2018 Jeep Wrangler JK

Overview: The current Jeep Wrangler lives to see another model year, and it is officially dubbed the Wrangler JK for 2018. It will be sold alongside the all-new, JL-generation 2018 Wrangler that will debut this fall and go on sale shortly thereafter. Whereas the JL Wrangler likely will be available with three different engine options, including a turbocharged inline-four and a diesel-drinking turbocharged V-6, the Wrangler JK will continue to be powered solely by Fiat Chrysler’s familiar 285-hp 3.6-liter V-6. Fortunately, the engine once again can be mated to a six-speed manual transmission, with a five-speed automatic remaining optional.

Two four-wheel-drive systems are offered on the Wrangler JK. The Command-Trac part-time system is standard on the Sport, Sport S, and Sahara trim levels, as well as special-edition variants based off those models. The system includes a 2.72:1 low range for crawling over tough terrain. Those in search of even more capability will want to step up to the Rock-Trac part-time system that’s featured on the Wrangler JK Rubicon. It includes front and rear anti-roll bars that can be disconnected at the push of a button as well as locking front and rear differentials; the Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive system also comes with an even shorter 4.0:1 low range.

As in previous years, the Wrangler JK is offered in two- and four-door body styles. Four-door models are christened Unlimited and bear a starting price that’s $3900 greater than that of their two-door counterpart. Opting for the Unlimited adds more than 20 inches to the Wrangler JK’s wheelbase, 1.6 inches of rear legroom, and 19 cubic feet of cargo volume.

What’s New: A new Wrangler JK decal on the driver’s-side fender is the most prominent visual cue for the 2018 models. Other changes include a new Golden Eagle edition and the revival of the Altitude edition. The Golden Eagle features special decals on the hood; steel bumpers; bronze-colored headlight rings, grille surrounds, badges, tow hooks, and wheels; titanium-colored interior trim; bronze accent stitching; and Golden Eagle logos on the headrests. Also included is a tan softtop, which can be had on Wrangler JK Freedom and Rubicon Recon editions as well. Meanwhile, the Altitude features blacked-out headlight rings, front and rear bumper trim, and grille surrounds; a power-bulge hood; titanium interior trim; and black leather seats with gray stitching. Finally, both the Willys Wheeler and Freedom editions can be optioned with a rear differential that can be mechanically locked with the push of a button.

The new JL Wrangler, about which you can read more here, will add the aforementioned powertrain options, an available power top, and a pickup body style called the Scrambler.

What We Like: There are few vehicles more capable off-road than the Wrangler JK. Equipped with removable doors, a removable roof, and a fold-down windshield, the four-wheel-drive Wrangler JK is one of the most fun and proficient ways to explore off the beaten path or to feel the wind in your hair. It’s also hard not to fall for the Wrangler JK’s charming and simple design, which can trace its roots back to the Willys MB Jeep of World War II fame.

What We Don’t Like: The Wrangler JK’s off-road capability comes at the cost of its on-road manners. Live front and rear axles do the Wrangler JK’s ride quality no favors. The body also rolls precariously in turns, and the stability-control system regularly cuts in to prevent the droptop SUV from actually rolling over. Wind noise is exceptionally loud at highway speeds, and this Jeep drinks gas like it’s at an open bar. The available touchscreen infotainment system also is slow to respond to inputs and suffers from poor ergonomics.

Verdict: At home off-road, barely tolerable on tarmac, and undeniably cool.

Specifications >

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, rear-/4-wheel-drive, 4- or 5-passenger, 2- or 4-door convertible

BASE PRICES: Sport, $25,090;
Sport S, $28,090;
Unlimited Sport, $28,990;
Sahara, $31,540;
Unlimited Sport S, $32,190;
Rubicon, $34,740;
Unlimited Sahara, $35,340;
Unlimited Rubicon, $38,540

ENGINE TYPE: DOHC 24-valve V-6, aluminum block and heads, port fuel injection

Displacement: 220 cu in, 3604
Power: 285 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque: 260 lb-ft @ 4800 rpm

TRANSMISSIONS: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic with manual shifting mode

DIMENSIONS:
Wheelbase: 95.4–116.0 in
Length: 164.3–184.9 in
Width: 73.7 in Height: 72.6 in
Passenger volume: 99–104 cu ft
Cargo volume: 13–32 cu ft
Curb weight (C/D est): 4100–4600 lb

EPA FUEL ECONOMY (C/D EST):
Combined/city/highway: 18/16-17/20-21 mpg

C/D TEST RESULTS:
2016 Jeep Wrangler Automatic
Zero to 60 mph: 7.5 sec
Zero to 100 mph: 24.9 sec
Rolling start, 5–60 mph: 7.9 sec
Top gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top gear, 50–70 mph: 5.5 sec
Standing ¼-mile: 15.9 sec @ 85 mph
Top speed (redline limited): 109 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 205 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft-dia skidpad*: 0.69 g
Curb weight: 4160 lb
C/D observed fuel economy: 16 mpg

*stability-control-inhibited