2018 Jeep Wrangler review

2018 Jeep Wrangler Review: 

Redesigned for 2018, the Jeep Wrangler is more than just a dominating force off-road. Updated with refreshed styling, larger dimensions, a new engine option, and a roomier and higher-quality interior, this Wrangler is a more practical SUV that can still go anywhere.

Shoppers looking specifically for a 2018 model should know that there were two different 2018 Wranglers on sale at the time. This may get jargony, but bear with us because this is important. The third-generation (JK) Wrangler was sold alongside its replacement, the fourth-generation (JL) Wrangler. (These acronyms relate to Jeep's model designations for its Wranglers.) An easy way to tell them apart is to look for a pair of rectangular lights on the fenders, adjacent to the headlights; that is the JL model. JK models do not have lights on the fenders.

The reason you’d want the JL Wrangler is that it is much more comfortable, has more driver-assist features, and offers more interior space. The 3.6-liter V6 was carried over from the prior year, but was now paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that vastly improved the Wrangler's drivability. A six-speed manual was also available. 

A new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was introduced with the JL Wrangler, which featured a 48-volt mild hybrid system called eTorque assist. This engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. 

• Technology

• Comfort

• Cargo and storage

• Ease of use

• Driving

What tech does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have?

Connectivity

Wired Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ are standard on all trims. There are USB-A and USB-C ports in the front, plus a 12-volt socket for accessories. 

The Wrangler's standard audio system received poor marks from Edmunds' testers, as it wasn't powerful enough to compete with the louder cabin noise. If you plan to remove the doors and roof, it will only worsen the problem. An Alpine® Premium audio system is available, though Edmunds didn't get a chance to test it. The upgrade offers a nine-speaker system with a rear subwoofer and a 552-watt, 12-channel amplifier. Keep an eye out for Wranglers equipped with this if a good audio system is a priority and make sure to test it out during the test drive. 

Infotainment

The Wrangler's infotainment screen looks sharp and is easy to see during the day, but it also dims enough at night so it won't strain your eyes. The system runs on Uconnect® 4, which was impressive when it first came out, but now it feels a bit outdated and not as quick as newer systems. This can be most noticeable when you start the vehicle. Several times, one of Edmunds' testers had to wait about 10 seconds for the system to fully load before he could even turn down the volume.

On the positive side, the software itself is easy to use. The controls are a mixture of buttons, knobs, and touchscreen virtual buttons, all of which are easy to understand. AM, FM, and XM satellite radio are available.

Driver-Assist Tech

The driver-assist offerings are a bit sparse on the Wrangler. For example, the entry-level Wrangler Sport doesn't include any driver-assist tech. Adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning were not available on any trim. Blind-spot monitoring is available on higher-trim Wranglers, but that's about as high-tech as it got that year. 

How comfortable is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler? 

Front Seating

The front seats feel firm but still give good support, and they’re more comfortable on long trips than you might expect. The seats themselves sit higher and more upright than in many other SUVs, so the front edge may stand out a bit more for some people. This upright position might not suit everyone, so make sure it fits your body and meets your comfort needs. There's lots of headroom, but the cabin is on the narrow side, which can make it feel a bit cramped.

Rear Seating

The four-door Wrangler may not be as large as some other midsize SUVs, but it still feels roomy. A six-foot-tall Edmunds tester could sit comfortably behind their own driving position, and the soft cloth seatbacks mean knees won't get sore if they press against them. The seats offer a good mix of comfort and support. There's also plenty of headroom in the back because of the tall ceiling. Two-door Wranglers are a tighter squeeze in the rear.

Ride Quality and Interior Noise

The Wrangler's ride quality is on the firm side and may not be to everyone’s liking, but we like how the suspension and tires absorb ruts, bumps, and potholes with ease. This means that you can just cruise around town with little concern about what you're driving over. 

You'll notice road, tire, and wind noise most when driving on the highway. The hardtop is a bit quieter than the soft top, but both are pretty loud. If you've owned a Wrangler before, this won’t be news to you. However, if you’re mainly interested in the Wrangler for its style, be ready to accept this trade-off.

Does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have good storage?

Cargo 

The Wrangler’s narrow body means it can’t carry as much cargo as most other SUVs, and its cargo space (31.7 cubic feet with the seats up and 72.4 cubic feet with them down) is a bit smaller than what you get in the Ford Bronco. The rear seats don’t fold completely flat, either. Still, there are some smart features that help make up for this. The cargo area is tall, squared-off, and easy to use. It also comes with a power outlet, six sturdy tie-down points, and an underfloor compartment. Plus, you can remove the top to carry longer items upright.

Storage

The Wrangler doesn’t offer much interior storage. The center console and glovebox are both small, and since there aren't many extra cubbies, Edmunds' testers often ended up using the front cupholders for other things. There's a shallow tray on top of the dashboard for extra space, but items can slide or roll off if you brake suddenly. The door map pockets are made of small nets, which makes it easier to remove the doors, but they aren't sturdy enough for bigger items. During Edmunds' testing, even a regular water bottle made the netting sag so much that it got in the way of closing the door.

How easy is the 2018 Jeep Wrangler to use?

Entry, Exit, and Car Seats

Getting into a Wrangler requires a bigger step than most other SUVs because of its off-road ground clearance. The wide-opening doors, which can also be removed, and sturdy grab handles at every seat help with entry. Taller versions, such as the Rubicon or 392, are even harder to climb into, even for people of average height. The smallest tires are still 32 inches across, so without a step rail, shorter passengers or anyone with mobility challenges may struggle.

Rear passengers face the same issue. They need to be careful when getting in or out because the Wrangler's door latch sticks out from the body and can hit your hips.

Child car seats are easy to install in the four-door as long as they are not too large. You may need to move the front seat forward to fit a rear-facing seat.

Interior Layout and Visibility

The Wrangler's narrow hood and separate fenders, along with the tall driving position and upright windshield, give you pretty good forward visibility. The large, square side windows also make it easy to see to the sides and rear. If you want even better side and rear visibility, you can take the top off, leaving just the narrow frame in your way. On the downside, the upright driving position and low roof sometimes make you lean forward or duck to see a traffic light. Plus, the big spare tire blocks part of your lower rear view.

The controls are easy to reach thanks to the vertical dash. The instruments look good, and you get unique programmable accessory switches you won't find in other vehicles. Everything is well organized and makes sense, and the controls feel good to use. 

What’s the 2018 Jeep Wrangler like to drive?

Driving

The Wrangler's standard 3.6-liter V6 engine has plenty of power for getting onto the freeway, passing other cars, or climbing steep hills. Even the heavier Rubicon model feels responsive. In Edmunds' test, a four-door Sahara went from 0 to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds. If you choose a Wrangler with the Xtreme off-road package and its larger 35-inch tires, the 0-60 time slows to about 9.6 seconds.

Edmunds has not tested the 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo, but owner reviews are very positive. They like the engine’s torque and think it offers a good balance between the V6 and V8 models from later years. On paper, the 2.0-liter turbo is the most fuel-efficient Wrangler engine.

Towing

A four-door Wrangler can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. The two-door version can tow up to 2,000 pounds.^† You can flat-tow any Wrangler behind a motorhome as long as the transfer case is in neutral and the transmission is set to the right gear.

Fuel Economy/Electric Efficiency

According to the EPA, the V6-powered Wrangler Edmunds tested gets an estimated 19 mpg combined city and highway. The four-cylinder turbo does a bit better at an estimated 24 mpg.^† Overall, the Wrangler's fuel economy is similar to that of other off-road SUVs like the Ford Bronco. In our own testing, we found the EPA’s numbers to be accurate.

EPA Fuel Economy Estimates^†