2017 LA Auto Show: 2018 Jeep Wrangler made its official debut

MANILA: After revealing the much-acclaimed SUV through a series of exterior and interior images, the American automaker, Jeep, has officially introduced the 2018 Wrangler at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show. The updated version will go on sale in the US market in January 2018 followed by other markets. The updated Wrangler is available in 2-door and 4-door configuration. The 2-door version is offered with three variants - Sport, Sport S and Rubicon while the 4-door model is offered in Sahara trim.

The major portion of exterior styling has been kept same without disturbing the true Jeep characteristics with subtle changes to give a modern touch to the SUV. At the front, there is a slightly tweaked 7-slat grille accompanied by circular LED headlights and fog lamps integrated into the bumper. To improve the circulation and reduce the bonnet vibrations, there is an extra vent provided by the manufacturer.

At the rear, the 2018 Wrangler gets LED taillights, a spare wheel, and a big windshield. The updated Wrangler comes with a longer wheelbase while the rear bumpers have the provision of installing a winch. In the cabin, the dashboard features a dual-tone theme, circular air-con vents and big 8.4-inch infotainment system in the top variant. Whereas, the lower variants are equipped with either a 5.0-inch or 7.0-inch unit. A 7.0-inch TFT multi-information display (MID) is also a part of the higher-end variant that is flanked by analogue speedometer and tachometer. The lower variants get a 3.5-inch MID.

 

The updated version of Wrangler continues to feature 5-link suspension at both ends with retuned shock absorbers. With this system in place, the Wrangler offers a water wading capacity of 30 inches with an approach angle of 44 degrees and breakover angle of 27.8 degrees. The departure angle stands at 37 degrees. The updated SUV offers a ground clearance of 277 mm and capable of towing up to 1,588 kg.

Under the hood, the 2018 Wrangler comes with a new range of 4-cylinder engines along with the Pentastar V6 and V6 EcoDiesel unit.  First on the list is a 2.2-litre unit that produces 270 hp of maximum power and 400 Nm of peak torque. Another option is a 2.2-litre turbocharged diesel unit that churns out a maximum power output of 197 hp and peak torque of 450 Nm. The 3.0-litre V6 diesel makes 240 hp of maximum power and 570 Nm of peak torque while the 3.6-litre V6 petrol unit pumps out 285 hp of maximum power and 353 Nm of peak torque. The transmission duties are handled by either an 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual.

Overall, the SUV is refined in terms of capabilities and styling while keeping the true Jeep DNA intact in an effective manner. Let's see when Jeep Philippines bring the updated Wrangler in the local market.