The JK Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited twins are not long for this world, but the light in their eyes still hasn’t dimmed. In fact, for 2017, it’s getting brighter.
In between drives of the 2017 Grand Cherokee Summit and Trailhawk models at FCA’s “What’s New Media Event” earlier this year, we came across a Wrangler Unlimited that seemed a little…different. Mainly up front. Upon closer inspection, we discovered what it was that caught our eyes: the lights. The signature round headlights were shining with the power of LEDs. So were the fog lamps. The updated lights are optional on 2017 Sport and Sport S models, and standard equipment on 2017 Saharas and Rubicons.
Another feature coming to the Wrangler family for 2017 is the Cold Weather Group. It’s available on the Sport S and Rubicon and includes BF Goodrich KO2 tires, an engine block heater, all-weather mats, the Power Convenience Group, heated seats, and remote start capability.
The colors available on the Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited have changed, too. Chief, Acid Yellow, and Gobi bring the total number of colors to 10. That includes Xtreme Purple, which is now available across the lineup. You can see the whole rainbow of Wranglers in your local Jeep dealership starting mid-October. They’ll be priced from $23,995.
Derek Shiekhi's father raised him on cars. As a boy, Derek accompanied his dad as he bought classics such as post-WWII GM trucks and early Ford Mustang convertibles.
After loving cars for years and getting a bachelor's degree in Business Management, Derek decided to get an associate degree in journalism. His networking put him in contact with the editor of the Austin-American Statesman newspaper, who hired him to write freelance about automotive culture and events in Austin, Texas in 2013. One particular story led to him getting a certificate for learning the foundations of road racing.
While watching TV with his parents one fateful evening, he saw a commercial that changed his life. In it, Jeep touted the Wrangler as the Texas Auto Writers Association's "SUV of Texas." Derek knew he had to join the organization if he was going to advance as an automotive writer. He joined the Texas Auto Writers Association (TAWA) in 2014 and was fortunate to meet several nice people who connected him to the representatives of several automakers and the people who could give him access to press vehicles (the first one he ever got the keys to was a Lexus LX 570). He's now a regular at TAWA's two main events: the Texas Auto Roundup in the spring and the Texas Truck Rodeo in the fall.
Over the past several years, Derek has learned how to drive off-road in various four-wheel-drive SUVs (he even camped out for two nights in a Land Rover), and driven around various tracks in hot hatches, muscle cars, and exotics. Several of his pieces, including his article about the 2015 Ford F-150 being crowned TAWA's 2014 "Truck of Texas" and his review of the Alfa Romeo 4C Spider, have won awards in TAWA's annual Excellence in Craft Competition. Last year, his JK Forum profile of Wagonmaster, a business that restores Jeep Wagoneers, won prizes in TAWA’s signature writing contest and its pickup- and SUV-focused Texas Truck Invitational.
