It’s hard to say who enjoyed their time with the Jeep Wrangler more – me or my two sons.

Either way, this rugged and chunky vehicle is packed full of personality that appeals to those with a thirst for outdoor fun.

With its imposing appearance, you get the sense that the Wrangler attracts a certain amount of attention - even respect - from fellow road users.

Perhaps that’s because it hasn’t mirrored its rivals by going too far down the path towards refinement and luxury, instead maintaining much of its original DNA.

That might make for a slightly crude on-road driving experience at times but, so what, it’s highly enjoyable to man-handle this bulky machine into position.

It’s also a very versatile 4x4 vehicle, equally happy to cruise along country roads with the roof off or to tackle more difficult off-road terrain. It performs either task with a large dollop of rural style.

While Jeep has made great progress in recent years in attracting female buyers to its brand with some of its other models, there’s something about the boxy, army-like Wrangler that smacks of masculinity.

Perhaps that’s why my sons, quite unprompted, rushed out of the house to take a look when I first drove it onto the driveway.

And they were even more excited once they realised the vehicle comes with a three-piece modular roof system that can be removed to make the Wrangler into a convertible.

Behind the wheel, the punchy 3.6-litre V6 engine means there’s no shortage of power at the driver’s disposal.

Indeed, getting a vehicle of this size from a standing start to 62mph in less than nine seconds is no mean feat.

In terms of handling and agility, it’s fair to say that the large wheel arches and front bumpers make it unwieldy in tight spots.

The Wrangler’s bulletproof suspension soaks up huge potholes, unsurfaced routes and speed humps like they’re not there, but that also makes for less responsive handling and cornering than some of the more road-focuses SUVs on the market today.

The high driving position is a major plus point, offering a commanding view of the road ahead. Meanwhile, the square body makes the proportions easy to judge for a large vehicle.

As you might expect, the steering in corners isn’t especially accurate, but that’s quite natural for a larger vehicle. On the plus side, body roll is not too bad pitching under heavy breaking is reasonable.

To mark its 75th anniversary, Jeep has produced a series of limited edition vehicles across its range.

My test vehicle had received similar treatment and it must be said that the Wrangler looked superb in its Sarge Green colourscheme.

The Wrangler 75th Anniversary is based on the Overland model, but with several key differences, including unique exterior styling and part-leather interiors.

Standard equipment on the vehicle included body-colour grille, low gloss bronze headlamp surrounds and grille throats, Power Dome hood with functional air vents, and navigation with premium sound system, Ombre Mesh leather seats and body-colour dual top.

The 75th anniversary Wrangler is not longer available to buy from new, but it’s well worth looking out for a second hand deal as the extra detailing provides a unique take on a motoring icon.

In terms of economy, it’s not surprising that the Wrangler is not the cheapest vehicle to operate, considering its V6 engine. The official combined fuel consumption figure comes in at 24.1mpg although, with the uphill and down dale nature of some of the Bradford district’s roads, it’s difficult to ger close to that figure in real world driving conditions.

In conclusion, the Wrangler may have one or two drawbacks, but the overall impression is one of a hugely versatile and capable vehicle with bags of rustic charm and personality.

THE LOWDOWN

Jeep Wrangler 75th Anniversary
ENGINE: V6 petrol 3.6-litre, 280bhp
PERFORMANCE: 0-62mph in 8.9 seconds and top speed 112mph
EMISSIONS: 273g/km
ECONOMY: 24.1mpg combined
PRICE: £36,520 on the road
(Please note this version is no
longer available from new

Will's Ratings

PERFORMANCE: ****
ECONOMY: **
RIDE/HANDLING: ***
SPACE: *****
EQUIPMENT: *****
SECURITY: ****
VALUE: ****
OVERALL: *****