Jeep Wrangler fans are the type of enthusiasts who know and appreciate the history of the model, and Jeep knows that. Since we already knew just about everything about the 2018 Wrangler before the sheets came off in Los Angeles, we here at TTAC figured it might be interesting to take a closer look at some of the smaller details that go beyond horsepower, torque, and transmission type.
One of Jeep’s PR folks walked me through the various callbacks to prior Wranglers that are evident, if not obvious, on the new Wrangler.
Wrangler lovers will like the plaque mounted on the inside of the tailgate — it lists the JL’s dimensions and just looks cool.
The next cool detail is the roofline — the softtop can extend out past the C-pillar and give a bit of coverage to the rear cargo area, as shown here.
I wasn’t able to get quality photos, but the doors have different pull hooks and door pins than the current model.
The air vent shown here is functional, helping to cool the motor:
Two footman’s loops adorn the hood, as pictured here.
Perhaps most notable, the Jeep badge deserts the front grille and moves back to the bodyside.
And, of course, the windshield folds down, as previously reported.
The dash also returns to a flat-top design.
And finally, eagle-eyed readers will notice that the doors are bit more rounded-off — this is to make it easier to get in and out of the Jeep when off-roading.
Jeep has loaded the 2018 Wrangler with enough small details to keep the keen-eyed busy. Next up — actually driving the damn thing.
[Images: © 2017 Tim Healey/The Truth About Cars]
With the link between namesake and metal as tenuous as ever…I bin this design refresh as a display of “incredible restraint”. It is difficult to compare the success of the Wrangler silhouette with any other automobile.
Also, “real” Jeep owners ought to rejoice as their Wrangler value should increase directly proportional to the level of any supposed blasphemy.
I like it! I once owned a TJ and vowed that I’ll get another some day. Keeping the third pedal, a two door, and adding a diesel option will likely seal the deal for me.
FCA remained true to the Jeep heritage while making attempts to keep the new JL current. I think it will be a success.
But isn’t the diesel only available with the 4 door and automatic?
Yep. I can understand the diesel being auto-only, as it’s never been emissions- or MPG-tested with any manual, but why limit it to the 4-door?
The early reports I saw a month or two ago said that the diesel was going to be available with the manual. However, I don’t know for sure. I believe that the diesel option has been pushed back to 2019, as well.
Thanks for killing my dreams, N8iveVA…
“Jeep has loaded the 2018 Wrangler with enough small details to keep the keen-eyed busy. Next up — actually driving the damn thing.”
Why are you condemning the Jeep before driving one? After all, the word “damn” means “condemn”.
Use proper English, please, without unnecessary adjectives.
Definitely going to need a ‘hands on’ inspection. I will admit the soft top design is different from the JKU, though it, too, extended beyond the C-pillar for load coverage. The difference is really in the side panels and rear window. The JKU panels were somewhat annoying as you had corner panels you couldn’t hide away and would pull free of their clips at highway speed when wide open with the top up. This looks cleaner. But is it easier to remove and install those panels than before?
Sport V6 2-door 4×4 6 speed manual hardtop is how I would want mine. The high resale is the thing that keeps tempting me on buying one new.
I totally agree on the resale value of Wranglers. I bought my ’98 TJ right, drove it for 50k, and sold it for $600 less than I paid for it.
Just went to look at “trade in value” on a 5-6 year old Sport S 4×4 manual transmission hardtop with 80,000 miles and even the online sites which tend to low ball trade in a bit were saying that it was roughly $16,000. That’s insane when you could buy a new one for about $25,000.
Looks like a nice update. I’m intrigued by the photo with a cargo carrier mounted directly to the hardtop. One of the things that has kept me from considering one previously is having to install a giant exoskeleton in order to carry a canoe. If it can carry a boat and can be had with V6, MT, and full-time 4WD, I’m interested. I passed on the Liberty ’cause full-time could only be had with an AT.