When you think about modern vehicles, certain features just seem like no-brainers. Power windows, for instance, have been standard on most cars for decades. But if you’re a Jeep enthusiast, you know the Wrangler has always marched to the beat of its own drum. Well, 2025 marks a significant shift as Jeep finally waves goodbye to those manual crank windows that have been a quirky signature of base model Wranglers for years.
But that’s just the beginning. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler brings several thoughtful updates that show Jeep is listening to what drivers actually want, while still maintaining the rugged, go-anywhere spirit that made this vehicle legendary.
The End of an Era: Power Windows for Everyone
Let’s start with the most talked-about change. Every single 2025 Jeep Wrangler now comes with standard power windows and locks. Yes, you read that right – even the base Sport model gets these features that most of us consider essential in today’s world.
This might seem like a small thing, but it’s actually pretty significant. The Wrangler and its pickup truck sibling, the Gladiator, were literally the last new vehicles sold in America that still came with crank windows on their base models. While some purists might miss the simplicity of manually rolling down windows, most drivers will appreciate the convenience, especially when you’re trying to quickly ventilate the cabin after a hot day on the trail.
Transmission Changes That Matter
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit controversial. The 3.6-liter V6 engine is now exclusively paired with a six-speed manual transmission. This means if you want the traditional Wrangler V6 experience, you’ll need to learn to work a clutch pedal, or you’ve already mastered it.
Why This Change Makes Sense
This isn’t just Jeep being stubborn about tradition. There’s actually some logic here. Many serious off-road enthusiasts prefer manual transmissions because they offer more precise control when navigating challenging terrain. You can engine brake down steep descents, maintain specific RPMs for rock crawling, and generally have more direct control over your vehicle’s behavior.
That said, if you’re not comfortable with a manual but still want Wrangler capability, you’re not out of luck. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine still comes with an eight-speed automatic, and it actually delivers impressive performance with plenty of torque for daily driving and moderate off-roading.
The 4xe Hybrid: Still America’s Favorite
The Wrangler 4xe continues to be the best-selling plug-in hybrid vehicle in America for the third year running. This isn’t just a marketing claim – it reflects something real about how people are embracing this technology.
What Makes the 4xe Special
The plug-in hybrid system combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with electric motors and a battery pack to deliver 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. With about 21 miles of all-electric range, it’s perfect for daily commuting or silent trail exploration.
Think about it – you could drive to work on electric power alone, then switch to hybrid mode for weekend adventures. Plus, there’s something almost magical about silently creeping through nature on electric power during those early morning hunting trips or wildlife photography sessions.
Technology That Actually Helps
Active Cabin Ventilation
The 2025 Wrangler introduces Active Cabin Ventilation, which lets you air out your vehicle remotely through the Jeep app. This might sound gimmicky, but anyone who’s returned to a sun-baked Wrangler knows how valuable this could be.
Picture this: you’re finishing up a day hike, and instead of climbing into an oven-like cabin, you can start ventilating it while you’re still walking back to the parking area. It’s one of those features that seems unnecessary until you have it, then you wonder how you lived without it.
The 12.3-Inch Touchscreen
The Wrangler features a largest-in-class 12.3-inch touchscreen with Uconnect 5, complete with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. But here’s what’s really cool – it comes loaded with over 200 trail maps and GPS trail logs.
This isn’t just about streaming music or making calls. When you’re exploring backcountry trails, having detailed GPS mapping built right into your vehicle’s system is genuinely useful. You can track your routes, mark waypoints, and even download guides for offline use.
The Rubicon 392: One More Year of V8 Thunder
Good news for power enthusiasts: the V8-powered Rubicon 392 Final Edition continues for 2025. This beast packs a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine producing 470 horsepower, capable of launching this substantial off-roader from 0-60 mph in just 4.2 seconds.
While the regular Rubicon 392 has been discontinued, the Final Edition gives V8 fans one more chance to experience this unique combination of raw power and legendary off-road capability.
Design Touches That Honor Heritage
The ’41 Paint Option
A new olive-drab paint color called ’41 pays tribute to the original 1941 Willys MB – the military vehicle that started it all. This isn’t just another color option; it’s a nod to the Wrangler’s wartime origins and the utilitarian spirit that still defines the brand today.
There’s something appealing about driving a vehicle that visually connects you to that rich history, especially when you’re tackling challenging terrain that would have been familiar to those original Jeep drivers decades ago.
Safety Features That Don’t Compromise Character
Modern safety requirements could easily ruin a vehicle’s character, but Jeep has managed to integrate necessary features without compromising the Wrangler’s essence. The 2025 model includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control – all available across various trim levels.
These aren’t just regulatory checkboxes. When you’re driving a tall, boxy vehicle with thick pillars and a spare tire potentially blocking your rear view, having electronic assistance for blind spots and cross-traffic makes real sense.
Why These Updates Matter
What’s impressive about the 2025 Wrangler updates is how they address real-world concerns without losing the vehicle’s identity. Power windows aren’t exciting, but they make daily life easier. The transmission changes might seem limiting, but they actually enhance the driving experience for the target audience.
The 4xe hybrid system proves that environmental consciousness and off-road capability can coexist. And features like remote cabin ventilation and integrated trail mapping show that Jeep understands modern outdoor enthusiasts want technology that enhances their adventures, not complicates them.
Looking Forward
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler represents thoughtful evolution rather than revolution. After more than 80 years of 4×4 engineering expertise, Jeep continues to build the most recognizable and capable vehicle on the planet.
These updates show a brand that’s confident enough in its core identity to make practical improvements without chasing trends. Whether you’re a daily commuter who occasionally hits the trails, a weekend warrior seeking adventure, or a serious off-road enthusiast, the 2025 Wrangler has something meaningful to offer.
The transition from crank windows to power windows might mark the end of an era, but it’s also the beginning of a new chapter where legendary capability meets modern convenience. And honestly, that sounds like a pretty good trade-off.
For anyone considering a 2025 Wrangler, these updates make it easier to live with daily while maintaining every bit of the off-road prowess that made this vehicle famous. Sometimes the best changes are the ones that simply remove the little annoyances from something that was already pretty great to begin with.