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New for 2018

The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler features an optional turbocharged engine, a redesigned interior, and the latest version of FCA’s UConnect infotainment system. Now called the Wrangler JK, the last-generation Wrangler will be sold alongside the new one.

Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is a four-wheel drive off-road-oriented SUV that’s available in a two-door layout or a four-door called the Wrangler Unlimited. Four trim levels are available on the new 2018 Wrangler.

Wrangler Sport: The base Wrangler Sport comes with fog lights, 17-inch steel wheels, keyless start, cloth upholstery, an eight-speaker audio system, a USB port, and a rearview camera.

Wrangler Sport S: Moving up to the Sport S adds power windows and door locks, 17-inch aluminum wheels, single-zone air conditioning, and keyless entry.

Wrangler Sahara: Available only on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, the Sahara trim comes standard with a 115-volt outlet in the center console, 18-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, dual-zone climate control, LED interior ambient lighting, FCA’s UConnect infotainment system with a 7.0-inch touchscreen, and an additional USB port for the second row.

Wrangler Rubicon: The most off-road capable Wrangler, the Rubicon adds Dana 44 solid front and rear heavy duty axles, electronically locking front and rear differentials, a more capable four-wheel-drive system with a 4:1 low gear ratio, two-piece fender flares, and 17-inch allow wheels shod with all-terrain tires.

Notable options include an Alpine premium audio system, FCA’s UConnect interface with a 7.0-inch or 8.4-inch touchscreen, navigation, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, LED headlights, a 7.0-inch multi-information display, rear parking sensors, leather upholstery, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.

Differences Between the Wrangler Two- and Four-Door (Unlimited) Models

One of the key differences between the two- and four-door Wrangler models is that the two-door seats four, but the four-door — also known as the Wrangler Unlimited — seats five. At 96.8 inches, the two-door Wrangler’s wheelbase is 21.6 inches shorter than the Unlimited’s. The breakover angle on the two-door is about 5 degrees better than the Unlimited, but the four-door’s departure angle is slightly superior at 36.1 degrees versus the two-door’s 35.9 degrees (with the 245/75R17s on the Sport trim).

In terms of exterior dimensions, the two-door Wrangler is significantly shorter in length at 166.8 inches versus the Unlimited, which checks in at 188.4 inches. Both the two- and four-door models are 73.8 inches wide and 73.6 inches tall.

Performance and Fuel Economy

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque; a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission are available. A 2.0-liter turbo-four with 270 hp and 295 lb-ft is optional and paired exclusively with the eight-speed automatic. A 3.0-liter turbodiesel V-6 with 260 hp and 442 lb-ft will follow in the near future and come paired exclusively with the eight-speed automatic.

EPA fuel economy ratings for the 3.6-liter V-6-equipped four-door Unlimited models are 17/23 mpg city/highway with the manual and 18/23 mpg with the automatic. If you’re looking for the ratings on the EPA’s site, search for what’s currently called “New Wrangler Unlimited.” Ratings for the 2.0-liter turbo-four-powered models and the new two-door Wrangler haven’t been released yet.

Safety

The NHTSA and IIHS haven’t crash tested the 2018 Jeep Wrangler yet. Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert is available on the Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon trims as part of the Jeep Active Safety group.

Utility

The four-door 2018 Wrangler Unlimited has 31.7 cubic feet behind the second row and can be expanded to 72.4 cubic feet. Four-door models can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.

What We Think

In a 2018 First Drive review, we were impressed that the new Wrangler featured more on-road ride comfort without sacrificing its vaunted off-road capability. The 3.6-liter V-6, however, feels lacking on the larger four-door Wrangler Unlimited. When equipped with the optional turbo-four, the Wrangler remains plenty capable off-road. The eight-speed automatic transmission continues to be a gem with its quick and smooth shifts, and well-calibrated computer that knows what gear to be in at all times.

Cool Fact

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is the first Wrangler to utilize the new 2.0-liter turbo-four in FCA’s range.

Key Competitors

• Toyota 4Runner
• Lexus GX
• Land Rover Discovery
• Mercedes-Benz G-Class