The latest Wrangler JL edition has been around since the 2018 model year, and is something many in the Jeep community have absolutely embraced since its launch. Sure, there were plenty of people who were worried when Jeep first announced the Wrangler redesign earlier in the decade, especially when rumors started flying that all kinds of changes were being debated. But when the first model rolled into view, just about everyone breathed a sigh of relief because, quite simply, it looked like a Jeep. Plus, nearly every (then owner Fiat Chrysler) executive grilled about the new Wrangler's design said there was no way they would stray from what has made Wrangler a success since its 1987 inception.
So what makes the Wrangler JL different from previous editions:
Well, the short answer is a lot. The better answer is that the vehicle is a full-on redesign – only the third in Wrangler history - with all features, performance gains, top and engine offerings, axles, hinges, bumpers, buttons and a back-up camera that all work together to continue the legendary Jeep’s 4x4 capability, while balancing the requirements of modern day driving. Maybe it was a bit daunting for designers at the start, especially when you consider legions of hardcore Jeep enthusiasts were ready to pick apart the smallest thing. But over the past few years, Wrangler sales have remained strong and the new options have made life much easier for new owners.
Perhaps the biggest news involving the Wrangler JL is something Jeep didn’t do when it decided to redesign the nameplate. Jeep designers thankfully did not change out solid axles for an independent suspension. Rest assured, the Wrangler JL keeps the same ladder on frame, solid axle design it has always used — making the vehicle a premier off-road machine while offering tons of modification options. Many of the meatier changes for the JL are really weight related. Specifically, an all-aluminum hood as well as aluminum doors. Plus, aluminum in the windshield, hinges and tailgate (mixed with magnesium). All these design changes help shave around 200 pounds off the JL's gross vehicle weight when compared to the Wrangler JK.
Adding aluminum to the vehicle is not the only interesting design overhaul for the JL as the vehicle also carries next-generation Dana axles that are lighter and stronger than ever. Inside the cabin, you'll notice a new, cleaned up, dash design, revised gear and transfer case shifters and state-of-the-art infotainment system. And if you love options, Jeep has given you multiple engine choices (including a diesel and Hemi) that have never been seen before on a factory Wrangler. There are also plenty of upgraded safety features and re-engineered tops, as well as an all-new aerodynamic front grill and windshield design that make the JL the best performing (and most comfortable Wrangler) ever.
Like we said before, even with FCA stating they were not going to mess with the aesthetics when it came to the new Wrangler JL design, you never really know until you see the final product live. Which is why so many were actually interested in the vehicle's reveal. And now that the vehicle has been around for a few years, we also know the visual and performance tweaks were excellent additions to the brand. For example, the Wrangler JL's hood is slightly longer than the previous generation because the vehicle's 8-speed automatic transmission needed a bit more room. Cowl vents on the Rubicon version help accommodate airflow into the engine bay to keep engine temperatures down, while the JL's flares were redesigned with some contouring to help airflow. Engineers even placed functional vents right behind the front flares to aid in aerodynamics while providing another area to assist with engine cooling.
Looking at the windshield demonstrates another exterior structural change, as designers increased its rake 15 degrees to eliminate some drag when driving. Additionally, for true Jeep purists, the company has made the windshield frame much easier to fold down than past editions, and made it a two-piece design where the windshield shell section folds while another frame section remains in place to add strength. Up front, a revised front grill has more of a ‘kinked’ angle in the top portion similar to the older YJ Wrangler, and slightly larger grille slot openings while turn signal lights have been relocated into the fender flares.
Rounding out some other Wrangler JL exterior features are redesigned hood catches that are stronger than previous editions and eliminate hood flutter, new door hinges which compliment those lighter doors, a front bumper with removable end caps, and new door and tailgate handles that work with the vehicle's (optional) keyless entry system.
The Wrangler JL continues to use front and rear floating solid axles, and all factory editions incorporate Dana's aluminum-based AdvanTEK technology that gives these axles more strength and durability, while reducing weight. Sport and Sahara editions employ Dana 30 front and 35 rear axles straight from the factory, but don't let those designations fool you. These redesigned axles are actually quite a bit stronger than Dana's old 30/35 combination and are ready to stand up to more severe trail action.
These are also paired with Jeeps' newly redesigned Command-Trac two-speed transfer case. Meanwhile, Sahara owners can also opt-in to a full-time Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case which is a first for the Jeep line. Finally, the vehicle's Rubicon trim still receives heavy-duty front and rear next generation Dana 44 axles which are mated with a Rock-Trac 4:1 transfer case — making this vehicle still an unmatched trail machine and capable of an impressive 84:1 crawl ratio.
Since 2012, Jeep has utilized its award-winning 3.6L Pentastar engine that pushes out 285-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque while also boosting fuel economy over previous Wrangler editions. That Pentastar design still lives today in the Wrangler JL as the standard manual transmission option. It is optional for those who choose automatic. The engine's horsepower rating and torque remains stable at 285/260, but because the vehicle is a bit lighter now, fuel economy is slightly increased to an average of 19 mpg (manual) and 20 mpg (automatic).
After the Pentastar, Jeep now offers a 2.0L Turbocharged four-cylinder engine that is standard on all automatic transmission Wrangler JL models. The 2.0L turbo tosses out 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, and nicely improves fuel economy to an average of 24 mpg in the two-door and 22 mpg for the four-door.
Besides those two stock engines, Jeep now offers two other options that really have made history on the Wrangler line — a 3.0L EcoDiesel version and 6.4L Hemi V-8. The diesel is based off the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Ram 1500 engine design and does see a slight horsepower decrease compared to the 3.6L and 2.0L, but makes up for that with an astonishing 442 lb-ft of torque. This engine has been long clamored for by enthusiasts who love that extra torque while off-roading. The EcoDiesel is only available with an automatic transmission and rates out to a 25 mpg average fuel economy.
The newest engine in the Wrangler JL stable is a 6.4L Hemi V-8 that throws all kinds of power around thanks to its listed 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It is quite simply the most powerful Wrangler engine ever and can go from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. While that may not be a great off-road feature, the Hemi-powered Wrangler JL still pumps out tons of trail-destroying torque guaranteed to make a dedicated off-roaders mouth water.
Additionally, Jeep has now released a plug-in hybrid Wrangler, dubbed 4xe, that offers up around 25 miles of all-electric power backed up by that 2.0L combustion engine. This combination delivers an impressive 375 horsepower, as well as 475 lb-ft of instant torque that only adds to the vehicle's off-road reputation.
All Wrangler JL engines employ Start/Stop technology - which can be disabled thanks to a dash button, and will shut off when the vehicle is placed into 4-low.
Despite some believing the JL Wrangler would only offer an automatic transmission, all 2021 editions do have a six-speed manual, as well as an eight-speed automatic,transmission options. However, those who love a stick shift do only have the 3.6L Pentastar as an engine choice. As far as the automatic, Jeep now employs an eight-speed for better fuel economy, as well as off-road performance. And this automatic is available for all power plants — including the 3.0L EcoDiesel and 6.4L Hemi.
Its distinctive tops, both hard and soft, have defined Jeep vehicles for generations. And for 2018 Jeep has made some interesting design changes to both. For the soft top, zippers have become a thing of the past as a new track system will secure the top and windows on the vehicle. By using these tracks, all three back windows can unhook and slide out much more quickly than the previous zippered editions. Also, maneuvering the top up and down is now easier than ever. The Sunrider top still latches to the windshield and can fold halfway back like JK tops did, but a new latch at the rear allows the top to smoothly slide down on a rail system. When reclined, new rear locking mechanisms on both sports bars will secure the top/hardware in place, and will also serve as a lift assist device to easily raise the top back into position.
For hard tops, the 2018 JL Wrangler offers a standard version that operated similar to the JK design - with front removable Freedom panels and a removable back section. However, the front Freedom panels are quite a bit lighter than earlier versions and can be easily carried to their storage place. This hardtop also now comes with rails so those interested can mount a hard storage rack on the roof without drilling. Later this spring, Jeep will also have a powered hard top option which will not be removable, but will have easily removable rear quarter windows. One simple switch on the windshield will control the center sliding mechanism, while anti-collision sensors will make sure the sliding section stops should anything (like little fingers) impede opening or closing.
Push button start, integrated windshield grab handles, digital driver instrument cluster, a new steering wheel, smaller climate controls and a cleaner dash design mark some of the interior changes Jeep has made in the 2018 JL Wrangler. Also new for 2018 will be a revamped infotainment system – the 4th generation Uconnect with 5-, 7-, and 8.4-inch options, which all have the traditional fare of options like radio, phone, navigation and climate control. All are touch screen and are interactive with either Apply Car Play or Android Auto. Upper-tiered selections include automatic collision notification, lane departure warning, blind spot monitoring, SOS emergency calling, stolen vehicle location service and a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hot spot. Using the Uconnect smartphone app, owners can remotely start the vehicle, operate the horn and lights, locate the vehicle, send a destination to the navigation system, and more. Incorporated into the 8.4-inch design will be a unique 'Off-Road Pages' option which helps monitor things like steering angle, pitch and roll, oil, coolant and transmission temps, sway bar status, transfer case mode and battery voltage. The Jeep's rear view camera will also display through the U-Connect system.
A new driver digital instrument cluster has a base edition sized at 3.5-inches, and will have an optional 7-inch design which provides a speedometer, compass, odometer and exterior temperature – while including standard fuel and oil temperature gauges on the left and right. It is also programmable from the vehicle’s steering wheel so you can change readings. The larger cluster also has those same features, while changing the fuel and oil temp to digital readings.
Other interior improvements include new USB ports behind the center console, a power inverter that can fuel things like cell phones, electronic games and other low power devices that require 150 watts or lower. However, anything requiring higher wattage will not work as the inverter automatically shuts off above 150 watts. Additionally, a rear seat fold down center section will now contain cup holders.
Color options for the 2021 JL Wrangler include Granite Crystal Metallic Clear Coat, Firecracker Red, Billet Silver Metallic Clear Coat, Bright White Clear Coat, Black Clear Coat, Hella Yella, Sarge Green, Sting-Gray and Snazzberry Pearl (maroon).
For all the JL Wrangler technical specs, check out our Quadratec Channel JL Wrangler information here. Plus, you can always keep up to date with anything Jeep on our Quadratec Channel homepage.
