JEEP FREEDOM
Big top delivers open-air authenticity
There are few vehicles on the planet that have the off-road heritage, mustered by hard-core fanfare, that the Jeep brand offers anyone willing to take the leap into the circle. For the new Wrangler, it simply reflects the Jeep values and takes the appeal of the goanywhere star to a wider audience.
The 2018 Wrangler proudly sports the World War II-vintage shape, from its traditional seven-slot grille and fold-down windshield, to its external door hinges, removable doors, and rear-mounted spare tire (with a new security lock system).
Whether it’s a rain-soaked store parking lot, a snowy highway or gravel country road, much of the appeal for the Jeep brand has been its capability on any road surface. Maybe the unspoken truth about Wrangler popularity rests not only on its abilities – but with how great it looks doing it.
High-clearance fender flares accommodate 33-inch off-road, all-terrain tires. Wrangler employs four skid plates and bars to protect critical vehicle components while on the trail. Dozens of different door, top and windshield combos allow for endless configuration possibilities.
The 4x4 Wrangler is available in both two- and four-door models, in four different trim configurations: Sport ($27,495 two-door or $30,995 fourdoor), Sport S ($30,695/$34,195), Sahara ($37,845 four-door only) and Rubicon ($37,495/$40,995).
Inside the cabin, you have what is commonly referred to as a weather-proof interior space.
Not just capable of handling some post-game muddy cleats or an unintentional open window during a rain storm, the Wrangler’s interior has one-way drain valves that allow for a full hose-out.
Based on the trim level chosen, something totally new for Wrangler owners will be the availability of the Uconnect 7.0 or 8.4NAV systems, which include the popular Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity apps. Personally, I find the interface to be extremely intuitive for the NAV system and connecting up with a phone is a breeze with the new system. Look for all the necessary conveniences for USB charging and devise storage.
The 2018 Wrangler offers three powertrains with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 (260 hp & 442 lb.-ft. of torque); an all-new 2.0-L turbo 4-cylinder (270 hp & 295 lb.-ft. of torque); as well as the tried-and-true 3.6-L Pentastar V6 engine (285 hp & 260 lb.-ft. of torque).
The EcoDiesel powerplant is mated to a new 8-speed automatic transmission, while the V6 Pentastar offers a standard 6-speed manual transmission with the new 8-speed automatic transmission as optional. All trim levels of the Wrangler can tow up to 3,500 pounds with the available towing package.