Peeking into 2018 at the FCA “What’s New” Event
JK-Forum learns about the different Jeep vehicles and features that will hit the market for the 2018 model year at the FCA “What’s New” event.
It’s that time of year again. Time to find out what changes FCA has in store for the next model year. The company was kind enough to invite JK-Forum up to its Chelsea Proving Grounds in Michigan to learn about the changes Jeep has made to its lineup for 2018. Of course, while we were there, we made sure to get Jeep’s vehicles dirty on FCA’s Renegade/Lyman Trail, a 2.3-mile course with rock garden, log pile, staircase, peat bog, and water hole obstacles.
The Compass launched as an all-new model for the 2017 model year and every other vehicle line in Jeep’s portfolio has been out in more or less the same form for a while, so 2018 is primarily a carryover year, but it’s not totally devoid of updates and models to look forward to.
Renegade
The Latitude, Limited, and Trailhawk versions of the baby Jeep come standard with the Uconnect 4 system, a 7-inch display, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto. They can be upgraded to the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen radio with navigation. Those same Renegade models are also available with a dual-pane power sunroof.
The Renegade Sport is equipped with a 5-inch Uconnect radio, a 6-speaker audio system, and integrated voice command with Bluetooth and handsfree calling, but the 7-inch Uconnect 4 setup from the higher-level Renegades is an available option. The same goes for the power open-air My Sky system.
All Renegades benefit from a standard ParkView backup camera and new seat fabrics, colors, and bezels. A redesigned Selec-Terrain shifter dial layout, relocated USB port, and two new front-row storage areas increase space for small items.
Compass
The totally overhauled Compass hit dealerships as a 2017 model, so Jeep isn’t really changing anything about the compact SUV for 2018 aside from offering the Compass Limited in a 4X2 configuration.
Cherokee
Latitude has replaced Sport as the Cherokee’s base trim line. For 2018, it comes standard with equipment such as 17-inch wheels, fog lamps, high-intensity discharge headlights, roof rails, a backup camera, and body-color mirrors and door handles. The new Latitude Plus trim level includes an 8.4-inch Uconnect radio with a color touchscreen, SiriusXM satellite radio, keyless entry and start, cloth/leather seats, an 8-way power driver seat, and uniquely finished 17-inch wheels.
Blind-spot Monitoring, Cross Path Detection, and ParkSense Rear Backup Warning are now standard on the Cherokee Trailhawk and Cherokee Limited. The Trailhawk now also comes with dual-zone/automatic climate control; the Limited gets a power liftgate.
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Grand Cherokee
It’s been 25 years since Jeep introduced the SUV world to the Grand Cherokee. For 2018, the automaker is celebrating that milestone with the Limited-based Sterling Edition. It’s trimmed with Platinum Chrome badging and other exterior accents as well as 20-inch Heritage wheels, platinum tow hooks, and a “25th Anniversary” badge. The Grand Cherokee Sterling Edition’s interior is a combination of the Real Metal package’s metal trim, a leather-trimmed instrument panel and center console, and perforated Heritage seats with decorative stitching. Other standard features include the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen system, a 9-speaker audio package with active noise cancellation (which is now standard on all Alpine 9-speaker setups), and Blind Spot monitoring with Cross Path Detection.
The High Altitude Edition version of the Grand Cherokee returns for 2018, using the Overland model as its foundation. It’s fitted with Low Gloss Granite Crystal exterior elements, a Gloss Black grille, perforated Black Nappa leather seats, and Anodized Gun Metal interior accents. The Jeep Active Safety Group, Blind Spot Monitoring, and a dual-pane sunroof come standard.
According to Jeep, the “Grand Cherokee SRT with the available Signature Leather Wrapped interior package now features matte carbon fiber spears, black exterior badging and new standard 20-inch Satin Carbon Spider Monkey wheels. Low Gloss Black 20-inch lightweight wheels are optional.”
Laredo and Overland models receive changes to their interior fabric patterns and color palettes, respectively, while Summit, SRT, and Trackhawk models get a new Premium Metal interior package full of real metal accents.
All Grand Cherokees with the Uconnect 8.4-inch touchscreen radio system have standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A higher-resolution 7-inch screen takes the place of the 5-inch Uconnect radio system as the standard infotainment setup.
Perhaps the biggest Grand Cherokee news is the debut of the 707-horsepower, 645-lb-ft Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. It hits 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, travels a quarter mile in 11.6 seconds, and tops out at 180 mph.
Wrangler
The JK is on its way out, making it perfect for some special 2018 send-off models. The Golden Eagle comes with a tan soft top and (available) half doors, Golden Eagle hood decals, rock rails, a body-color grille and fender flares, and bronze exterior accents – from the tow hooks to the 17-inch wheels. Inside, the black cloth front seats are adorned with Golden Eagle logos and surrounded by various McKinley vinyl-covered and titanium-painted trim pieces.
Jeep’s designers based the Wrangler Altitude on the Wrangler Sahara and dressed it in High Gloss Black and regular black exterior elements, a body-color hard top, a power bulge hood, and 18-inch wheels inside of Bridgestone Dueler tires. The cabin features black leather seats, Diesel Gray stitching, and touches of Liquid Titanium paint throughout.
The Freedom Edition returns to the Wrangler lineup for 2018 with Oscar Mike fender badges and exterior decals, body-color fender flares, a black soft top, steel off-road bumpers, rock rails, and Low Gloss Granite Crystal 17-inch alloys. There are more Oscar Mike logos inside, in addition to silver accent stitching and splashes of Iron Gray Metallic.
Jeep offers the tan soft top that’s available on the Golden Eagle as an option for the Freedom Edition and Rubicon Recon models. Willys Wheeler and Freedom Edition Wranglers can be ordered with the Tru-Lok locking rear differential. All 2018 Wranglers come with a “Wrangler JK” decal on the driver’s side front fender.
Photos for JK-Forum by Derek Shiekhi
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