2018 Wrangler: Bigger, Sleeker & 3 Engines, Including a Hybrid
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler maintains the classic look while improving in every way, including two new engine options – a turbo gasoline hybrid and a turbodiesel.
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler made its grand debut at the LA Auto Show. The spy shots and videos showing the new SUV on the road in test camo have really revealed the majority of the exterior design secrets, but there are some big surprises with this all-new Wrangler.
New Drivetrains, Added Efficiency
The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has a new exterior, interior and chassis, this newest version of the classic SUV features three engine options. In addition to the 3.6L Pentastar V6 which is already at use in the current Wrangler, the all-new 2018 models can also be ordered with a turbocharged 2.0L hybrid drive or the 3.0L EcoDiesel from the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 offers 285 horsepower and 260lb-ft of torque, with that power being funneled to all four wheels by means of a six-speed manual or the eight-speed automatic transmission. The introduction of the eight-speed gearbox, the front-axle disconnect system, the improved aerodynamics, the lighter construction and Auto Start/Stop will help the 2018 Wrangler with this engine return stronger fuel economy numbers than the outgoing version – offering 23mpg on the highway with both transmissions.
The new 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine comes standard with eTorque, which is a mild electric hybrid assist system. This engine package offers 270 horsepower and 295lb-ft of torque, so it has a bit less horsepower and a bit more torque than the Pentastar V6, but the inclusion of the mild hybrid system should improve fuel economy – particularly in stop-and-go driving. No fuel economy numbers have been announced, but this could be the most efficient engine in the 2018 Wrangler lineup in the right driving conditions.
Finally, the 3.0L EcoDiesel will be offered for the all-new Jeep Wrangler, but not until 2019. When it arrives, this small turbo diesel will deliver 260 horsepower and a whopping 442 lb-ft of torque. Like the other engines, this mill comes with Auto Start/Stop, which should surely help improve fuel economy numbers – but it stands to be seen whether this or the 2.0L hybrid will be the most efficient option in the new Wrangler lineup.
Both the 2.0L and 3.0L engine options are only offered with the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Finally, the new Jeep will come with one of two four-wheel-drive systems. Most models will get the Command-Trac system with a two-speed transfer case (2.72:1 low range) and next-generation Dana solid front and rear axles. The new Rubicon gets the Rock-Trac 4×4 system with a 4:1 4-low, Tru-Lok front and rear differentials with 4:10 gearsets, Dana 44 front and rear axles and an electronic disconnecting front sway bar.
Lighter, Sleeker Exterior
The outside of the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler doesn’t look all that different from the current models at first glance, but the redesigned SUV is wider and longer, with a lower beltline and larger windows all around. The windshield (which flips down against the hood with just four bolts) has a declined angle, as does the grille, as the designers worked to improve the aerodynamic properties without taking away from the classic Wrangler look.
Speaking of the grille, the 2018 Wrangler front end has been designed to pay homage to the old CJ models, with LED headlight housings that slightly push in the outer slot of the grille. Those LED headlights are joined by LED fog lights and LED taillights on premium models, providing bright white light across the entire front end.
In addition to being larger yet more aerodynamic, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is also about 200 pounds lighter. This was achieved by using aluminum rather than steel for the doors, door hinges, hood, fenders and windshield frame while magnesium was used to construct the rear gate. There was also extensive use of high-strength steel in the chassis, which offers more rigidity with less material- thus less weight.
Next, the new SUV gets an array of new top options, including a folding soft top and a removable hard top – both of which have been redesigned for easier removal along with a variety of open-air configurations. Also, for the first time ever, the Wrangler will come with a power folding front soft top.
Finally, the new Wrangler Rubicon sports a variety of unique exterior appointments, including 17” wheels wrapped in 33” tires, a vented hood, front and rear bumpers, four underbody skid plates and flares which will accommodate a 35” tire.
Roomier, More Luxurious Cabin
On the inside, the 2018 Jeep JL offers a bit more rear leg room thanks to the added length of the new models, but the big news here is the long list of premium features. While a 5” infotainment screen is standard on the Wrangler Sport, other models come with a standard 7” infotainment screen paired with a 3.5” driver information center. Also, buyers can upgrade to the newest 8.4” UConnect infotainment package, which includes a reconfigurable 7” driver information screen in the gauge cluster. The infotainment system offers control of pretty much every interior function, as well as the Jeep Apps, with all sorts of interesting readouts to aid in safe off-roading.
Below the infotainment screen in the center stack is a dual zone climate control system (when equipped with dual zone HVAC), the power window switches, four auxiliary switches, a switch for the electronic sway bar and a toggle switch to adjust the front and rear locking axles.
Finally, in addition to the body-colored safety bar running through the cabin, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler features a body-colored dash face with new, bigger HVAC vents, easy-to-remove side doors with integrated lift handles and an optional leather interior package with contrasting switchwork.
When the 2018 Jeep Wrangler arrives later this year, it will be offered in Sport, Sport S and Rubicon trim for two-door models while the four-door Wrangler is offered in Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon trim. All of these vehicles will be built at the company’s Toledo, Ohio Assembly complex and we can expect pricing and fuel economy numbers to be announced later this year.
