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2017 Jeep Wrangler: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The most important 2017 Jeep Wrangler change is that LED headlights and fog lights became standard on Sahara and Rubicon. Otherwise, this was a light update built around new special editions rather than a redesign or powertrain change.
About the 2017 Jeep Wrangler
3rd-generation Wrangler JK (2007-2018), last full model year before the redesigned JL joined the range for 2018
Jeep positioned the Wrangler as a purpose-built off-road SUV with open-air character rather than a conventional crossover. Its identity centered on low-range four-wheel drive, solid axles, generous ground clearance, removable doors and a fold-down windshield. Two-door versions emphasized compact trail maneuverability, while four-door Unlimited versions added passenger and cargo room without abandoning the model’s rugged construction and distinctive upright design.
The 2017 lineup ranges from the basic, trail-focused Sport to the more comfortable Sahara and the rock-crawling Rubicon. Sahara adds everyday conveniences and LED lighting, while Rubicon has locking differentials, heavy-duty axles and a front stabilizer bar that disconnects for better wheel movement on rough trails. The new Rubicon Recon goes farther with a reinforced front axle, a half-inch suspension lift, steel bumpers and stronger rock protection.
What changed, by category
Tech
LED headlights and fog lights became standard on Sahara and Rubicon; Sport and Sport S treated them as optional equipment. On Rubicon Hard Rock, the navigation system and touchscreen changed from standard to optional.
Styling
Jeep added the Big Bear, Chief, Smoky Mountain and Winter special editions with their own hoods, wheels, bumpers or exterior treatments. Backcountry, Black Bear and Red Rock Edition variants left the lineup.
Structural
The new Rubicon Recon added a reinforced Dana 44 front axle, cast differential covers, a half-inch suspension lift, steel bumpers and upgraded rock protection.
2017 Jeep Wrangler specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft | 56.5–70.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||||||||
| LED Headlights | ||||||||||||||
| Power Mirrors | ||||||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | ||||||||||||||
| Side Steps | ||||||||||||||
| Tow Hooks | ||||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | ||||||||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||||||||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | ||||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | ||||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||||||||
| Power Locks | ||||||||||||||
| Power Windows | ||||||||||||||
| Remote Start | ||||||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | ||||||||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | ||||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Was the 2017 Jeep Wrangler redesigned?
No. The 2017 Jeep Wrangler remained part of the JK generation and received a light trim-and-equipment update rather than a redesign. Its two-door and four-door body styles and core four-wheel-drive hardware carried over.
What changed on the 2017 Jeep Wrangler compared with 2016?
The headline change was standard LED headlights and fog lights on Sahara and Rubicon. Jeep also introduced the Big Bear, Chief, Rubicon Recon, Smoky Mountain and Winter special editions, while the engine and basic four-wheel-drive hardware stayed the same.
Did the 2017 Jeep Wrangler get a new engine?
No. Every 2017 Wrangler used the carryover 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V6. Depending on the version, it had a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Which 2017 Jeep Wrangler trims had standard LED headlights?
Sahara and Rubicon had standard LED headlights and LED fog lights for 2017. Sport and Sport S did not receive them as standard equipment.
Was the Rubicon Recon new for the 2017 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. The 2017 Rubicon Recon was a new, more heavily reinforced Rubicon with a stronger front axle, a half-inch suspension lift, cast differential covers, steel bumpers and upgraded rock protection.
2017 Jeep Wrangler Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Jeep Wrangler.
4.5
2017 Jeep Wrangler
(564 reviews)
“I love my vehicle because I have room to play with it by making it how I want. It's a Jeep.”
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