A new graphic charts the growing number of new Jeep Wranglers with automatic transmissions compared to the manual transmission models that were the most popular model through the mid-2000s. Using data collected from Cars.com and Autotrader, the team at Sam’s 4×4 discovered that only 3,973 of the more than 20,000 2017-18 Wrangler JK/JKUs listings had manual transmissions. They decided to chart the manual transmissions available in the last year of the Jeep Wrangler TJ to the last full year of the Jeep Wrangler JK/JKU to see just how much things have changed.
“More and more, we can’t find real value in manual transmissions,” says John Guffey, General Manager at Sam’s 4×4. “As off-road enthusiasts, we don’t understand why you’d risk losing your position on a rock or getting stuck in rough terrain just to use a laborious heel-toe-shift operation. Automatic transmissions get better all the time, and many of our customers prefer keeping two hands on the wheel.”
2006 was the last model year of the TJ and 56 percent of those Wranglers for sale today have a manual transmission. Since the 2007 introduction of the JK, automatic transmissions have become more popular and, of course, are being engineered to better match new engine designs. Of the 2017 JKU Wranglers listed on Cars.com and Autotrader, a whopping 81 percent have automatic transmissions.
“An automatic is great if you’ve stopped on a slick rock and need to get moving again,” Guffey says. “Our experience is an automatic also keeps better momentum through snow, sand, and mud.”
The 8-speed automatics offered in the new JL obviously offer more gear selection options than ever before. But the automatic will cost you. The JL base models offer a 6-speed manual as standard equipment, and the automatic is an additional $2,000.
”We see the newer automatic transmissions as real progress for off-road vehicles. Frankly, we were surprised how many manual transmissions Jeep makes available these days and think the standard stick shift will soon be gone altogether,” Guffey says. “It had a good, long run but needs to retire.”
Check out the entire graphic here: https://sams4x4.com/n-9-how-much-do-wrangler-drivers-like-to-shift.html
About Sam’s 4×4:
Founded in 1984, this family business had a simple goal: to provide the best parts, service, and prices to the off-road market. They’ve spent the last 33 years building long-lasting relationships with major aftermarket brands, so they offer premium brands at unbeatable prices. They also service and restore SUVs at their shop in Tulsa, OK. As off-road enthusiasts, the Sam’s 4×4 team organizes rides and other events on a regular basis. Learn more here : https://sams4x4.com/p-8-about-us.html