The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

Jeep is selling two versions of the 2018 Wrangler. The previous-generation model will be sold as the Wrangler JK, while the redesigned model will take the Wrangler JL model. Jeep’s Wrangler is a docile beast built purely for steady urban and suburban travel. Meanwhile, the Wrangler has always been a bold and fearless adrenaline junkie. Sold in two- and four-door body styles, this rugged Jeep lives outdoors, on boulder-strewn trails and winding back roads. The compact SUV’s core identity remains unchanged after the redesign, and it’s more powerful than ever.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

The top of the new Wrangler is designed for a quicker lift. There’s also an optional new power top that lets you manage the roof at the touch of a button. This model will be available in the second quarter of 2018. Relative to its predecessor, the Wrangler JL offers a more refined cabin, smoother ride quality, and available driver-assist safety features.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

①Excellent ground clearance

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

There’s no way around it: If you want to indulge in off-roading, you need a vehicle with good ground clearance. Boulders, commonly seen on fire and mountain roads, can damage the undercarriage of your vehicle if you’re traveling in a vehicle that’s lower than the ground. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL comes with a whopping 10.8 inches of ground clearance.

②The steepest slope for driving

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

If you’ve ever bumped the bumper of your car while trying to climb a steep driveway, you need to know a thing or two about approach angles. The approach angle is the steepest grade the vehicle can climb without hitting the front bumper on the road. The angle of departure is also similar. This angle is the steepest incline that the vehicle can drive without the bumper making contact with the slope. It should come as no surprise that the new Wrangler offers excellent approach, departure and cornering angles. This is the leader in the segment, offering an approach angle of up to 44 degrees, a roll angle of up to 27.8 degrees, and a departure angle of up to 37 degrees.

③ Impressive water wading ability

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

Rocks and steep slopes get a lot of attention when most people think about off-roading, but sometimes the trail will take you in some pretty wet places. For this reason, it’s a good idea to have a vehicle that can take you to the other side of the stream. The Wrangler is always up for this task. It can travel in as little as 30 inches of water, so if your off-road playground has a river or two, it’s a good choice.

④ Outdoor versatility

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

When you zip down a hillside path in the vehicle of your choice, the experience becomes all the more visceral without the roof separating you from the elements. However, SUVs are best for off-road adventures, and there aren’t many convertible options in this segment either. Here’s what makes the Wrangler so special. A removable soft top is standard, and both hard and power tops are available. The Wrangler also lets you remove the doors and lower the windshield for added open-air excitement.

⑤Waterproof interior

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

Going off-road can put you in some muddy situations, which can lead to dirty interiors. Cleaning out the cabin after a day of driving fun can be a tedious experience. Wrangler simplifies cleanup by offering a waterproof cabin as standard equipment on all models. This allows you to quickly remove dirt and grime by softening the interior.

⑥Optional engine

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

The engine you choose can affect your vehicle’s performance and fuel economy. The 2018 Wrangler JL comes with a choice of engines to please a wide variety of buyers. Two gasoline engines are offered. A 3.6-liter V6 is standard, and it makes 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. There’s also an optional 2.0-liter 4-cylinder generator set with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The engine uses a mild-hybrid setup to improve fuel economy. Finally, this Jeep has also made a move on the diesel engine front, with a 3.0-liter diesel for 2019. This engine delivers 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque

⑦The latest technical features

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

⑧Optional automatic and manual transmission

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

A manual transmission can be fun when you’re driving a small and nimble SUV like the Wrangler. But many drivers prefer the everyday convenience of autonomous driving. The Wrangler offers great options in both transmission categories. Base models come standard with a 6-speed manual transmission, offering short-shift engines and ratios designed to improve crawl performance. An 8-speed automatic transmission is also available, and it delivers smooth power whether you’re cruising city streets or conquering steep trails.

a fatal flaw

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL: 8 Good Things and One Fatal Flaw

The new Wrangler is a big improvement here, offering a more gracious ride quality. However, the body Jeep is still a bit rough around the edges in this regard compared to the average crossover SUV. If you’re not going off-road and value a comfortable ride quality, we’d recommend picking one of this Jeep’s competitors