at the Institute’s Vehicle Research Center. In both tests conducted by IIHS, the Wrangler rolled onto its passenger side after striking the test barrier.

The Wrangler performed well by the normal metrics used to evaluate performance in the driver-side small overlap test. The driver’s space was maintained well, and the dummy’s movement was well-controlled. However, the partial rollover presents an additional injury risk beyond what the standard criteria are intended to measure. A vehicle tipping onto its side is not an acceptable outcome for a frontal crash, and as a result, the Wrangler’s overall rating was downgraded to marginal.

Rollovers are especially dangerous crashes, in part due to the risk of complete or partial ejection. This is a particular concern in the Wrangler, which has a roof and doors that can be removed. The Wrangler also lacks side curtain airbags designed to deploy in a rollover to keep occupants inside. It is not required by regulation to have side curtain airbags because of its removable roof.

After the vehicle tipped over in the audit test, Jeep questioned whether this outcome was related to the method that IIHS engineers had used to attach the vehicle to the crash propulsion system. IIHS agreed to conduct a second test using a different method, which was approved by Jeep. The second test also ended with the vehicle tipping on its side.

The Wrangler earns good ratings in the moderate overlap front, side, roof and head restraint evaluations.

This is the second “black eye” for the Wrangler after the European New Car Assessment Program or Euro NCAP slapped it with a one-star safety rating. It did receive a four-star rating from the NHTSA.

What Does the Jeep "Trail Rated" Badge Mean?

Today is Jeep 4x4 Day, the annual celebration of the iconic brand, and the freedom of off-road driving that goes with it. In commemoration, Jeep goes behind the brand’s “Trail Rated” badge—a mark reserved for only the most off-road capable models in their line-up.

Now in its fifth year, Jeep 4x4 Day is held on the fourth day of the fourth month (4/4) and is now enjoyed by Jeep owners and enthusiasts worldwide. It recognizes the invention of the SUV and the 80 years of Jeep evolution and innovation that have followed.

From Argentina to Zambia and everywhere in between, the Jeep brand's “Trail Rated” certification is so much more than just a badge. It is a methodology, a guarantee and a recognized standard for proven off-road capability. Trail Rated Jeep vehicles are put through a series of grueling tests designed to prove off-road performance on the world’s most demanding terrain.

The testing process begins in Jeep’s research and development departments, continues in the icy temperatures of North Michigan and finishes in the boulders of the Rubicon Trail, considered the toughest off-road testing ground in the world. The Trail Rated badge certifies that the vehicle has been designed to successfully pass five performance test categories to meet the most extensive level of off-road requirements in a production vehicle – traction, water fording, maneuverability, articulation, and ground clearance. Only when a Jeep model has passed all tests with flying colors can it claim to be among the most capable production off-road models on the market.

Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology initially established by the Nevada Automotive Test Centre (NATC) and the Jeep R&D Team to objectively measure the off-road performance of all Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated evaluation tests, this methodology provides a repeatable, consistent, and reliable measurement of off-road performance.

The Five Trail Rated Categories

Traction. Trail Rated Jeep 4x4s feature a variety of four-wheel-drive systems to suit all kinds of off-road challenges and driving conditions. Trail Rated traction helps maintain a controlled forward motion in snow, ice, sand, and mud. Traction testing includes traction on untamed, slippery roads (wet, mud, snow) and on steep gradients. Crawl ratio is a key metric used to distinguish the traction and capability of Trail Rated Jeep 4x4s.

Water Fording. Trail Rated Jeep 4x4s feature additional electrical and body sealing along with a high air intake to help navigate streams and flooded underpasses that stop others cold.

Maneuverability. Trail Rated Jeep 4x4s have the capability to navigate narrow gaps, dodge emergency situations and avoid cosmetic damage thanks to precision steering and optimized wheelbases. The smaller the turn radius, the more capable the vehicle is at negotiating narrow gaps.

Articulation. Keeping the rubber on the trail helps the car to keep moving. When one or more wheels are elevated, good articulation allows the other wheel(s) to maintain ground contact longer, allowing for maximum available traction at all times. Trail Rated suspensions enhance off-road performance by maximizing flexibility, axle articulation and wheel travel, to ensure the tires grip the ground, even on steep surfaces.

Ground Clearance. Jeep 4x4s are tested for their ability to drive over obstacles, and the criteria include ground clearance and approach, breakover and departure angles to ensure the car can clear logs, rocks and uneven ground.

Jeep Philippines Launches Ultimate Wrangler JL: the 2019 Wrangler Rubicon (w/ Specs)

Less than a month after Auto Nation Group launched the new-generation Jeep Wrangler JL, it’s now joined by the “ultimate” Rubicon variant. A surprise showcase at the Manila International Auto Show, the Wrangler Rubicon is available with two engines and two body styles, and is now available at all authorized Jeep dealers nationwide.

The most capable Wrangler variant, the 2019 Wrangler JL comes standard with the Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials. At four corners, it has LT255/75R17C all-terrain tires while underneath it has various skid plates.

Like the recently launched Wrangler Unlimited Sport, the Wrangler Rubicon dons lightweight aluminum—on the hood, fenders, and doors while adding a more off-road friendly fascia with front and rear heavy-duty, winch-ready bumpers with removable end caps. Unlike the Sport variant though, the Wrangler Rubicon comes in two body styles—a 2-door and a 4-door, both with a removable hardtop and body-colored fender flares.

Considered as the most capable Wrangler ever, the Wrangler Rubicon comes with two engine variants. The base model comes with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 making 286 horsepower and 353 Nm of torque, while opting for the boosted 2.0-liter, it makes 286 horsepower and more impressively, 400 Nm of torque. Both engines are mated to an 8-speed automatic.

Standard features on the 2019 Wrangler Rubicon include front and rear fog lamps, the latest Uconnect infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 230-volt auxiliary power outlet, blind spot monitoring, and a rear-view camera with dynamic guidelines.

Pricing for the 2019 Wrangler Rubicon is as follows:

• 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (3.6-liter engine; 4-door) – P 4,390,000.00
• 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (2.0-liter engine; 4-door) – P 4,490,000.00
• 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (3.6-liter engine; 2-door) – P 3,990,000.00
• 2019 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (2.0-liter engine; 2-door) – P 4,090,000.00