2018 Jeep Wrangler Dashboard: A Detailed Breakdown

Based on the first images of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler dashboard, here is a breakdown of the changes.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler will make its grand debut later this month at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, but thanks to today’s brief press release from FCA, we have our first good look at the interior of the next generation SUV. There was no information accompanying these two images of the all-new Wrangler cabin, but the pictures tell the story here – with a fairly extensive redesign to the layout of the dashboard.

At first glance, anyone with a 2017 (or similar) Wrangler will recognize the vast differences between the 2018 Wrangler and the current models, but here is a quick rundown of the key changes. (The 2017 Wrangler dashboard is shown at the end of this piece for reference.)

Gauge Cluster

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler has two large analog gauge pods on the outside of the configurable driver’s information screen, similar to what is featured on the current Ram 1500. The 2017 models have two large analog gauges in the middle, flanked by two smaller gauge pods on the edge of the cluster.

Infotainment

The new Wrangler will feature the latest version of Chrysler’s award-wining UConnect system, mounted high on the dash. This system will feature extensive touch-screen capabilities along with a few traditional knobs just below the screen; as well as the buttons on the steering wheel. The current model has a much older version of the UConnect system with a smaller screen and a collection of buttons/knobs around the perimeter.

HVAC

The HVAC controls of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler are situated higher than the previous models, sitting just below the infotainment screen. The climate control panel has individual buttons for the various settings along with one large knob in the center, whereas the current generation has a very old-school-looking layout of three large knobs. This area also has the buttons for the heated seats and the heated steering wheel, as well as the defroster system.

The New Bottom Panel

New for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is the switch panel at the bottom of the center stack. This area includes the power window switches (which are mounted higher-up on 2017 models), four auxiliary control buttons, a button for the electronic sway bar disconnect and a slick bright red button that controls the front and rear locking differentials. Of course, in the foreground of those new switches are the mechanical 4WD level and the manual transmission shifter.

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The Overall Shape

Finally, the overall shape of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler dash has changed dramatically. The top line is much flatter, with more side to side flow than the current models. The face of the dash is painted to match the exterior of the vehicle and the HVAC vents – all of which are larger for the new model year – are now lined up across the face of the dash, rather than the staggered layout of the 2017 models.

Ultimately, the dashboard of the redesigned Jeep Wrangler maintains a similar feel, but it has a much more modern, high tech look with all of the best gadgets that FCA has to offer.

Patrick Rall

"Before I was old enough to walk, my dad was taking me to various types of racing events, from local drag racing to the Daytona 500," says Patrick Rall, a lifetime automotive expert, diehard Dodge fan, and respected auto journalist for over 10 years. "He owned a repair shop and had a variety of performance cars when I was young, but by the time I was 16, he was ready to build me my first drag car – a 1983 Dodge Mirada that ran low 12s. I spent 10 years traveling around the country, racing with my dad by my side. While we live in different areas of the country, my dad still drag races at 80 years old in the car that he built when I was 16 while I race other vehicles, including my 2017 Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat and my 1972 Dodge Demon 340.

"Although I went to college for accounting, my time in my dad’s shop growing up allowed me the knowledge to spend time working as a mechanic before getting my accounting degree, at which point I worked in the office of a dealership group. While I was working in the accounting world, I continued racing and taking pictures of cars at the track. Over time, I began showing off those pictures online and that led to my writing.

"Ten years ago, I left the accounting world to become a full-time automotive writer and I am living proof that if you love what you do, you will never “work” a day in your life," adds Rall, who has clocked in time as an auto mechanic, longtime drag racer and now automotive journalist who contributes to nearly a dozen popular auto websites dedicated to fellow enthusiasts.

"I love covering the automotive industry and everything involved with the job. I was fortunate to turn my love of the automotive world into a hobby that led to an exciting career, with my past of working as a mechanic and as an accountant in the automotive world provides me with a unique perspective of the industry.

"My experience drag racing for more than 20 years coupled with a newfound interest in road racing over the past decade allows me to push performance cars to their limit, while my role as a horse stable manager gives me vast experience towing and hauling with all of the newest trucks on the market today.

"Being based on Detroit," says Rall, "I never miss the North American International Auto Show, the Woodward Dream Cruise and Roadkill Nights, along with spending plenty of time raising hell on Detroit's Woodward Avenue with the best muscle car crowd in the world.

Rall can be contacted at QuickMirada@Yahoo.com

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