All New 2018 Wrangler Promises New Classic
The Jeep Wrangler has long been one of parent automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles most popular and profitable vehicles. That said, there was room for improvement for the classic off-roader, and the company just released details on how it’s going to go about doing that with the 2018 model.
Options, options, options
The Jeep Wrangler is as well known for its ability to be customized as it is for its off-road capabilities. Fiat Chryslers Automobiles recognizes this and that’s why the 2018 model will be offered in 2-door, 4-door, and crew-cab pickup truck configurations. There will also be four engine options to choose from on the shop floor.
Additionally, there will be a few dozen door, top, and windshield combinations to choose from, including a windshield that can be folded down. There are two hardtops, “premium” soft top, and a one-touch power top.
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Wait, so there’s a Wrangler pick-up option?
Yup, you read that previous slide right – the pickup will be based on the four-door configuration. The difference is that the car’s longer cargo section will instead be used as a bed for the truck. This makes it much different from the smaller Jeep Comanche and Scrambler models of long, long ago.
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Two generations will be produced at once
There will be two Wrangler generations produced concurrently for a little bit of time. The model leaving us will be renamed the Wrangler JK while the new model will carry the new JL name. The reason for simultaneous sales? To ensure dealerships can continue to meet demand.
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Improved fuel economy
One of the biggest knocks against the Wrangler has been its fuel economy; or lack thereof. The new Wrangler unlimited, which will feature a V6 and automatic transmission, has already been rated at 18mpg city and 23mpg highway. That’s approximately 2mpg better than its outgoing brethren.
For those curious, the manual option gets 19mpg overall.
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Many improved features
Jeep has improved the Wrangler’s aerodynamics to make gains on the aforementioned fuel economy issues the model has. It also dropped 200lbs by making changes to the car’s frame and replacing parts with aluminum body pieces.
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Plenty of power options
The new V6 produces about 285HP and 260lb-ft. of torque. It can be paired with a standard six-speed manual transmission or optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
A new turbocharged four-cylinder option will also be available – it produces 270HP and 295lb-ft. of torque. It benefits from a 48-volt mild hybrid system that is designed to help with start/stop operation, power retention, and regenerative braking. It ties in with a battery pack under the vehicle.
If, however, you’re in the market for more torque, then go with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6, expected to hit the market in 2019. It produces 260HP and 442lb-ft. of torque. It’ll only be available on the larger four-door model.
For those curious, a plug-in hybrid is expected to be ready in 2020.
>>Join the conversation about everything the 2018 Wrangler Has to Offer right here in the JK-Forum!
Safety features
Jeep’s new Wrangler will continue to use a five-link coil suspension, which is tuned to aptly balance all off-and on-road needs. There will be four skid plates below to protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission pan. The Rubicon, which is especially focused on off-road driving, will feature steel rock rails to protect the body of the car.
Higher-trim models feature blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, roll mitigation, and a rearview camera with dynamic guidelines. Expected later this year: forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking capabilities.
>>Join the conversation about everything the 2018 Wrangler Has to Offer right here in the JK-Forum!
The cabin will see some improvements too
The new Wrangler’s cabin is less revolutionary and more so evolutionary. In the middle sits the latest Uconnect system, available with 7- and 8.4-inch screens that are Android / Apple CarPlay compatible. Bucket seats with adjustable bolsters and lumbar support are designed to improve comfort across the line. There will also be several accessory control options to choose from, for things like lights, winches, and more.
>>Join the conversation about everything the 2018 Wrangler Has to Offer right here in the JK-Forum!
Classic features will remain the same
While we might be focusing on all that’s going to be changing with the new Wrangler JL, a lot of the features that Wrangler fans love will remain the same. For instance, the car’s silhouette won’t change, nor will its seven-slot grille. Also remaining are its round headlamps, square tail lamps, and removable top and doors.