I wanted to share my report for the first 2,500 miles.
First, I have never owned a JGC. Our family has had other Jeeps in the past, but never this model.
I have owned my WK2 for about 6 weeks. I have a Black on Black Limited V6 with Lux II and ACC package. Added items are Mopar roof rails and slush mats. I live near Boston, MA.
Fit and Finish
Overall I'm very pleased. I have owned the spectrum of vehicles over the past 20 years, complete beaters to a few nice vehicles. The WK2 ranks in the upper group. There have been no squeaks or rattles, and the components "feel" secure. I do think the plastic buttons are cheap have a flimsy resistance, but the interior design and finish have been good.
Driving
If there is anything I can compare it to, it feels closest to my VW Touareg, and that is a complement for the Jeep. There is a rugged and confidence-inspiring component to being behind the wheel. The steering is very "thick", which I really like, with solid resistance, unlike vehicles meant to drive like cars.
The suspension is tight, but just recently as I closed in on 2,500 miles I'm starting to feel it breaking in, and it's getting better. It seems to be loosening up in the right places, namely road feel. It could also be me getting more used to how the WK2 feels on the road in various conditions. Either way I feel an improvement in the driving.
I moves along at 90-100 mph without any issues, visibility isn't bad for an SUV, and it is comfortable for long trips. The seats are hard, but they are comfortable.
Power / Mileage
I am in mostly stop and go traffic, getting about 17 MPG in these conditions, and around 21-22 on the highway at 70-75 sustained speeds.
Power seems fine. It's no V8, but if you step on it she moves pretty good for the weight. I wasn't expecting a torque monster, so I'm more than satisfied with the Pentastar for what I need.
Snow
I have the stock 18" (Michelin Lats I think?) from the Limited and have a lot of opportunity to test snow conditions, as Boston received over 60" snow from Christmas to early Feb. I was in Vermont during the 24" storm in mid January.
I think overall the performance is very good, although I can definitely feel the limitations in the tires. I had no problem getting through anything, but these tires scare me a little on ice. Snow was no problem, and I felt safe in almost all conditions.
Dedicated winter tires would have been a nice improvement, but those specific conditions are generally rare, and since 95% of my driving is on relatively clean roads throughout the year, it doesn't seem warranted for me at this time.
Off Road
Sorry, no opportunities for this yet.
Value
Here is where the Jeep really shines. I looked at the features I got on my WK2 (ACC, Ventilated seats, top quality 4WD system, Nav, etc) and I don't think I could find a vehicle in this class with these features for the price. (Negotiated less than $40k). It was a great option for the money relative to the competition. Price out an Acura MDX with the same features and it's $10K more, The Ford Edge isn't in the same class (IMO), the list goes on.
Problems
Both Key FOB batteries died with about 3 weeks of use each. I've replaced the batteries and waiting to see if the problem is resolved or I have a different issue.
I have a "moaning" sound at very low speeds. Others have reported this as well. I'm waiting to see if there is a preferred resolution before starting the process with the dealer.
I'm a little underwhelmed with the quick shift into 2nd or 3rd which really gives you sluggish response in favor of fuel economy. It's not a big deal, but you definitely notice it. I have heard there is a TSB for this, so I'll probably get that done when I have my first service and bundle up my issues.
Bottom Line
Very happy with the purchase in terms of value. Yes, there are sportier, more luxurious, better appointed vehicles out there, but I don't think you will find anything for the price that has all the same pieces. It does, at times, feel like a poor man's Touareg (from my experience), but I'm glad I saved $15k over a comparable VW, that I bought American, and my long-term maintenance/costs will be much lower.
Just my $.02
-Ryan
First, I have never owned a JGC. Our family has had other Jeeps in the past, but never this model.
I have owned my WK2 for about 6 weeks. I have a Black on Black Limited V6 with Lux II and ACC package. Added items are Mopar roof rails and slush mats. I live near Boston, MA.
Fit and Finish
Overall I'm very pleased. I have owned the spectrum of vehicles over the past 20 years, complete beaters to a few nice vehicles. The WK2 ranks in the upper group. There have been no squeaks or rattles, and the components "feel" secure. I do think the plastic buttons are cheap have a flimsy resistance, but the interior design and finish have been good.
Driving
If there is anything I can compare it to, it feels closest to my VW Touareg, and that is a complement for the Jeep. There is a rugged and confidence-inspiring component to being behind the wheel. The steering is very "thick", which I really like, with solid resistance, unlike vehicles meant to drive like cars.
The suspension is tight, but just recently as I closed in on 2,500 miles I'm starting to feel it breaking in, and it's getting better. It seems to be loosening up in the right places, namely road feel. It could also be me getting more used to how the WK2 feels on the road in various conditions. Either way I feel an improvement in the driving.
I moves along at 90-100 mph without any issues, visibility isn't bad for an SUV, and it is comfortable for long trips. The seats are hard, but they are comfortable.
Power / Mileage
I am in mostly stop and go traffic, getting about 17 MPG in these conditions, and around 21-22 on the highway at 70-75 sustained speeds.
Power seems fine. It's no V8, but if you step on it she moves pretty good for the weight. I wasn't expecting a torque monster, so I'm more than satisfied with the Pentastar for what I need.
Snow
I have the stock 18" (Michelin Lats I think?) from the Limited and have a lot of opportunity to test snow conditions, as Boston received over 60" snow from Christmas to early Feb. I was in Vermont during the 24" storm in mid January.
I think overall the performance is very good, although I can definitely feel the limitations in the tires. I had no problem getting through anything, but these tires scare me a little on ice. Snow was no problem, and I felt safe in almost all conditions.
Dedicated winter tires would have been a nice improvement, but those specific conditions are generally rare, and since 95% of my driving is on relatively clean roads throughout the year, it doesn't seem warranted for me at this time.
Off Road
Sorry, no opportunities for this yet.
Value
Here is where the Jeep really shines. I looked at the features I got on my WK2 (ACC, Ventilated seats, top quality 4WD system, Nav, etc) and I don't think I could find a vehicle in this class with these features for the price. (Negotiated less than $40k). It was a great option for the money relative to the competition. Price out an Acura MDX with the same features and it's $10K more, The Ford Edge isn't in the same class (IMO), the list goes on.
Problems
Both Key FOB batteries died with about 3 weeks of use each. I've replaced the batteries and waiting to see if the problem is resolved or I have a different issue.
I have a "moaning" sound at very low speeds. Others have reported this as well. I'm waiting to see if there is a preferred resolution before starting the process with the dealer.
I'm a little underwhelmed with the quick shift into 2nd or 3rd which really gives you sluggish response in favor of fuel economy. It's not a big deal, but you definitely notice it. I have heard there is a TSB for this, so I'll probably get that done when I have my first service and bundle up my issues.
Bottom Line
Very happy with the purchase in terms of value. Yes, there are sportier, more luxurious, better appointed vehicles out there, but I don't think you will find anything for the price that has all the same pieces. It does, at times, feel like a poor man's Touareg (from my experience), but I'm glad I saved $15k over a comparable VW, that I bought American, and my long-term maintenance/costs will be much lower.
Just my $.02
-Ryan