Andy Shane
The Wrangler has been around for decades, and it’s still among the finest SUVs out there. One of its biggest selling points is the capable powertrain: a strong engine + transmission. With motors, there’s always enough to choose from. But what about the gearbox, you might ask? What’s the best choice for a Jeep driver right now? Should you go with an automatic transmission and call it a day?
Or, maybe it would be best to go old-school and pick a model with an automatic gearbox? Well, join me in this Jeep Wrangler manual or automatic comparison, and let’s see what we’re working with! As with most things, there aren’t 100% right or wrong answers here. It all comes down to personal preferences. Alright, let’s get to it!
Are Jeeps Available with a Manual Gearbox?
The short answer – yes, they absolutely are. Many drivers think that automatic is the only gearbox for the Wrangler, but that’s not true. In fact, up until 1994, the Wrangler was ONLY available in a manual configuration. Now, you can still find some older-gen Jeeps with an automatic transmission, but they’re mostly manual. I’m talking about the early YJ, TJ, and LJ models. In contrast, these days, automatics prevail, because they’ve proven to be more efficient.
In any case, it’s great that a Wrangler fan can pick between these two configurations. Remember: once you’ve made a decision, it will be pretty hard to convert the transmission unit in the Jeep (say, go from automatic to manual). So, you gotta be confident about your choice. There’s always the option of selling your SUV and buying one with a different gearbox, of course! Or, better yet, if you’ve got a fellow Jeep fan, ask him to lend his ride for a day or two.
Detailed Comparison: Manual vs. Automatic
This is a very heated topic: some experts claim automatic transmissions are the way to go. Others are confident that the manual mechanism is superior. So, let’s first check out the stick-shift in detail, and then switch to the automatic configuration and see what pros and cons it has to offer.
Manual Gearbox: Advantages and Disadvantages
Conservative folks always choose manual transmission over automatic. They’ve been around for a longer time and make you feel more in control over the road. With the hand always on the shift knob, it feels like you’re one with the Wrangler. Manual gearboxes are a lot less complicated and consist of a rather modest number of parts. They don’t have aux coolers, torque converters, or anything like that.
That makes them more reliable: if it breaks down, it will be much easier to figure out exactly which part is malfunctioning. Plus, as I just mentioned, a manual transmission gives more control and confidence. As a result, they’re generally more fun to drive. However, you’ll have to be a pro driver: otherwise, all that gear shifting will get you distracted, especially on a rough trail or in busy traffic. Finally, stick-shifts are cheaper, but they do consume more lots of fuel.
The Pros:
- Quite reliable and durable
- A simple, easy-to-fix design
- Gives you more control
- Fun and exciting to drive
- More affordable
The Cons:
- Modest fuel economy
- Takes more skills to operate
Automatic Transmission for the Wrangler: Pros and Cons
Did you know that on average, automatic gears will cost you extra 1000/1500 bucks? This is one of the biggest cons of automatic transmissions. And, 
automatics are a newer technology and consist of a larger number of parts. So, while that does have its pros (we’ll talk about that in a moment), when the gearbox starts acting up, it will be much harder to figure out what’s causing the problem.
As for the benefits, automatic transmission takes less practice to master. In fact, you won’t even need to touch it: the box will do all the shifting, making your life on the road a lot easier. Plus, thanks to the advanced processing unit, an automatic gearbox is a lot more efficient at switching the gears. As a result, we get a boost in mileage. I also want to mention that in heavy traffic, automatic transmissions are a lifesaver.
The Pros:
- Easier to use – automatic gear shifts
- Equally great on and off the road
- Improved MPG (miles per gallon) ratio
- Forward-thinking technology
- A lot more popular
The Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
- Not as easy to fix
The Verdict
Alright, that’s pretty much all I wanted to share with you today! Now, summing up, a stick-shift is less complicated and takes less effort and financial investments to fix. Plus, it gives you an adrenaline rush, because it’s up to you to shift into the right gear. On top of that, it’s a more budget-friendly option. And what about automatics – don’t they have any advantages over the manuals?
Of course, they do! First, automatic gear is a better choice for amateur drivers, because it makes it easier to drive the car. Next, it’s perfect for city driving with lots of “stop-and-go” traffic. Besides, modern-day Wranglers come equipped with advanced automatic transmissions that are better in terms of mileage. So, in many ways, automatics are the preferable choice; sadly, the price is a bit steep, and repairs take more time and expertise.
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