There's a Little Bit of Patriot in the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, Sort Of

As Jeep super fans nervously await the official reveal of the next-generation Wrangler, images posted online suggest that deeply held fears of an unforgivably altered 2018 model might come to nothing.

Two images appeared on JL Wrangler Forums this week, claiming to show a 2018 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. While the site’s administration says the images are confirmed to be authentic, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles hasn’t made a statement backing that up. So, we’re left looking at what could very well be the next Wrangler.

Several changes immediately catch the eye.

You wouldn’t expect to see much visual evidence of the Wrangler’s adoption of weight-saving aluminum — mainly in the doors, hood and rear gate — but a new design feature could be related.

The Jeep in these images sports a well-defined beltline aft of the windshield, not unlike an aluminum-doored Land Rover Defender. Jeep only makes changes to the Wrangler when necessary, so we’ll assume the slightly sculpted sides have something to do with panel stiffness. It’s hard not to be reminded of the recently departed Patriot.

Up front, the changes are subtle, yet noticeable. The Wrangler keeps its signature, round headlights and seven-slot grille, though the grille now bends slightly rearward about halfway up. The bumper, while still of the exposed variety, now extends further from the body, and is more shapely to boot. In another act of aerodynamic improvement, the Wrangler’s windshield is more steeply raked.

Just aft of the front fenders, a recessed vent appears, likely to improve airflow around the front wheel wells.

These images are a tempting teaser for a vehicle scheduled to go into production late this year. Besides a pickup variant (which FCA has now pushed back to late 2019), the next-gen Wrangler should be offered — eventually — with a hybrid powertrain. Expect the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 engine to return, with an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four.

[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]