India-bound 2018 Jeep Wrangler unveiled

Jeep has unveiled the 2018 Wrangler which will make its public debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show next month. The new model will go on sale in the US in January 2018 and will eventually make its way to the Indian market.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is available in 2-door and 4-door body styles. The 2-door model comes in three variants – Sport, Sport S and Rubicon. In addition to the aforementioned variants, the 4-door model also comes in Sahara trim.

Jeep has made subtle changes to the 2018 Wrangler without deviating too much from the design language of the current model. The front features the 7-slat grille with minor tweaks and circular, full-LED headlights. The fenders house LED daytime running lights (DRLs) and turn signals, while the fog lamps are integrated into the bumper.

An extra vent has been added behind the front fenders that is claimed to improve circulation and reduce bonnet vibrations. Furthermore, a lower beltline is claimed to have increased the glass house area. At the rear, the new Wrangler gets LED tail lamps, a spare wheel and a larger rear windshield. That said, like the previous model, the 2018 Wrangler does come with removable doors and soft and hard-top options, while the front windshield can also be folded down. The bumpers have provisions to install a winch and have removable end caps.

The new Wrangler has a longer wheelbase compared to the previous generation. The dashboard now comes in a dual-tone theme with circular air-conditioning vents and a centrally mounted 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Lower variants get a 5.0-inch or a 7.0-inch unit. The fourth generation Uconnect system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Power window switches along with toggles for the differential locks are placed on a separate module on the centre console. Customers can spec their cars with a 7.0-inch TFT multi-information display (MID) which is placed in the centre flanked by the analogue speedometer and tachometer. A 3.5-inch MID is offered on lower variants.

The 2018 Wrangler continues to use a 5-link suspension setup at both ends, albeit with retuned shock absorbers. The Wrangler Rubicon comes with an electronic front sway bar disconnect feature. Overall, the suspension offers a wading depth of up to 30 inches. The Wrangler has an approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees and a departure angle of 37 degrees. It has a ground clearance of 277 mm and is capable of towing up to 1,588 kg.

The 2018 Wrangler is offered with a Command-Trac 4x4 system which features a 2-speed transfer case. The Wrangler Rubicon employs a Rock-Trac 4x4 system with heavy-duty axles and Tru-Lok locking differentials. The vehicle employs four skid plates to protect the fuel tank, transfer case and the automatic transmission oil pan. Rubicon models get heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails as well. 

Under the bonnet, the 2018 Wrangler is offered with two, new 4-cylinder engines, in addition to the Pentastar V6 and V6 EcoDiesel unit. The 2.0-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces 270 BHP and 400 Nm of torque. The 2.2-litre, 4-cylinder turbocharged diesel unit churns out 197 BHP and 450 Nm of torque. The 3.0-litre, V6 diesel makes 240 BHP and 570 Nm of torque, while the 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine makes 285 BHP and 353 Nm of peak torque. Transmission options include an 8-speed automatic and a 6-speed manual.