7 Used Jeep Wrangler JL Models You Can’t Pass Up

April 14th, 2023 by

A popular used Jeep Wrangler for sale, a white 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander, is shown parked near the ocean.

Lots of people love shopping for a used Jeep Wrangler for sale because they’re such great off-road SUVs. They’re also plentiful when it comes to availability, trim selection, and features. If there’s some kind of particular off-road discipline you have in mind, from hill climbing and rock crawling to dirt trails and mudding, the Wrangler can handle it. Those looking to get in on the Wrangler action but are looking for something affordable and cost-effective will probably want to pick up a used model.

 

Well, you’re in luck because there are a lot of different used Wrangler models out there that you can get at our dealership across a variety of trims, special editions included. Even better for you, this article will run down some of the used models from the recent Wrangler JL generation so you can find a modern and cost-effective off-road SUV that suits your needs. So let’s get right into it and cover some of the Wrangler models you should add to your used shopping list.

#7: 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S

Buying on a budget while also looking for a great utility off-road vehicle that has good fuel economy for its size? Well, that’s a tall order but a doable one when it comes to buying a used Wrangler because there are available trims and models that can give you exactly what you’re looking for. One such model is the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport S.

 

The four-door, family-sized off-road SUV is the perfect combination of utility meets practicality, especially if you get the Unlimited Sport S with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, which delivers 22 MPG in the city and 29 MPG on the highway. This powertrain in this trim format nets you a great combination of gas mileage and affordability because a 2020 model year Wrangler Unlimited Sport S can be acquired for a fairly low price.

#6: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander

If fuel economy isn’t your biggest concern and you have a budget ceiling that enables you to venture outside of your usual financial comfort zone, then the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander is one trim well worth checking out. The Islander adds a lot of fun and visual spice to the off-road SUV, which is great for anyone looking for a used Wrangler that departs from the typical offerings you might find in the model year line-up. It’s fun, fresh, and has a great paint scheme to boot.

 

The Islander was introduced as a special limited edition for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, so finding one used might require a bit of scouting and filtering. If you can find one, the Islander comes with special Islander decals, a surf-blue interior logo, and a special white hard top to separate it from the rest of the trims. The bright aluminum wheels and off-road-ready suspension means it can do everything you would expect a Wrangler to, but it comes with its own special flair for those who want to stand out from the crowd with their used Wrangler.

#5: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport

Reliable, off-road ready, and extremely affordable for those looking to get a Jeep Wrangler on a budget. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport is a great entry-level trim for those who want to get into the hype of the Wrangler brand but aren’t quite ready to commit to the more hardcore trims like the Rubicon or Xtreme Recon. If you’re shopping for a Jeep Wrangler that is literally just all about affordability, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sport is available aplenty and for cheap.

 

The beauty of it is that the Wrangler Sport is still a feature-rich vehicle. Affordable doesn’t mean it’s lacking in the basics because it has plenty of features when it comes to safety, performance, and technology. This includes a powerful V6 that nets you up to 285 hp at 260 lb-ft of torque, some great active safety assists, and a Uconnect infotainment suite that grants you access to a lot of the media streaming and accessibility you’ve come to love from the Uconnect system.

#4: 2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport

One of the absolute coolest iterations of the Jeep Wrangler JL generation is the Willys Sport. The standard Willys Wrangler is already a really cool trim, with its deep green livery and very rugged and masculine appearance. However, the Willys Sport takes a decidedly different approach to the Wrangler’s rugged appeal by applying a more cost-effective approach to the Willys trim while also retaining some of its iconic design cues.

 

The Willys Sport for the Jeep Wrangler trades the tires and LED lights from the standard Willys for a more affordable but still highly stylized version of the Wrangler. As a result, anyone who has always wanted a Willys trim but felt it was a bit outside of their price range could opt for the Willys Sport, which makes for a great used Wrangler because you get style and affordability in one package. Of course, if you were willing to spend more for some of the amenities that come with the Willys standard package, you could still opt for that route, but if you want to save a few coins, the Willys Sport is the way to go.

A 2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport is shown parked on a rocky road.

#3: 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide

The 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide is definitely going to be a difficult trim to get your hands on due to its limited availability. However, if you can get your hands on one, then it’s well worth it. The unique selection of different colors, the large 35-inch tires, and the High Tide decals definitely set it apart from the rest of the line-up.

 

Beyond the unique styling, modular hardtop roof, and cool color scheme, the 2022 Wrangler High Tide also comes standard with a Pentastar V6 with eTorque. Why is this important? Because it means it has instant access to more torque off the line than a standard V6. This is great for those who like to venture beyond the hills and off into uncharted territory where the terrain is uncompromising or unpredictable. The extra torque combined with the 4×4 capabilities means that you’re unlikely to get stuck, thanks to the huge 35-inch tires and terrain management systems. Plus, if you really wanted a stylistically used Wrangler, then getting a High Tide is definitely one way to make a statement.

#2: 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Moab

If rugged and muscular is what you’ve been after when it comes to the Jeep Wrangler, it doesn’t really get more muscular than the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Moab. It’s such a beastly-looking off-road SUV, especially in the dark gray color scheme. LED lights, steel bumper, mud-terrain tires, and Moab decals help provide that extra bit of menace. Surprisingly, you might find that despite its domineering appearance, very bold stance, and cool features, it’s a lot more affordable than some other trims. Being a 2019 model year also means that buying one used will benefit you even more if you’re working on a strict budget. What’s more, this is an excellent choice if you want to drive around in the sort of vehicle that you might find Jack Reacher or a Terminator riding in.

A lime green 2022 Jeep Wrangler High Tide is shown parked on the sand.

#1: 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

When it comes to off-roading, you don’t get more off-road-ready than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. When it comes to shopping for a used Jeep Wrangler, you won’t find a more feature-rich and dirt-ready trim than a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. There’s a reason why this particular model is viewed as the king of the hill in the off-roading segment. The Rubicon has a modular open-air design, mud-terrain tires, cool decals, and off-road-tuned suspension and performance.
A 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a worthwhile choice for those looking for one of the best versions of the Wrangler while attempting to get it for less than the MSRP by buying used. This is a great way to save money and get your hands on a great Wrangler for sale. Lots of people love the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, so if you can get one used, definitely go for it!