We all know the 2018 Wrangler will look just like a Wrangler should when it launches later this year. However, incorporated into that look will be a host of available options, many of which have never appeared before on the vehicle.
We’re talking power soft top, mild-hybrid engine, start/stop technology, remote keyless entry, and the largest tires ever offered from the factory.
According to JLWranglerForums, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has already pumped details about the new Wrangler’s trim levels, engines, colors, seats, packages, as well as interior and exterior options into its dealership computer system, and the site Monday put out a whole list.
Among them is the availability of a power soft top, which would be the first of its kind from the factory and certainly will be a sought after upgrade for those who hate fooling with soft top hardware. Of course, the standard and premium soft top, and three-piece hardtop, will still be available as well. Those who like the dual top option will be happy as that package is still available, too. There may even be a powered hardtop version down the road, however this option was not on the current list.
Then come the engines. The Wrangler will launch with its Pentastar 3.6L V6 as a base engine, but will also have an optional 2.0L turbo mild-hybrid offering. This engine lists in the system as a ‘2.0 I4 DOHC DI Turbo Engine with BSG’ which suggests the engine will come with a belt-starter generator – a piece that takes the place of both a starter and an alternator, enabling engine idle stop and regenerative braking for improved efficiency. Using a relatively high-voltage electrical system, the BSG can apply positive power to the crankshaft in either low-speed, electric-only operation or blended engine/electric-boost operation.
Surprisingly, FCA does have its 3.0L turbodiesel V6 engine listed as an option that, most likely, will be based off the current EcoDiesel found in the Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, while that engine does appear on the options list, it is still unclear if it will be available at launch or later in 2018. FCA just did get federal approval to sell diesel engines in its 2017-18 vehicles, so perhaps the automaker moved up the diesel schedule. Both the EcoDiesel and Pentastar V6 will be available with engine start-stop, and all three engines will get an eight-speed automatic, while the Pentastar also will have a six-speed manual gearbox standard.
Another new feature for the 2018 Wrangler will be a Selec-Trac full-time 4WD option on the JLU Sahara. If this follows Jeep’s previous Selec-Trac systems, it will have an automatic four-wheel-drive mode in addition to two-wheel and four-wheel high and four-wheel low. This feature should speak to those ‘lifestyle’ buyers who rarely need hardcore off-road capability, but still would like some added traction in rain, snow and on rough roads.
Speaking of the Sahara, the options list does confirm FCA will no longer offer a two-door version. Both the Sport and Rubicon will still have either two- or four-door availability. Also, there is still no info yet on what type of special edition models FCA will offer under the JL umbrella.
Available tire options for the 2018 Wrangler will include 255/70R18 all-terrain tires on the Sahara, 245/75R17 all-terrain rubber as a base version, and an optional LT285/70R17 all-terrain tire for Sport or Rubicon. This measures out to a diameter of 32.75 inches, which would make them the largest tires ever offered straight from the factory on a Wrangler.
As far as color options go for the 2018 Wrangler, there is Granite Crystal, Acid Yellow, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver, Bright White, Black and something called Nacho, which most likely will be a yellow/orange similar to Dozer. Light Green and Blue were available colors mentioned at FCA’s dealer meeting earlier this year, but do not currently show in the dealership system.
Other interesting options listed include cloth low back bucket seats, Android Auto and Apple Carplay, steel bumper group for those who hate the flimsy plastic bumpers, remote keyless entry, anti-spin rear differential, soft top window storage bag, and something called a ‘Trail Rail Management System’. We’ll try and get more info on that one as it could be a integrated cargo rack to organize off-road gear.
Unfortunately, no MSRP is listed yet for any of the JL models or options.
Currently, the 2018 JL Wrangler is scheduled to enter production in mid-November and reach dealerships by year’s end. FCA plans on officially showing off the vehicle during a press conference at the Los Angeles Auto Show in late November.
