You are looking at the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport S four-door, one of the lower trims in a lineup that ranges widely in price and features. You already know the Wrangler name, but you want to know if this version gives you real value for your money.
You will see how this trim fits into the full lineup, what you get for the price, and how it performs both on the road and off it. You will also learn where it feels strong and where it feels basic, so you can decide if it matches your needs.
Key Takeaways
- You get a wide trim range with pricing that spans from entry level to fully loaded models.
- You can expect strong turbo power, solid off-road ability, and classic Wrangler design features.
- You should weigh comfort, technology, and everyday usability against the price.
Overview of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Sport S
The 2026 Wrangler Sport S four-door sits near the base of the lineup. You choose from eight trims, with prices starting around $37,000 and reaching up to $80,000.
On this Sport S, the base Sport price begins at $38,000, and Jeep adds features on top of that. With destination fees and the customer package, this model totals $47,990.
Under the hood, you get a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that makes 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. An 8-speed automatic transmission sends power to two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive, and you can switch modes while driving.
Fuel economy comes in at 20 mpg city, 22 mpg highway, and 21 mpg combined.
Key Highlights and Equipment
Up front, you see the classic seven-slot grille that every Jeep carries. The Sport S uses halogen headlights, turn signals, and fog lights. Halogen bulbs cost less and you can replace them easily.
You also get:
- 9.7 inches of ground clearance
- Two front tow hooks
- Plastic skid plate underneath
- Large front bumper that extends outward
- 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires
The all-terrain tires stay quiet on the road and provide a smooth ride.
You can remove the roof panels, since this model has no roof rails or sunroof. Heated side mirrors come standard, but you do not get blind spot monitoring.
The key fob includes:
- Lock and unlock
- Panic button
- Remote start
- Hidden manual key
Inside, you find mostly hard plastic surfaces with soft padding where your arm rests. Both front seats use heated cloth upholstery and manual adjustments, including lumbar support.
Rear passengers get:
- Flip-style AC vents
- Two cup holders
- Storage nets on seatbacks
- Overhead lights
- Large speakers built into the roll structure
Headroom feels generous, even for taller riders. Legroom works well for average-height adults, though taller drivers may reduce rear space. The middle seat fits, but the floor hump limits comfort.
In the driver’s seat, you may notice a tight cabin feel. The space feels narrower than you might expect from the outside.
What Makes the Wrangler Different
You recognize the Wrangler immediately by its shape and grille. Jeep keeps the design consistent across gas and electric models.
The removable doors and roof panels set this SUV apart. Jeep places window switches in the center because you can take the doors off.
The exposed roll structure adds strength when you remove the roof. It also holds large speakers, so you can still enjoy music in open-air driving.
This setup focuses on durability, off-road ability, and simple repairs. You get strong torque from a small turbo engine, solid ground clearance, and hardware built for trails.
Trim Levels and Pricing
Model Options You Can Choose
You can pick from eight trims in the 2026 Jeep Wrangler lineup:
- Sport
- Sport S
- Willys
- Rubicon
- Three special edition trims
I am driving the four-door Sport S, which sits just above the base Sport model.
What You Will Pay
Pricing starts at $37,000 and climbs to about $80,000 for the highest trim.
The Sport trim lists at $38,000 MSRP as the base price. Jeep structures pricing in a unique way. The base Sport sets the starting cost, and each higher trim adds features on top of that instead of carrying a fully separate base price.
The Sport S I am driving totals $47,990 after:
- Destination and dealer fees
- Customer preferred package
- Added features
Features Included at Each Level
Jeep builds each trim by adding equipment to the base Sport rather than fully separating pricing by trim name.
On the Sport S four-door, you get:
- 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine
- 270 horsepower
- 295 lb-ft of torque
- 8-speed automatic transmission
- Switchable two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- All-terrain tires
- Heated cloth front seats
- Remote start
- Heated side mirrors
- Halogen headlights, fog lights, and turn signals
- 9.7 inches of ground clearance
- Two front tow hooks
- Plastic skid plate
- Removable top
If you move up to trims like the Rubicon, you can get up to 12.7 inches of ground clearance and more off-road-focused equipment.
Each trim builds on the base structure, so your final price depends on which model you choose and which packages Jeep adds on top.
Exterior Design and Features
Front Lighting and Signature Grille
You get the classic Jeep face right up front. The round headlights, turn signals, and fog lights all use halogen bulbs, which you can replace easily and at low cost.
The grille keeps the well-known seven-slot design that appears on every Jeep model. It gives you a bold and simple look that stands out right away.
Front Bumper and Ride Height
You will notice the large front bumper that extends far from the body. It includes two tow hooks and a plastic skid plate underneath to help protect against rocks when you drive off-road.
The Sport S sits 9.7 inches off the ground. If you move up to trims like the Rubicon, you can get up to 12.7 inches of ground clearance.
Wheels and All-Terrain Tires
You ride on 17-inch alloy wheels wrapped in all-terrain tires, not basic all-season tires. Even with the rugged tread, the tires stay quiet on the road and deliver a smooth drive.
Black plastic fender flares frame the wheels. They can get dirty, but you can clean them easily.
Removable Top and Open-Air Setup
You will not find roof rails or a traditional sunroof. Instead, you can remove the top and create an open-air driving experience.
This setup gives you the freedom of a convertible without adding extra roof hardware.
Powertrain and Performance
Engine Specs and Output
You get a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine under the hood.
This engine produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For a 2.0-liter setup, those numbers feel strong and move the Wrangler without struggle.
Gearbox and Shifting
An 8-speed automatic transmission handles all power delivery.
It shifts through eight gears to balance performance and daily driving needs. You do not get a manual in this setup.
Drive System Choices
You can send power to two-wheel drive or four-wheel drive.
You can switch between modes as needed, which helps when road or trail conditions change. The Sport S offers 9.7 inches of ground clearance, while higher off-road trims can reach 12.7 inches.
Fuel Economy Ratings
Fuel economy breaks down as follows:
- 20 mpg city
- 22 mpg highway
- 21 mpg combined
You should expect average efficiency for a vehicle built with off-road focus and all-terrain tires.
Interior Comfort and Space
Front Seat Design and Materials
You sit on heated cloth bucket seats in the front. The fabric feels soft and cushioned, not stiff. You also get manual controls for height, tilt, forward and back movement, plus a twist knob for lumbar support.
The doors use mostly hard plastic. A small padded section supports your arm, which adds some comfort on longer drives.
You may notice the cabin feels tight. Even at 5’8″, your elbow can touch the side. The space feels more closed in than you might expect from the outside.
Back Seat Comfort and Room
Rear passengers get soft cloth seats that feel well padded. The cushions press down easily and feel comfortable to sit on.
Headroom stands out. A six-foot passenger can fit upright without issue. Legroom works well if front passengers are average height, but taller drivers will reduce space behind them.
The middle seat has a floor hump. It is not huge, but it affects comfort. Three adults can fit, though the center rider will need to adjust their legs around the hump and cupholders.
Rear features include:
- Adjustable air vents
- Two cupholders near the center
- Storage nets on both front seatbacks
- Two overhead lights
- Large speakers mounted on the roll bar
Window switches sit in the center since you can remove the doors.
Cargo Area and Storage Options
You get small storage pockets in the doors, plus cargo nets for loose items. The front doors hold more than the rear.
The removable top adds flexibility. You do not get roof rails or a sunroof, but you can take the top off for open-air driving.
Technology and Infotainment
Touch Display and Controls
You use a center touchscreen paired with a mix of digital and analog gauges. The setup feels simple and direct.
Physical buttons sit around the screen, so you can adjust key settings without digging through menus. This layout helps when you drive and need quick access.
The screen responds clearly, and you can move through menus without confusion. You do not deal with complex layers or hidden features.
Built-In Connections
You get remote start from the key fob. Press and hold the button, and the engine starts without stepping inside.
The vehicle includes standard camera support and heated mirrors. However, you do not get blind spot monitoring on this trim.
You can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive while driving. The system responds right away when you change modes.
Personal Setup Choices
You adjust lumbar support with a manual dial. You also control seat height, tilt, and slide by hand.
The mirrors adjust with a small control pad on the door. You can lock and unlock the doors from the same panel.
Since the doors can come off, the window switches sit in the center area instead of on the doors. This design keeps them usable even when you remove the doors.
Apps and Media Access
Large speakers sit in the rear roll bar, so you can still hear music clearly with the top off. The sound remains strong and direct.
You control media through the central screen and physical buttons. The layout keeps things easy to reach and simple to use.
The system focuses on core features instead of extra digital add-ons. You get the tools you need without overload.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Core Protection Equipment
You get a solid setup built for tough use. The front end includes two tow hooks and a plastic skid plate to help shield the underside from rocks when you drive off-road.
The Sport S sits 9.7 inches off the ground, which helps you clear obstacles. If you move up to higher trims like the Rubicon, ground clearance increases to 12.7 inches.
A strong roll cage structure adds support, especially if you remove the roof. This design helps maintain strength if the vehicle tips.
All front lighting uses halogen bulbs for the headlights, turn signals, and fog lights. You can replace these bulbs easily and at low cost.
Optional Driving Support Features
You can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive while driving. This gives you more control when road or trail conditions change.
The side mirrors include heating elements, which help clear frost or fog in cold weather.
This trim does not include blind spot monitoring, even though many vehicles now offer it as standard equipment.
Adjustable Warning Settings
You control key functions through the vehicle system after you start it with the push-button ignition.
The Wrangler includes a remote start feature on the key fob. You can start the engine before you enter the vehicle, which helps in cold or hot weather.
You manage mirror adjustments with the power mirror controls on the door panel.
On-Road and Off-Road Driving Experience
Ride Comfort on Pavement
You sit high, and the suspension feels soft for a vehicle like this. The cloth seats feel very cushioned, and you notice the comfort within minutes of driving.
The all-terrain tires do not ride rough. They stay fairly smooth on normal roads, and they do not create the harsh feel you might expect.
Inside, the cabin feels tight. Your elbows sit close to the doors, and you may feel boxed in, even though the Wrangler looks large from the outside.
Steering Feel and Body Movement
You can switch between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive while driving. The 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly as the 2.0-liter turbo engine sends out 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.
The power feels strong for a four-cylinder. You do not feel like the engine struggles to move the vehicle.
The tall shape and high ground clearance mean you sit well above traffic. That height can lead to body movement in turns, especially compared to lower SUVs.
Cabin Sound on the Road
The all-terrain tires stay quieter than expected. You do not hear loud road noise from them during normal driving.
Because the roof can come off and the structure is built for that design, outside sound can be more noticeable than in a typical SUV. The solid roof panel helps, but this does not feel like a sealed luxury vehicle.
Trail and Off-Pavement Ability
Ground clearance measures 9.7 inches on the Sport S. That height helps you clear rocks and uneven paths without scraping the underside.
You get a large front bumper, two tow hooks, and a skid plate underneath. Those parts help protect the vehicle when you drive over rough ground.
If you choose higher trims like the Rubicon, ground clearance increases to 12.7 inches. Even in this trim, you can shift into four-wheel drive when you need extra traction.
Living With It and What You Get for Your Money
You step into a vehicle that people recognize right away. You drive the four-door Sport S, which sits near the bottom of the lineup, yet the price can still reach $47,990 with fees and added packages.
Jeep offers eight trims, starting around $37,000 and climbing to about $80,000. The pricing structure can feel confusing because Jeep lists a base Sport price, then adds features by trim instead of giving each trim one clear base number.
What You Deal With Every Day
- Halogen lights all around
- Manual cloth seats with heat
- No blind spot monitoring
- Remote start included
- Removable top and doors
You may expect LED lights at this price. Instead, you get halogen bulbs. They cost less to replace and are easy to find at any auto parts store.
You also get heated cloth seats that feel soft and supportive. Both front seats adjust by hand, including lumbar support. There are no power seat controls.
The cabin feels tighter than you might expect. Even if you are average height, your elbow may touch the door. It can feel more closed in than smaller cars.
Ride and Comfort
The 2.0L turbo engine makes 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. The 8-speed automatic shifts smoothly, and you can switch between two-wheel and four-wheel drive when needed.
Fuel economy stays modest:
| Driving Type | MPG |
|---|---|
| City | 20 |
| Highway | 22 |
| Combined | 21 |
The 17-inch wheels wear all-terrain tires, yet they stay fairly quiet on the road. The ride feels comfortable, and the suspension handles daily driving well.
Rear seat space works for most adults, though taller passengers in front can reduce legroom. Headroom stays generous. The middle seat fits a third person, but the floor hump limits comfort.
Practical Details
You get strong ground clearance at 9.7 inches, or up to 12.7 inches on higher trims. A large front bumper, tow hooks, and a skid plate support off-road use.
The removable top replaces the need for a sunroof. Large speakers mounted in the roll structure keep music clear even with the top off.
You choose this vehicle because you want the Wrangler experience. You accept the tight cabin, simple materials, and unique pricing structure in exchange for its design, removable top, and off-road ability.