It’s not even anywhere close to Halloween yet, but the 2018 Jeep Wrangler seems to have been unmasked, according to many reports, and it’s a treat, not a trick, for loyal fans of this iconic vehicle.
A variety of news sources are reporting sightings of the new next-generation 2018 version— known internally as the JL — with descriptions of how the vehicle will change and how it will stay the same.
For those who are married to its memorable design, those fans will be happy that its overall silhouette will stay the same and it will continue to feature a tall grille with seven vertical slots, round headlights, flared fenders, and a rear-mounted spare tire. From the different sightings of a prototype, it appears that the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will still include a fold-down windscreen. It has been determined that the next-generation model will retain body-on-frame construction.
So what changes can we expect? Reports say that the most notable modification will be the move of the turn signals from the grille to the fenders. Jeep Wrangler engineers have also adopted a more rakish windshield to make the vehicle more aerodynamic. And the hood and the doors are built out of aluminum to reduce the vehicle’s weight and increase mileage but the rest of the vehicle will continue to be made of steel. In the rear, new lights have been adopted that look similar to the Jeep Renegade. Plus, its designers have added a more prominent front bumper.
We’ve also heard that the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler will be designed with a longer wheelbase, which will create more space in its interior cabin as well as more seating for passengers.
Under the hood, 2018 Jeep Wrangler engineers have made some modifications. Rather than offer a conventional five-speed gearbox, the next-generation model will include a new eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. In terms of engine choice, there is still no definitive answer. Some speculation claims that the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler will be equipped with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine called the Hurricane. It’s also been reported that the iconic Pentastar V6 engine will still be on the options list. Another engine choice might be a 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 sold exclusively in the United States. Rumor even has it that Jeep might opt for a hybrid powertrain option or an optimized electrified drivetrain option to enhance its capability for off-road fans.
What might surprise some aficionados of the Jeep Wrangler is the news of a change in the vehicle’s top. Rather than the conventional removable top, the 2018 model might feature a series of individual panels that can be stored on-board, allowing drivers to easily switch to topless whenever they desire.
Like Halloween, the official unveiling of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will not take place for months yet. Jeep will follow up the launch of the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited in late 2017 with a Wrangler-based pickup in 2019. No matter the wait, this 11th-generation descendant of the warrior that helped win freedom in World War II is worth it. It’s an important iconic model and the heart of the Jeep brand.
