It might not seem like it at first glance, but the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara 4X4 is actually a convertible. No, really! In fact, it is the best kind of convertible for those who like to go off-roading, drive up a massive hill with a load of passengers and gear, or just cruise to work on a highway in the warm weather — now sadly dissipating in my area as winter approaches.
I don’t usually remove the top panels when I test a Wrangler, but the weather was far too pleasant to resist. Fortunately, removing the top covers is easy and fast.
There are two panels just above your head. Turning a few of the latches to the open position, I lifted the panels off one at a time and placed them in the included compartments. Lo and behold, the Wrangler suddenly becomes a convertible with the fresh air coming in.
Of course, the Wrangler is made for flexibility. You can remove the doors and even the hood, but that takes a little more work. I removed both panels in roughly five minutes or less. It’s important to bring them with you in case of rain or other foul weather.
Beyond those removable roof panels, I loved the performance. The Sahara has a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Jeep doesn’t offer a manual transmission in this model, and the four-door is the only one available.
This version is upscale in that it has a heated steering wheel, heated front seats, and remote start available as standard instead of upgrades.
There’s also a standard 7-inch display as opposed to the display that is half that size on the other Wrangler models. At this larger size, it’s much easier to see navigation and swipe through Apple CarPlay options (or Android Auto if you use that).
There are even LED lights on this one scattered everywhere — used for the fog lamps, taillamps, and daytime running lights to keep you safe when it’s getting dark or rainy.
Another interesting standard inclusion on the Sahara is the larger 18-inch tires. The other trim levels offer 17-inch tires that are usually not all-season. By including all-season tires, it might be Jeep’s way of saying this one can be your daily commuter vehicle.
My only issue with the Wrangler is I wish they would add about three inches of space when you put the seat all the way back. This has been true ever since I started reviewing cars in 2010 — the vehicle does not quite fit someone of my size. My wife has ridden as a passenger with me and the Wrangler fits her much better, but I feel a little cramped at times.
Other than that, I’m a big fan of everything about the Wrangler Sahara, especially those removable panels. With winter knocking on the door, it was fun to have a few days where I could put the windows down and let the air come in from all directions.