Jeep Wrangler (JL)

2-door Wrangler

The 2-door Wrangler and 4-door Wrangler Unlimited feature an exterior design that is reminiscent of the 1997–2006 Wrangler (TJ), with a "raked" front grille with seven vertical slots and round headlamps that integrate into the front grille.[4] The designers have moved the traditional Jeep logo off the grille.

The Wrangler has retained a body-on-frame construction and solid axles. The vehicle is offered with three different four-wheel drive systems: Command-Trac, Selec-Trac and Rock-Trac. Options available on all JL models (except Rubicon) include an anti-spin rear differential. The JL is designed to be more comfortable on-road[5] and has recirculating ball steering with electric power assistance.

The Wrangler is 2.5 inches longer overall than before, while the Wrangler Unlimited has grown by 3.5 inches.[6] The new Wrangler is roughly 90 kilograms (200 pounds) lighter than the Wrangler JK. Overhangs increase significantly with the new model having 29.2 and 40.8 inches front and rear.

The JL is available in Sport, Sport S, Sport Altitude, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, Rubicon, and Moab trim levels. The Sport Altitude, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, and Moab trims only come in four-door configurations.

Sport/Sport S

Rear view

The Sport is the entry level trim with push-button start, manual windows, cloth seats and seventeen-inch steel wheels. Single-zone manual air conditioning remains optional on two-door models and is standard on four-door models. The JL has a 41.4-degree approach angle on its base model.[7]

The Sport S adds more features to the Sport, such as power door locks, power windows, keyless entry, air conditioning and seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. The optional Cold Weather Group is a package that includes heated front seats, steering wheel and remote engine start.

The Sport and Sport S come with all new Dana axles AdvenTEK m186 in front and AdvenTEK m200 axles in the rear.[8] With the anti-spin rear differential, it comes with a Dana 44 M220 instead of the Dana m200

Rubicon

Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

Wrangler Rubicon 1941 Edition by Mopar

The Rubicon trim level features the most capable off-road equipment. The JL has a 44-degree approach angle on its two-door Rubicon edition. Ground clearance measures 10.8 inches(274mm) for the Rubicon. Water fording depth measures 30 inches(762mm).

Rubicon models get the Rock-Trac system with an enhanced NV241 OR transfer case as standard,[6] as well as a front sway-bar disconnect system and hydraulic rebound stop. The Rubicon will also feature an electronic locking differential, which allows the driver to lock either the rear differential only or both the front and rear differentials via a toggle switch located in the center of the instrument panel. It has a Dana 44 M210 axle in the front, and for the rear there is a Dana 44 M220 axle (4.10 axle ratio).[11] The Tru-Lok electric lockers can be engaged on the fly at up to 30 mph in 4WD low-range.

The Rubicon adds off-road features to the Sport S, such as 33-inch BF Goodrich KO2 off-road tires, seventeen-inch aluminum-alloy wheels with gray-painted accents, electronic-locking front and rear axles, Rock rails, high clearance fenders and premium cloth seating surfaces. Touch sensors located on the front door handles, and tailgate handle for Rubicons optionally equipped with the Remote Proximity Keyless Entry option.

Additional options include LED front headlamps with daytime running lamps (DRL's), polished aluminum-alloy wheels with black-painted pockets, Keyless Enter-'n'-Go, a steel bumper group, leather-trimmed seating surfaces, and color-keyed fender flares. The Rubicon offers a color-keyed dashboard panel.

The 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 gasoline engine still remains available from the existing Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited, and is standard on all models, though has been redesigned for improved fuel economy. The engine features an Aisin AL6 six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment, with an 850RE Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission being optional. The automatic transmission made its debut in the 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), replacing the older Torqueflite 845RE unit. The eight-speed automatic unit will feature a traditional shifter. The engine performance is unchanged from the previous model at 285 hp (213 kW; 289 PS) and 260 lb⋅ft (353 N⋅m). This is only offered on Wrangler models sold in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

A 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder (Inline-4) Chrysler Hurricane engine is available on all models. Paired exclusively with the 850RE Torqueflite eight-speed automatic transmission, the new engine features a mild hybrid system branded as eTorque for improved fuel economy and off-road performance, and produces 270 hp (201 kW; 274 PS) and 295 lb⋅ft (400 N⋅m) combined. This is the only gasoline engine offered in Europe. In North America, this engine had late availability, and the Wrangler was launched with the existing 3.6L Pentastar V6 gasoline engine.[17]

For the North American market Jeep has announced that a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 turbodiesel engine, built by VM Motori and available in 2020 (same engine already available in the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2) and the Ram 1500.[18]) It will produce approximately 260 hp (194 kW; 264 PS) and 442 lb⋅ft (599 N⋅m). [19]

For the rest of the world (except North America) a 2.2L 16V Multijet II turbo four-cylinder diesel engine producing 200 hp (149 kW; 203 PS) and 450 N⋅m (332 lb⋅ft) with Start&Stop is available.

Jeep has also announced that a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle will be released in 2020.

Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon with color-keyed fiberglass roof

All roof systems are new for 2018. The interior roll bar has been redesigned to accommodate the new roof systems. The JL will offer three roof options called Freedom Top hardtop, Sunrider soft top and Sky One-Touch Power Top.[20]

The Freedom Top hardtop is a color-keyed, hard fiberglass roof. Like its predecessor, the Freedom Top hardtop is a three-piece system, with two removable roof panels in the front of the vehicle (known as the freedom panels), allowing the driver to remove the panels without having to remove the entire roof. The roof has been redesigned to allow the driver to easily lift and remove the roof, as it is now made of lighter designed fiberglass. The hardtop option remains available in black or body color.

The Sunrider soft top is a soft canvas roof, and is the standard roof option on all models except the Moab, which comes with both the premium black Sunrider and body color Freedom tops. This roof has been fully redesigned, and is now easier to remove. The rear and side windows easily lift out, and the previous Velcro and zipper enclosures have been deleted. Once the rear and side windows have been removed (they can be stowed inside of the vehicle behind the rear seats), the driver is able to unlatch the roof latches, and drop the roof back, where it will stow behind the rear seats (a similar system to that of many soft top roadsters, such as the Mazda MX-5 Miata). There is a lever that allows the driver to lock the roof in place in the "down" position so the roof will not flap when the vehicle is in motion. In addition, the Sunrider soft top is now available in either black or tan, whereas it was only available in black on the Wrangler (JK).

The Sky One-Touch Power Top is a soft canvas panel that is power-retractable, and is the first of its kind on any Wrangler. The driver simply presses a switch located inside of the vehicle, and the roof folds back. The system is similar to that of the 2008–2012 Jeep Liberty (KK). The roof can be operated at up to 60 MPH, or 96.5 kmh.

Wrangler Unlimited with doors removed

The front windshield can now easily be folded down, or completely removed, and is made of aluminum, as are some of the body panels (some body panels are still made of steel), as well as the hard roof, to make it easier to remove. The doors are also made of aluminum, making them lighter than previous models. There is also a grab handle inside the doors thus the JL doors are much easier to carry.

A labeled and fitted storage area for roof, doors, and windshield screws is located in the rear cargo area, and a tool kit that stores in a fitted area in the upper portion of the center console, is provided with a manual that depicts how to remove each exterior component from the vehicle, as well as the specific tool from the kit that is required to do so.

There are three updated infotainment systems (Uconnect 3 5.0BT, Uconnect 4 7.0, and Uconnect 4C 8.4N). The different Uconnect infotainment systems supply 5-inch, 7-inch, or 8.4-inch pinch-to-zoom displays.[21]

The base Sport and upgraded Sport S both feature the standard Uconnect 3 5.0BT system, while the uplevel Sahara and Rubicon both feature the Uconnect 4 7.0 system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which is also optional on the upgraded Sport S, when equipped with the Electronic Infotainment Group. The Uconnect 4C 8.4N system is only available on the uplevel Sahara and Rubicon models, when equipped with the Electronic Infotainment II Group. SiriusXM Satellite Radio is standard on all models aside from the base Sport, where it is available as a standalone option.

An eight-speaker audio system, with dashboard and rear "sound bar" mounted speakers is standard on all models, whereas an optional nine-speaker Alpine premium amplified audio system that adds an all-weather subwoofer, is a standalone option on all models, also included with the Electronic Infotainment Group and Infotainment II Group on Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon models.

All three infotainment systems include a fully integrated and federally mandated rear-view backup camera as standard equipment. The camera is mounted to the spare tire, and can be removed if the tire is removed.

Rear passengers now get a 115 V AC household-style power outlet, as well as rear USB charging ports on Wrangler Unlimited models.

The interior design was inspired by the 1954–1983 Jeep CJ-5 and 1987–1995 Wrangler (YJ) models. The majority of the interior switchgear in the JL is unique to the JL, except for some parts which are shared with other Chrysler products.

The power window controls remain in the center of the instrument panel, and the front woofers remain in the lower corners of the instrument panel. There is a new three-spoke, retro-inspired steering wheel, and a color instrument cluster display screen is available on upper-level trims.

Standard cloth seating surfaces are standard on Sport and Sport "S", while upgraded Premium Cloth seating surfaces are standard on Sahara and Rubicon models (the upgraded seats include either 'SAHARA' or 'RUBICON' embroidery on the front seat backrests, depending on model). Luxury leather-trimmed seating surfaces are standard on the MOAB trim level, and optional only on Sahara and Rubicon models (the front seat backrests are also embroidered with either the 'SAHARA', 'MOAB', or 'RUBICON' logos, depending on model). Interior colors are either Black or Heritage Tan for cloth-equipped models, or Black or Saddle on leather-equipped models. All models can be equipped with heated front seats and a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel. Rubicon models equipped with the Black interior include exclusive red stitching on the seats and steering wheel, while Moab models feature contrasting gray stitching. Black Katzkin leather-trimmed seating surfaces are available as a Mopar dealer-installed accessory option for all trim levels, in either standard or perforated trim.

Cloth-equipped models include a real metal dashboard surface (Silver-painted on Sport, Sport "S", and Sahara models, and Red-painted on some Rubicon models, dependent on exterior colour choice). Leather-equipped Sahara and MOAB include an interior color-keyed stitched vinyl dashboard.

Safety improvements include standard side-impact airbags and strengthened B-pillars. Driver assist safety features are located in the Active Safety group.

The JL has a lowered beltline with larger windows for better outward visibility. The rear spare tire has been moved down to increase rear visibility. LED front headlamps and rear tail lamps are available, as are daytime running lamps (DRL's) on the front fenders. A blind spot monitor is built directly into the taillight housing.

In the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme) frontal crash test, the A-pillar structure showed signs it might not withstand heavier collisions. Deformation in the footwell area indicated "that the structure had reached the limit of its integrity."[22] The Wrangler received a top score in the Euro NCAP side barrier test.[23]

Euro NCAP test results
Jeep Wrangler [24] (2018)
Test	Points	%
Overall:
Adult occupant:	19.3	50%
Child occupant:	34.3	69%
Pedestrian:	23.9	49%
Safety assist:	4.2	32%

Production of the Wrangler Unlimited began in November 2017, while two-door Wrangler production will commence in early 2018. As with its predecessors, the JL is produced at Jeep's Toledo Complex in Toledo, Ohio, and also was produced alongside its predecessor, the Wrangler JK, which remained in production until April 27, 2018. The simultaneous sales was to ensure that dealerships could meet demand. The 2018 Wrangler JK was virtually unchanged from the 2017 model, and a WRANGLER JK decal on the front fenders distinguished the outgoing model from its successor.[26] The plant which produced the JK will temporarily close as it receives a retooling for the upcoming Wrangler-based Jeep Gladiator.

FCA announces that the Toledo Machining Plant will assemble the power electronics module and components for the Jeep Wrangler Plug-in Hybrid which will be launching in 2020.[27]

Before the JL's actual debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the song Believer by Imagine Dragons was used in the opening.[28] In the teaser, it uses 7 letters that are narrowed to represent the 7 vertical slots and 2 circles on the left and right to depict the front fascia.

A debut television advertisement for the 2018 Wrangler JL, entitled "Jeep Jurassic", first aired during Super Bowl LII. The ad is a reenactment of the classic Tyrannosaurus rex chase scene from the 1993 movie Jurassic Park. However, instead of a 1992 Wrangler (YJ) Sahara Edition, Jeff Goldblum, who played Ian Malcom in the movie, drives a silver two-door 2018 Wrangler JL Rubicon with red accents. The commercial ends with Goldblum seated in the driver's seat of the aforementioned Jeep in a showroom, where a Jeep saleswoman asks if he would like to take the JL for a test drive, to which Goldblum replies that he has.[29]

The all-new 2020 Jeep Gladiator was introduced at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show on November 28, 2018. Based on the Wrangler JL, the Gladiator features exterior and interior styling cues similar to the Wrangler Unlimited, seating for five passengers, and a five-foot pickup bed.

• Autotrader's Must Test Drive Award[30]
• 2019 SUV of the Year for Jeep Wrangler Rubicon by Four Wheeler[31]
• Northwest Automotive Press Association's Northwest Outdoor Activity Vehicle of the Year for Jeep Wrangler Unlimited[32]
• "Off-road Utility Vehicle" and "Midsize SUV" of Texas by the Texas Auto Writers Association[33]
• Highest Resale Value in the Compact SUV segment by J.D. Power[34]
• SEMA 4x4/SUV of the Year by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA)[35]
• Motor Trend's SUV of the Year.[36]
• ALG Residual Value Award for Off-Road Utility segment[37]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Jeep Wrangler (JL).

• Official Jeep Site