The 2018 Jeep Wrangler's Interior Makes the Old One Look Like Garbage

Matt Posky
by Matt Posky

Jeep has gradually parsed out photos of the 2018 Wrangler over the past couple of weeks, and now we have shots of the new model’s interior. It looks a hell of a lot nicer than the outgoing version, albeit slightly more cluttered with tech. However, the fundamentals remain constant — vertical orientation, passenger grab bar, center-mounted window switches, and circular air vents all persist on the new model.

Compared to the previous generation, the new Wrangler’s interior is absolutely brimming with interesting trim pieces and digital screens. The dashboard has color-matched plastic and the same goes for the stitching, although that is likely an optional extra. Both the six-speed gear selector and transfer case knob are shrouded by shift boots and the array of buttons appear large and clearly labeled.

While this is almost assuredly a top-trim example, it still makes the old Rubicon interior look like budget-minded trash. That’s major praise, considering there wasn’t really anything terribly upsetting about the old model’s insides. Take a gander for yourself, if you don’t believe us.

2018 Jeep Wrangler

2017 Wrangler Rubicon Recon

It’s downright opulent, while keeping a utilitarian bent. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has managed to update the Jeep’s cabin dramatically without making it gimmicky or sacrificing the vehicle’s overall rugged persona. The manufacturer says it’s using high-quality materials to bolster the off-roader’s “versatility and comfort.”

We’re excited to see if it feels as good as it looks, but won’t have the opportunity until November 29th, when the 2018 Wrangler goes on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. There’s room to be optimistic on this one, though. The Wrangler’s evolution appears to be heading in a direction we can live with.

[Images: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]

Matt Posky
Matt Posky

Consumer advocate tracking industry trends and regulations. Before joining TTAC, Matt spent a decade working for marketing and research firms based in NYC. Clients included several of the world’s largest automakers, global tire brands, and aftermarket part suppliers. Dissatisfied, he pivoted to writing about cars. Since then, he has become an ardent supporter of the right-to-repair movement, been interviewed about the automotive sector by national broadcasts, participated in a few amateur rallying events, and driven more rental cars than anyone ever should. Handy with a wrench, Matt grew up surrounded by Detroit auto workers and learned to drive by twelve. A contrarian, Matt claims to prefer understeer and motorcycles.

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  • DJM DJM on Nov 09, 2017

    Definitely marketed towards the fairer half. The interior will be much more accommodating on the way to Costco and Starbucks. Who designed the shifters, StagShop?

  • Pete Zaitcev Pete Zaitcev on Nov 09, 2017

    I'm not sure I like the t-case shifter this tall. It almost matches the gear stick.

  • Hi There I dig the boxy retro looks, I don't care if it looks like a Rivian which looks like an old Scout. I'm skeptical about the price, as others have mentioned, my guess is when this ships, in 2027, it'll be $90k. I do like the range extender generator on board. Until we get better battery technology, it's either that or a plug-in hybrid for me. Full EV is fine in an urban environment with access to lots of chargers. Though, the irony there is, once everyone has an EV, finding an open charger will be impossible. So many negatives in the EV future.
  • ToolGuy I know some 5 year olds looking for work.
  • Jalop1991 Ah. Update: Scout employee has confirmed that the width of the Scout EV Concepts is 79.9 inches without mirrors (and confirmed that it's 91.1" with mirrors). So their marketing department wasn't ready for this launch at all. I seriously doubt this will launch in 2027, or that any of their products will be less than $90K, or that any of them will be available with some sort of combustion engine of any kind.
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  • Kwik_Shift_Pro4X I 🤣😆😂 at the price
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