Tech Spec: 2018 Jeep Wrangler

Dec. 1, 2018
Jeep’s iconic Wrangler is all-new for the 2018 model year. The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler delivers legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4x4 systems and a two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio that is available on Sahara models.

Jeep’s iconic Wrangler is all-new for the 2018 model year. The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler delivers legendary off-road capability courtesy of two advanced 4x4 systems and a two-speed transfer case with full-time four-wheel drive and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio that is available on Sahara models. The new Selec-Trac full-time two-speed transfer case is intuitive and allows the driver to set it and forget it, while constantly sending power to the front and rear wheels.

Advanced Fuel-Efficient Powertrains

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 and all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engines join the Wrangler lineup, while the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine has been upgraded for 2018.

The all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder (I4) engine with eTorque technology is rated at 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque and mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine’s torque output surpasses that of the V6 engine offered in Wrangler. The all-new eTorque system improved fuel economy, launch performance and driver comfort during start/stop operations.

The eTorque system’s hybrid functions include auto stop/start, electric power assist, extended fuel shut-off, transmission shift management, intelligent battery charging and regenerative braking. Both the engine and fuel flow may be turned off during stops, coasting or when the engine is decelerating.

The all-new 2.0-liter I4 engine features a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with an electronically actuated waste gate for responsiveness and performance. The turbo is mounted directly to the cylinder head to improve durability. A dedicated cooling circuit lowers the temperature of the intake air, throttle body and turbocharger.

The 2.0-liter I4 engine’s fuel pump supplies the GDI engine’s 2,900-psi high-pressure common-rail injection system. The engine is part of the Global Medium Engine architecture family and features double overhead camshafts, dual independent camshaft timing and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation system. This is the first time that the combined use of a twin-scroll turbocharger, C-EGR system, central direct injection and the independent liquid cooling intake of air, throttle body and turbo have been employed together.

The FCA US 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine delivers 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. It now features engine stop-start as standard equipment. It is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque.

An all-new six-speed manual transmission is standard on all Wrangler models equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and a new-to-Wrangler eight-speed automatic transmission is optional.

The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine will be available starting in 2019. Wrangler four-door models will offer the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, rated at 260 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, with the engine stop-start standard. A new eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and is designed to handle the increased torque output.

Starting in 2019, the EcoDiesel V6 engine implements new turbocharger technology with a low-friction bearing designed for low-end and transient performance. The upgraded EcoDiesel V6 engine now also features low-friction pistons to improve fuel economy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and provide an enhanced combustion system — new injector nozzle, piston bowl and glow plug with integrated combustion pressure sensor to optimize combustion.

Off-Road Capability

The Command-Trac 4x4 system features a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio and next-generation solid Dana front and rear axles with a 3.45 rear axle ratio.

On Wrangler Rubicon, a Rock-Trac 4x4 system features heavy-duty next-generation Dana 44 front and rear axles with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 front and rear axle ratio is standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.

With the standard six-speed manual transmission, Wrangler Rubicon has an improved crawl ratio of 84.2:1 and 77.2:1 on Rubicon models equipped with the new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Both Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems offer full-time torque management, enabling optimal grip in low-traction conditions.

An available Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential provides extra torque and grip during slippery, low-traction situations, such as driving over sand, gravel, snow or ice.

Every Wrangler model receives a Trail Rated badge thanks to its 4x4 capability that includes features such as:

  • Command-Trac 4x4 system with 2.72:1 crawl ratio standard on Sport and Sahara models
  • Rock-Trac 4x4 system with a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 and Tru-Lok locking differentials standard on Rubicon models
  • Skid plates and front and rear tow hooks
  • All-new front fascia and available front and rear steel heavy-duty off-road winch-ready bumpers with removable end caps
  • Approach angle of 44 degrees, breakover angle of 27.8 degrees, departure angle of 37 degrees and ground clearance of 10.9 inches
  • Available 17-inch off-road wheels; Rubicon models get 33-inch tires standard
  • Up to 30 inches of water fording
  • Up to 3,500-pound towing capacity
To protect critical vehicle components while on the trail — including the fuel tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan — Wrangler employs four skid plates and bars. Rubicon models benefit from the use of heavy gauge tubular steel rock rails to curtail potential body damage inflicted while out on the trail.

The five-link rear suspension features two upper and two lower forged steer control arms for longitudinal control and a track bar for lateral axle control.  The control arms are located outside of the frame rails while the rear shocks are splayed to provide consistent damping.

The shocks have been retuned and demonstrate optimum balance between on-road handling and off-road capability. Ride comfort, body-roll control and handling is significantly improved with new shock tuning, hard points and body mount strategy.

On Wrangler Rubicon models, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect is featured to provide additional wheel travel when the terrain calls for it.

New Design

Wrangler’s new exterior design is bold and rugged with a wide stance and lowered beltline with larger windows for better outward visibility, especially out on the trails.

On Sahara and Rubicon models, available LED headlamps and fog lamps offer crisp white lighting. These models feature daytime running lights that now form a halo around the outside perimeter of the headlights.

Dozens of different door, top and windshield combinations allow for endless configuration possibilities. A new half-door design will be available starting in 2019.

The windshield’s rake has been optimized for improved aerodynamics and features a new four-bolt design at the top of the windshield’s frame to allow the windshield to fold down quickly and easily. A new header bar now connects the A-pillars and stays in place even when the windshield is folded down. This allows the rearview mirror to remain in place even with the windshield folded.

New lightweight, high-strength aluminum doors now feature the Torx bit tool size stamped directly onto the hinge to eliminate guessing which tool size is needed to remove the doors.

An all-new, easy-to-use Sky One-Touch powertop allows occupants to retract the full-length open canvas roof with the push of a button.

An all-new premium Sunrider soft top provides another easy open-air option and has been improved by adding two additional bows to manage the fabric. This new design helps to quiet wind noise and allows for easier access to partial and full open top positions. New for 2018, the soft top features retainers that slide into a track for easier rear passenger window removal.

On the interior, a redesigned center console houses the gearshift selection, transfer case and parking brake. Real bolts featured on the shifter, grab handles and frame of the infotainment screen highlight genuine construction methods.

The instrument cluster features a 3.5- or an available 7-inch thin-film transistor information LED display. The 7-inch LED display allows the driver to configure information in more than 100 ways, including current media being played, tire pressure or digital speed readout. Integrated buttons on the steering wheel control audio, voice and speed functions and allow the driver to keep their hands on the wheel at all times.

A 7.0- or an available 8.4-inch touchscreen houses the fourth-generation Uconnect system and sits atop the center stack. The fourth-generation Uconnect system enhances the user interface and system performance with quicker start-up times and improved screen resolution. A 5.0-inch touchscreen is standard on Wrangler Sport.

The available subwoofer is now located on the right side of the rear cargo area, allowing for even more storage space. An under-floor storage area behind the rear seat provides room to secure small items out of sight. The glove box is now damped and like the center console, can be locked to safety secure valuables when the top is down. The available all-new Trail Rail cargo management system allows easy access to the contents in the cargo area and provides additional storage options to organize and secure cargo.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler two-door model is available in three different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S and Rubicon. Wrangler four-door models are available in four different trim configurations: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon.

The all-new base model Jeep has a starting MSRP of $27,945. A fully loaded, top-of-the-line, four-door Rubicon — featuring the 2.0-liter I4 engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission, LED lighting group, cold weather group, trailer tow and HD electrical group, electronic infotainment system group, dual top group, Jeep active safety group, steel bumper group, 17-inch polished wheels, body color fender flares, leather trimmed bucket seats, all-weather floor mats, Trail Rail management system, remote-start system and remote proximity keyless entry — takes the price up to just over $51,800.

Servicing the 2018 Jeep Wrangler

The all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler is equipped with an automatic oil change indicator system. The oil change indicator system will remind the driver it is time to take the vehicle in for maintenance.

Based on engine operation conditions, the oil change indicator message will illuminate, indicating it is time for service. Operating conditions such as frequent short trips, trailer tow and extremely hot or cold ambient temperatures will influence when the “Change Oil” or “Oil Change Required” message is displayed. Severe operating conditions can cause the change oil message to illuminate as early as 3,500 miles (5,600 km) since last reset. Vehicles should be serviced within 500 miles (805 km) of the message.

Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 10,000 miles (16,000 km), 12 months or 350 hours of engine run time, whichever comes first.

At every oil change interval as indicated by oil change indicator system:

  • Change oil and filter
  • Rotate tires
  • Inspect battery, and clean and tighten terminals, as required
  • Inspect brake pads, shoes, rotors, drums, hoses and park brake
  • Inspect engine cooling system protection and hoses
  • Inspect exhaust system
  • Inspect engine air cleaner, if using in dusty or off-road conditions
  • Inspect all door latches for presence of grease, reapply if necessary

Every 350 hours of engine run time or 4,000 miles (6,500 km):

  • Change engine oil if vehicle is operated in dusty or off-road environments or operated predominately at idle or only very low engine RPMs. This type of vehicle use is considered severe duty.

Every two years or 20,000 miles (32,000 km):

  • Inspect the CV/universal joints
  • Inspect front suspension and tie rod ends, replace if necessary
  • Inspect the front and rear axle fluid
  • Inspect the brake linings, replace as necessary
  • Adjust parking brake on vehicles equipped with four wheel disc brakes
  • Replace air conditioning/cabin air filter

Every three years or 30,000 miles (48,000 km):

  • Inspect transfer case fluid
  • Replace engine air cleaner filter
  • Change the manual transmission fluid if the vehicle is being used for any of the following: trailer towing, snow plowing, heavy loading, taxi, police, delivery service, off-road, desert operation or more than 50 percent of driving is at sustained speeds during hot weather, above 90 F (32 C)

Every four years or 40,000 miles (64,000 km):

  • Change front and rear axle fluid if vehicle is used for police, taxi, fleet, off-road or frequent trailer towing

Every 60,000 miles (96,000 km):

  • Replace spark plugs (2.0L engine only)

Every six years or 60,000 miles (96,000 km):

  • Change transfer case fluid if vehicle is used for any of the following: police, taxi, fleet or frequent trailer towing

Every 10 years or 100,000 miles (160,000 km):

  • Replace spark plugs (3.6L engine only)
  • Inspect and replace PCV valve if necessary

Every 10 years or 150,000 miles (240,000 km):

  • Flush and replace the engine, intercooler (if equipped), battery (if equipped) and motor generator unit (if equipped) coolant

Fluids & Capacities

Motor Oil: SAE 5W-30 (2.0L engine), SAE 0W-20 (3.6L engine); capacity is 5.0 quarts (4.73 liters)

Coolant: Mopar Antifreeze/Engine Coolant 10 Year/150,000 Mile Formula or equivalent; capacity is 10.3 quarts (9.7 liters) for 2.0L engine; 3.2 quarts (3.0 liters) for 2.0L engine intercooler without motor generator unit; 3.5 quarts (3.3 liters) for 2.0L engine intercooler with motor generator unit; 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters) for 2.0L battery coolant; 11.2 quarts (10.6 liters) for 3.6L engine; 1.9 quarts (1.8 liters) for 3.6L motor generator unit; 2.5 quarts (2.4 liters) for 3.6L battery coolant