2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Chief: New car reviews

Jeep seems to have an unlimited array of packages and special editions for its model lineup. This one is called the Wrangler Unlimited Chief. What is it? It's a limited edition Wrangler Unlimited with a retro graphics package and some nice features like heated seats and a premium sound system. The Chief also comes standard with a manual transmission, but our test car had the optional 5-speed automatic transmission.

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I think I'm slowly evolving into a Jeep person. Every time I get into a Wrangler I like it even more than the last.

That being said, I wasn't too fond of the sticker package that came with the Chief. Call that a minor complaint.

The heated seats were very nice to have since we drove it in the winter months. Yes, even in Florida it gets chilly sometimes.

Everything inside is laid out logically and nothing is difficult to figure out. While just about everything is made from a plastic that doesn't try to disguise itself as anything other than black plastic, it gives you a kind of comfort that this car is okay with being used. I'm okay with that.

It drives well as Wranglers usually do and visibility is great. Road noise is definitely present, but not overwhelming.

I didn't spend much time with the Chief, but I did drive it enough to "get it." Is the Chief appearance package my cup of tea? No, not really, but it is pretty cool that you can buy something like this off a showroom floor. Me, though? If I'm buying a Jeep with silly stickers on the hood, they're going to say "Rubicon."

Comments

mazdeuce - Seth Mod Squad
2/26/18 3:29 p.m.

I'm in love with that paint.

NickD UltraDork
2/26/18 6:21 p.m.

Looks great. I hope that Jeep goes full retro when they make the new Grand Wagoneer.

MazdaFace HalfDork
2/26/18 6:25 p.m.

it's a neat looking package in person. the one i saw even had fold out running boards.

irish44j UltimaDork
2/26/18 6:36 p.m.

"It drives well as Wranglers usually do"

Props to jeep for keeping the wrangler actually rugged, legitimately offroad-capable, sticking with the original look and not turning it into some unibody crossover with soft-touch interior....but I'd have to disagree with the statement it drives better than almost any current SUV, truck, or crossover model on the pavement (IMO). Wranglers "drive well" in the manner that they don't spontaneously fly off the road........that's about it, in my experience.

Also Jeep continues to amaze me with their variety of sticker packages that people will pay thousands of dollars extra for. Call of Duty Edition, anyone? lol... I do like that retro-looking blue and white though. Figured Ford would take that look for the new Bronco.

John Welsh Mod Squad
2/26/18 6:51 p.m.

I don't think that stripe makes it look retro. Now,give it some denim ala Levis and you have my attention.

stanger_missle GRM+ Memberand Dork
2/26/18 9:04 p.m.

It needs a chrome grille, like this:

And these wheels:

Duke MegaDork
2/27/18 8:09 a.m.

In reply to stanger_missle :

Wheels = LOVE

Chrome grille = DO NOT WANT

NickD UltraDork
2/27/18 8:35 a.m.

I'd like for Jeep to build the CJ-5-inspired Wrangler Shortcut from the Easter Jeep Safari '16, but apparently they have no interest in setting a short wheelbase Wrangler loose on the public again

ultraclyde PowerDork
2/27/18 9:16 a.m.

The color is the best part of that package, and that color is available on other Wranlgers as well. I mean, it WAS, but now that the totally redesigned 2018 models are hitting the dealers, it's kind of a moot point.

Actually, our local dealer has at least one new '17 in Chief Blue still sitting on the lot, so maybe it's not. But if I were in for a new Jeep, I'd have a hard time justifying a '17 over an '18.