2018 Jeep Wrangler | What We Know So Far

While we still wait for “official” confirmation on the appearance and capability of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, we can’t help but acknowledge the rumors circulating – and, most recently, some leaked photos of the 2018 prototypes (fully camouflaged, of course) heading to the trails in Moab, UT.

What do we know so far?

FCA has confirmed both a diesel engine option and a hybrid powertrain – both options that may not be immediately available with the 2018 release, but were included in the the overall redesign.

We’ve seen a few leaked images of the 2018 Wranglers running the trails in Moab, and driving on what may be considered more traditional roadways. Granted, these are heavily camouflaged, they’re still pretty obviously Jeeps. Some details that are dead giveaways: The signature seven-slot grill, those aggressive knobby tires, and the classic boxy jeep silhouette. From the exterior, it looks like little has changed. Some of that could be the brand keeping their headlining vehicle under wraps (See what I did there?) until the official release, but short of a few minor changes to the overall aerodynamics with the last body redesign, it seems the wrangler will stay true to its roots. We already know it’ll retain the ladder-frame construction, which means die-hard off-roaders can relax… the Wrangler can still handle just about anything you can throw at it. Jeep CEO Mike Manley has hinted at the potential for the Jeep Wrangler to incorporate some aluminum into the body construction – which makes for a lighter vehicle overall, and a potential increase in fuel economy.

The interior upgrades on the 2018 model have been entirely speculation. Until now. Arguably, the most dramatic upgrade to the iconic Wrangler will be the interior. These spy photos show a great big leap for passengers, beginning with the noticeably larger infotainment system. Also noteworthy – center console window switches, the location of which all but confirms that this iteration of the Wrangler will have removable doors. A handful of other convenience-features, all center-mounted, lead us to believe that this new generation of Wranglers will factor in rider’s comfort without sacrificing capability- all the while, still maintaining the styling that has always been a nod to the brand’s history.

We can’t address Wrangler rumors without acknowledging the elephant in the room: the Jeep Wrangler Pickup.

Previously, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne and Jeep CEO Mike Manley confirmed the existence of a Jeep Wrangler pickup truck, hinting that it would reach production in late 2017. It seems there may have been a delay, with Manley indicating at the LA Auto Show that the JT would drop late 2018 – it’s not clear, however, if this would be a 2018 model. A later release date opens up the possibility for a 2019 model year, while opening up the ordering banks in the fall/winter of 2018. Unofficial statements have production of the JT alongside the 2018 Wrangler in the Toledo, OH plant, leading us to believe that it’ll include the same aluminum construction elements that the 2018 Wrangler has confirmed. These photos (via extremeterrain.com) have what appears to be an early JT Wrangler Pickup looking a bit sleeker than earlier sightings – progress!