“I love the overall image of a Jeep Wrangler and the Unlimited gives me that image while allowing more space for passengers or hauling.”
2018 Jeep Wrangler: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The big news for 2018 is the arrival of the fully redesigned, fourth-generation JL Wrangler alongside the outgoing JK Wrangler for one final year. That makes 2018 a split-year lineup rather than a clean one-generation handoff.
About the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
4th-generation JL first year, sold alongside 3rd-generation JK final year.
Jeep positions the Wrangler as the open-air 4x4 for buyers who want removable doors and roof panels, true low-range four-wheel drive, and trail-ready hardware that most SUVs do not offer. In 2018, that identity broadened: the outgoing JK kept the old-school, simple Wrangler feel, while the new JL added more comfort, better everyday drivability, and modern infotainment without giving up the model’s core purpose of outdoor use and serious off-road capability.
The JL side ranges from the simple Sport, with low-range four-wheel drive, removable doors and a touchscreen, to the more polished four-door Sahara with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Rubicon remains trail-focused with locking front and rear axles and a disconnecting front sway bar, while the late-year Moab blends leather, navigation and extra trail hardware. The JK side keeps the older, simpler setup and closes out with themed editions including Altitude and Golden Eagle.
What changed, by category
Structural
The fourth-generation JL Wrangler joined the lineup with a new platform and body, while the third-generation JK remained on sale for its final year.
Powertrain
JL models introduced a 2.0-liter turbo engine option and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The JK range was mostly unchanged mechanically.
Styling
The JL received a redesigned body and wider stance. The outgoing JK added appearance-focused special editions including Altitude and Golden Eagle.
Safety
The redesigned JL Sport gained a standard rearview camera and front-seat side airbags.
Technology
JL models brought a modern touchscreen-based dashboard. Sahara features a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while Moab has an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation.
2018 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, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / V6, 3.6 Liter | V6, VVT, 3.6 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 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, 8-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 8-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd | Automatic, 5-Spd |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 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 | Gas |
| MPG City | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 18 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 18–23 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 18–22 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 18–23 mpg | 18–23 mpg | 16–17 mpg | 16–17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 23 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 23–25 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 23–24 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 23–25 mpg | 23–25 mpg | 20–21 mpg | 20–21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 285 hp | 270–295 hp | 285 hp | 285–295 hp | 285 hp | 270–295 hp | 270–295 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 | 260–295 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–270 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft | 260–295 lb-ft | 260–295 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 | 3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb | 2000–3500 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 70.6 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 72.4 cu-ft | 70.6 cu-ft | 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 | 38.3 in | 35.6 in | 35.7–38.3 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 38.3 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.7–38.3 in | 35.7–38.3 in | 35.6–37.2 in | 35.6–37.2 in |
| Seats | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4–5 |
| Doors | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2–4 |
| Alarm System | |||||||||||||||
| Automatic Headlights | |||||||||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors | |||||||||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | |||||||||||||||
| Rear Parking Sensors | |||||||||||||||
| Rear View Camera | |||||||||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | |||||||||||||||
| Fog Lights | |||||||||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | |||||||||||||||
| LED Headlights | |||||||||||||||
| LED Tail Lights | |||||||||||||||
| Power Mirrors | |||||||||||||||
| Power Retractable Soft Top | |||||||||||||||
| Privacy Glass | |||||||||||||||
| Side Steps | |||||||||||||||
| Tow Hooks | |||||||||||||||
| Bluetooth | |||||||||||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | |||||||||||||||
| Front DVD Entertainment System | |||||||||||||||
| Navigation System | |||||||||||||||
| Premium Audio | |||||||||||||||
| Satellite Radio | |||||||||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | |||||||||||||||
| Subwoofer | |||||||||||||||
| USB Ports | |||||||||||||||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||||||||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||||||||||||||
| Automatic Air Conditioning | |||||||||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | |||||||||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||||||||||||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | |||||||||||||||
| Leather Seats | |||||||||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||||
| Power Locks | |||||||||||||||
| Power Windows | |||||||||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | |||||||||||||||
| Remote Start | |||||||||||||||
| Remote Keyless Entry | |||||||||||||||
| Tilt Wheel | |||||||||||||||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||||||||||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is every 2018 Jeep Wrangler a JL?
No. Jeep sold the redesigned JL and the older JK at the same time for 2018, so the generation matters when comparing used examples. The JL has the new body, cabin, touchscreens and transmission, while the JK follows the previous design.
Is a 2018 Jeep Wrangler meaningfully different from a 2017?
A 2018 JL is meaningfully different, but a 2018 JK mostly is not. The new JL brings a redesigned body and cabin, newer touchscreen technology, an eight-speed automatic and a turbo engine option; the final-year JK mainly changes through its special-edition lineup.
Does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have a turbo engine and an eight-speed automatic?
The redesigned 2018 JL introduced a 2.0-liter turbo engine option and an eight-speed automatic. Those upgrades belong to the JL range; the outgoing JK stayed mostly unchanged mechanically.
What safety and technology upgrades came with the 2018 Wrangler JL?
The 2018 JL added a modern touchscreen-based dashboard, a standard rearview camera and front-seat side airbags on Sport. Sahara has a 7-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Moab has an 8.4-inch touchscreen with navigation, blind-spot monitoring and rear parking sensors.
Did Jeep still sell the older Wrangler JK for 2018?
Yes. The JK continued for one final model year alongside the redesigned JL. It retained the older Wrangler formula and included trims and special editions such as Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Willys Wheeler, Altitude, Golden Eagle and Freedom Edition.
2018 Jeep Wrangler Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler.
4.3
2018 Jeep Wrangler
(638 reviews)
“This has been a living nightmare. This Jeep is a total lemon. They refuse to acknowledge that their recalls have solved nothing. I regret ever buying this vehicle.”
“The Jeep is amazing. Can go anywhere and looks great doing so. Be aware of passenger space and gas mileage before hand.”