I grabbed this Jeep Wrangler Sahara High Altitude 4x4 on a recent rental. It was pretty much new in the wrapper with about 30 miles showing on the odometer at pickup. The Wrangler (regardless of trim level) is classified as FJAR. The Wrangler is the only vehicle in this class.

I was quite surprised to see National ordering this Wrangler not in the more common Sport / Sahara trims, but actually springing for the top-of-the-line Sahara High Altitude (well, I doubt they'll be ordering the range-topping Rubicon 392) The Wrangler High Altitude has a base MSRP of $52,875 exclusive of destination fees.

The High Altitude throws in a bunch of popular packages on top of the Sahara Altitude, including the LED Lighting Group (Daytime Running Lamp LED Accents, Front LED Fog Lamsp, LED Premium Reflector Headlamps, and LED Tail Lamps), the Safety Group (Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection, ParkSense® Rear Park-Assist System). It also gets some unique exterior features like color-matched fenders and hard top, enormous (and blasphemous) 20" wheels, and unique interior finishes. Unlike any of the other models, it has painted bumpers too, making it easy to spot in the lineup. This model also featured the unique black leather interior with camel accents. This model did not come with a soft top, instead featuring only a hard top with removable front freedom panels. I'm sure the painted panels will get scratched up very quickly by careless renters as opposed to the usual textured fiberglass on the lower-spec trims, which will hide chips and scratches way better.

Fleet purchasing also ticked the boxes for Black Clear Coat paint ($+395) and the 850RE 8-speed automatic (+$2000). Total as-tested price for this Wrangler would be $54,865 + destination fee. Being the range topper, this trim of Wrangler includes a huge amount of standard equipment such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a huge 8.4" screen, auto-dimming interior mirror, automatic dual climate control, adjustable lumbar driver's seat, and much more. Fleet purchasing passed on the climate package (heated seats / steering wheel). Oddly, National also spec'd this Wrangler with the removable Freedom Top storage bag, which I am sure someone will lose or steal in short order as it takes up an enormous amount of trunk space.

This Wrangler was a delightful drive, if an odd choice for the fleet. I am much more used to seeing the Wranglers people will beat on - mostly Sports and base Saharas - than those rivaling the prices of luxury SUV's. The 2.0T engine was adequate though I prefer the V6 in these. MPG was an average 17 MPG in 100% city driving.

Do not expect sports car handling out of this, but the 20" wheels and suspension setup on this did feel a lot more forgiving and planted than your author's personal Wrangler JKU Rubicon. I am not sure I'd pay such a huge premium for this over a normal one but I suppose if you want to be Trail Rated in the carpool lane, this is good for that.

Visibility was average, though it drove way bigger than my personal JKU. I appreciated the blind spot monitors, parking sensors, and excellent lighting for tight city night-time driving and parking garage maneuvers. Rear seat passengers had plenty of room even with both front seats adjusted rearwards although it is not that big back there. Seats were OK - not great - but no one is buying a Wrangler for the seats. At least this one has adjustable lumbar, which is nice. Trunk space is small for a vehicle this size, sorry for the blurry photo but as you can sort of see a backpack and carry on rollerboard take up a good chunk of space (plus the hard top storage bag). There is no privacy screen for stowing belongings.

The infotainment system was standard Uconnect fare - snappy and responsive - with sharp and clear graphics. The backup camera was great and the LED reverse lights made visibility easy. This model had an active SXM trial.

Enjoy the Jeep waves you'll get from other Wrangler drivers and cruise in luxury with this one. I suspect it'll be a rare sighting in the fleet given the cost relative to other Wrangler trims ($10K more than a base Sahara!) but if you are lucky enough to spot one and you don't mind the drawbacks of a Jeep, run down the aisle before the next renter snags it.