The seventh-generation 2018 Jeep Wrangler specifications have been announced with key highlights including more fuel-efficient powertrains, improved dynamics along with new safety and technology features.
Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand – FCA Global, said, “The all-new Wrangler is instantly recognizable as a Jeep, staying true to the original, yet it is better in every way – delivering even more rugged capability, more ride comfort, more fuel efficiency courtesy of several advanced powertrain options, more interior comfort, more safety and more technology.”
Three trim configurations are available for the 2-door 2018 Jeep Wrangler: sport, Sport S and Rubicon whilst the 4-door Wrangler will be available in four trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.
To tackle the great outdoors the 2018 Jeep Wrangler uses two advanced 4x4 systems as well as a two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. This will be available on Sahara models.
New to the Wrangler, the Selec-Trac full-time two-speed transfer case allows the driver to set and forget as it constantly sends power to the front and rear wheels.
The Command-Trac 4x4 system features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio, and next-generation solid Dana front and rear axles with a 3.45 rear axle ratio.
Fitted on the Wrangler Rubicon will be the Rock-Trac 4x4 system which features heavy-duty next-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is also standard as well as Tru-Lok locking differentials. The Rubicon models will offer improved articulation and total suspension travel over the outgoing model.
Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems will offer full-time torque management, enabling maximum grip in low-traction conditions.
All Wrangler models receive a Trail Rated badge due to features such as Command-Trac 4x4 system with 2.72:1 crawl ratio standard on Sport and Sahara models, Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials (standard on Rubicon models), skid plates, front and rear tow hooks, all-new front fascia and available front and rear steel heavy-duty off-road winch-ready bumpers with removable end caps, approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and ground clearance of 276mm, 17-inch off-road wheels; Rubicon models get 33-inch tires standard, up to 762mm of water fording and up to 1587kg of towing capacity.
Changes to the 2018 Jeep Wrangler appearance include a wider stance with lowered beltline, larger windows, updated seven-slot grille, improved windshield rake, new header bar, two-piece body-colour fender flares (standard on Sahara and available on Rubicon models), new light-weight aluminium doors with Torx bit tool size stamping on the hinge and body-coloured sport bars.
Sahara and Rubicon models have LED headlamps and fog lamps, daytime running lights, standard LED forward turn signals and traditional square tail lamps with LED lights.
A new easy use Sky One-Touch powertop system allows the canvas roof to be fully opened with the touch of a button, though this will not be available until the second quarter of 2018. The new Sunrider soft top also has two more bows to help manage the fabric and now has retainers that slide into a track for easier rear passenger window removal.
Sahara and Rubicon models share a body-colour hardtop option (black on Sport and Sport S) as well as the option of a black three-piece hardtop which will be available on all models.
There will be an assortment of door, top and windshield configurations with 2019 bringing new half-door designs.The 2018 Wrangler updates include a redesigned centre console, push-button start with a weather-proof surround, seats with accent stitching and adjustable bolster and lumbar support, availability of heated front seats and steering wheel, lengthened armrests and new Lift-Assist handles under each door armrest making door removal easier.
Technology improvements and new features include the availability of passive entry with Keyless Go, 3.5 or optional 7.0-inch TFT information LED display as part of the instrument cluster, 5.0, 7.0-inch or optional 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment display, fourth-generation Uconnect system, two USB ports in the front and two in the back, 12-volt accessory outlets, 115-volt AC outlet (optional), optional subwoofer and all-new Trail Rail cargo management system is also available.
More than 75 advanced safety and security features will be available including Blind-spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Path detection, ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation and four standard airbags just to mention a few.
Some overseas markets will have access to four engine options, Australian Wrangler buyers will have the choice of a 2.2-litre turbodiesel developing 147kW and 450Nm or an upgraded 3.6-litre 213kW/353Nm Pentastar V6.
Both engine options will be mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
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