Acura
Alfa Romeo
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
FIAT
Fisker
Ford
Genesis
GMC
Honda
Hyundai
INFINITI
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Lucid
Maserati
Mazda
McLaren
Mercedes-Benz
MINI
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Polestar
Porsche
RAM
Rivian
Rolls-Royce
Subaru
Tesla
Toyota
VinFast
Volkswagen
Volvo
Convertible
Coupe
Crossover
Hatchback
Sedan
SUV
Truck
Van/Minivan
Wagon
HUMMER
Isuzu
Mercury
Oldsmobile
Plymouth
Pontiac
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Suzuki
smart
Electric
Hybrid
The Jeep All-New Wrangler Unlimited – cursed with such a silly name because Jeep is selling this redesign alongside the old model, rebranded as Wrangler JK Unlimited and listed separately – represents a significant advancement in design while being able to maintain, and even expand upon, the rugged looks and ultimate capability that has made it an American icon.
What's New for 2018
This model year marks a full redesign resulting in a Jeep that is improved in nearly every measurable way.
Choosing Your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Jeep has expanded the 2018 Wrangler’s powertrain lineup to include a 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder that is mated to an eight speed automatic transmission. Capable of producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound feet of torque, the 2.0-liter turbo is expected to be more efficient than the standard 3.6-liter V6. Helping on the efficiency front is a 48-volt mild hybrid system which swaps the alternator for a generator. The system enables the Wrangler to cut fuel to the engine and “sail” during coasting situations and it can also provide enough power for the air conditioning and other electrical loads with the engine off while sitting in traffic. The EPA ratings have yet to be released, which makes sense, as the 2.0-liter Wrangler won't arrive in dealers until later this year. It will eventually be joined by a diesel-powered V6, too.
In the meantime, the standard and familiar 3.6-liter V6 will have to do, with 285 horsepower and 260 foot-pound of torque. It too is equipped with a start-stop system and can be mated to an improved six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Four-wheel drive is standard and there are three different systems available. The Sport and Sahara come standard with a part-time, two-speed transfer case that is manually controlled, just as the Jeep gods intended.
A more advanced transfer case is newly available on 2018 Sahara models, and offers an automatic mode that engages both axles depending on vehicle sensor data. It's the first full-time four-wheel-drive system in the Wrangler's history.
At the top of the four-wheel-drive food chain is a heavy-duty part-time system that comes standard with the Rubicon trim. It features specific gearing that favors low speed rock crawling, and is one of a bevy of unique systems for Jeep's most capable Wrangler trim.
Those looking to tow often may appreciate the Unlimited’s increased towing rating, up to 3,500 pounds, compared to the two-door model's 1,500-pound rating..
The EPA estimate for the Wrangler Unlimited V6 automatic is 18 miles per gallon city, 23 mpg highway, and 20 combined which is a notable improvement over the previous generation. The six-speed manual earns 17 mpg city, 23 highway, and 19 combined.
Jeep offers three trims that range in equipment levels from extremely basic to remarkably luxurious (for a Wrangler).
Sport
The base Sport trim starts at $31,690 (including $1,195 destination charge) and is Jeep’s offering of a blank slate for Mopar and other aftermarket modifications. It comes equipped with 17-inch black steel wheels, FCA's Uconnect 3 infotainment system on a five-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, a redesigned soft top, tow hooks, and a backup camera.
A three-piece hard top is offered as a stand-alone option for $1,095. The Trailer Tow and HD Electrical Group ($795) brings a larger alternator, battery, seven pin wiring harness, and a cluster of auxiliary switches within easy reach. The eight-speed automatic is $2,000 and a limited-slip rear differential is offered for $595. Air conditioning and power windows are not available on this trim, which gives a good idea of how basic the Wrangler Sport really is.
The Sport S Package changes that tune, somewhat. Elevating the Wrangler's price to $34,890, the Sport S adds such luxuries as air conditioning, power windows, and remote keyless entry. At the same time, it opens the door to additional option packages that further distances the Wrangler from its most basic roots.
The Cold Weather Group ($595) features heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, two crucial items for drivers in colder climes. The Safety Group ($895) adds LED tail lights and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. For $995, the Technology Group adds a seven-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, along with SiriusXM satellite radio. Automatic climate control and a GPS antenna input are also included in this package. A nine-speaker Alpine audio system ($1,295) and a three-piece hard top ($1,095) are a couple of the stand alone options.
Sahara
The Sahara trim ($38,540) is only available with the four-door Wrangler Unlimited and comes with features that are geared towards the more fashionable side of life with side steps, painted fenders, and 18-inch wheels. A larger seven-inch touchscreen with FCA's newest UConnect 4 infotainment system, eight-speaker audio, make the Wrangler feel almost modern.
The aforementioned automatic four-wheel-drive system is available for $595 while distinctly Jeep LED lighting (all but the headlights) checks in at $895. For $1,295, the Electronic Infotainment System includes navigation, the nine-speaker Alpine audio system, an 8.4-inch touchscreen display, and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A five-inch driver information display is standard.
Leather trimmed seats and shift knob are offered for $1,495 in which case the Cold Weather Group might be a wise add-on option. A choice of black, tan, and body colored tops, in both hard and soft varieties, are also available.
Rubicon
The legendary Rubicon trim, $41,690, starts with interior feature content similar to the Sport S, but unique hardware upgrades put this trim’s high price tag into perspective.
The larger 33-inch BFGoodrich off-road tires offer increased ground clearance while unique fender flares – available in either black plastic or in body color – provide clearance during full articulation situations/ Jeep says there is actually room to fit 35-inch rubber, which we're sure some industrious owner will do immediately after taking delivery.
The front axle features an electronic sway bar disconnect while both axles have been beefed up to handle the additional torque coming from the uprated transfer case. Off-road protection in the form of skid plates and rock sliders is standard.
On the exterior, the Rubicon is recognizable by its power dome hood and can be fitted with nearly every option available on the Sahara while trail-worthy equipment like a winch-ready steel front bumper ($1,295) is also available.
It may be very tempting to jump for the Rubicon but be sure to consider you need the capability that its hefty price tag provides (you probably don't). Instead, we recommend starting with the Sport S before going hog-wild on the options catalog.
