Everything We Know About the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

Stephen Elmer / September 11, 2017

The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is coming soon, and it has to be one of the worst kept secrets in the automotive world right now.

Numerous spy photos, videos, and details on the new Wrangler, identified by chassis code JL, are all over the place, leaking from official FCA documents, dealer meetings and inside sources who seem to be plentiful. So we’ve gathered up all that information and brought it together in one place to give you an idea of what Jeep’s new off roader will be like.

If you want the concrete details straight from the manufacturer, come back to Off-Road.com on November 29 of this year to see what the new 2018 Wrangler JL is all about.

Update: There has been another big leak in Wrangler world as a copy of the owner’s manual hit the internet. Naturally, we had to make another video to cover the highlights! Watch it here:

The Basics

First and foremost, don’t expect massive changes to the style or basic construction. That means body-on-frame, a steel frame, and solid axles are here to stay. The biggest change in actual construction will be the inclusion of aluminum body panels and possibly other lightweight materials to help the Wrangler shed weight.

Weight reduction plays into one of the new Wrangler’s main goals: better fuel economy. Aerodynamics is also part of that equation, so expect to see a more raked windshield and a slightly lower nose at the end of an angled hood.

Of course, the powertrains themselves will also be made more efficient.

Powertrains

Three powertrains are expected to be on offer: a turbocharged four-cylinder, a new version of the 3.6-liter V6 and a V6 diesel. As for power output, the small turbo engine, known as the Hurricane, is expected to make around 300 horsepower, while the diesel currently makes 240 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to pull the JL through the mud.

The 3.6-liter’s latest iteration in the Chrysler Pacifica makes 287 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, a good indication of where it will be in the Jeep.

What’s interesting is that it looks like the 3.6-liter V6 will be the base engine and will also be the only powertrain to offer a six-speed manual. An eight-speed automatic will be linked up to all three of the engines, and it will be interesting to see if the turbo or the diesel is the more expensive option. The turbo will also have a new stop/start system that uses a newly designed Belt Starter Generator, essentially a new alternator and starter all-in-one.

Interior Details

An early set of spy photos revealed the interior of the new Wrangler and things are looking thoroughly modern. A full redesign has arrived for the center stack, which incorporates Chrysler’s updated UConnect infotainment system. All the standard fare, including the HVAC controls and center-mounted window switches, are all still present, but there are some new additions to the dash worth mentioning.

READ MORE: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Interior Spied!

First is a set of four buttons marked “auxiliary,” which are probably up-fitter switches which can be used to run numerous aftermarket upgrades. Some added comfort is coming to the Wrangler as well in the form of a heated steering wheel and dual-zone climate control.

Details

Now let’s get down to many of the details that have come out.

First, the taillights, which were revealed in spy shots. It looks like lower trim models will make due with the same square units as today (photo above) while top trims will go with a new three-box design (photo below).

Next, the roof. There will be plenty of soft top options, from standard black to a premium tan Sunrider soft top, but the most important of which is a new power soft top. The familiar three-piece hardtop will also be available.

Down below, it looks like the biggest tires available for the JL will be LT285/70R17’s found on the Rubicon model, bringing the stock tire size to near 33 inches. Lesser trims will almost assuredly have smaller rubber. As for the brand name on the tires, many JL prototypes have been spotted with BFGoodrich T/A KO2s on them, while others have been seen wearing Falken Wildpeaks.

Another item worth noting is the listing of a Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel drive system that was spotted on dealer order sheets for Unlimited Sahara models, details on which are not available just yet.

There’s going to be a truck

Though we are excited for the Wrangler JL to hit the market, we can’t help but look forward to the launch of the new JL-based pickup truck, thought to be called the Scrambler.

The Scrambler should be revealed about a year after the Wrangler, so expect all the details on the truck to come out in 2018. Until then, it’s safe to assume that the Scrambler will use at least some of the same powertrains offered in the Wrangler, while a lot of the other equipment will carry over as well.

Timing

Timing details have also been leaked online, so we can lay out exactly when the JL is expected to arrive. Production for the very first models, which will all be four-door models powered by the 3.6-liter V6, should begin on November 13, while models with the 2.0-liter turbo should enter production around January 8, 2018. Two-door Wranglers will begin production around early February of 2018.

Those waiting for the diesel will have to hold out longer, as the 3.0-liter Wranglers won’t be going into production until summer of 2018.

And finally, for all those looking for a deal, the Wrangler JK will be built until March of 2018, at which time heavily discounted sticker prices are expected. So if you’ve been waiting on a Wrangler and can live with not having the newest model, a cheap JK could be in your future.

That is everything we know about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, though with the way these leaks have been going, there could be more info out soon, so check back to this post for updates.

And come back to Off-Road.com on November 29 for all the official details live from the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show.