#LAAUTOSHOW: Wrangler Gets First Update In A Decade - Was It Worth the Wait?

Whether it’s the hybrid powertrain, the lightweight aluminum body parts or the fourth-generation Uconnect touchscreen in the dashboard, the all-new ’18 Wrangler represents a bold leap forward for Jeep’s iconic off-roader.

Designated model “JL” alphabetically following predecessor “JK,” the Wrangler debuting at the Los Angeles auto show represents the SUV’s first tread-to-top makeover in a decade.

“It’s like Halley’s Comet – it doesn’t come around that often,” says Ralph Gilles, head of design for FCA US. The current Wrangler arrived in 2007, greatly expanding utility with the addition of the 4-door Unlimited model. Prior makeovers have come about every 10 years since the mid ’70s.

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deaHelkcunK - 11/29/2017 5:53:28 PM

+2 Boost

I'm diggin' it. Can't wait for the diesel!

jameswisrik - 11/29/2017 7:08:47 PM

-2 Boost

still looks the same and is still a POS!

deaHelkcunK - 11/30/2017 3:27:32 AM

+2 Boost

So, how'd it drive? Material quality was below your expectations? Not quite as reliable as you had hoped? I'm pretty sure that after 70 years the styling is supposed to look similar. As far as build quality goes, you might want to wait before commenting, could be the best we've seen for FCA (or the worst). It's just a little too soon to tell don't you think?

MDarringer - 11/30/2017 8:29:21 AM

0 Boost

This will fly out of the dealers.

Carmaker1 - 12/1/2017 12:32:09 AM

+1 Boost

"The current Wrangler arrived in 2007..." Uhh, what??

Beg to differ:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TMn0E08GTaE

Since when is January 9, 2006, a date in 2007? Why is Agent009 so obtuse, being more interested in posting questionble political BS and fluff pieces on the regular, yet struggles with accuracy on a simple post connected to a reveal?

Are you so forgetful, to not realize that the JL is actually already 1 and 1/2 years late, considering that the JK came out in 2006 (NOT 2007)? Not to mention the 10 year lifecycles of the YJ (1986-1995/96) and TJ ('96-06). Yet, the JK had a 12 year lifecycle, based on a 2003 design.

The JL was originally supposed to be out in fall 2016 as MY2017 and has been delayed 3 times.

As an American car "journalist", Agent009 should be well aware that model year does not literally equate to year of introduction in North America. Unlike the new JL coming in January 2018 as an '18 model, 90% of vehicles are introduced as "next year's" model (ie Aug 2017 = 2018 model).

I shouldn't have to tell you that, as you are the "journalist", supposedly. I hate reading your submissions, as the professionalism is lacking and reads like written by a bro-hick.

On another note, beautiful product, but I wish they left the fender LED signals clear with no amber portion. Only negative for me, after seeing it in person. It's been way too long of a time coming.

The L663 Defender replacement (which I have seen numerous times at JLR) is

Carmaker1 - 12/1/2017 12:44:44 AM

+2 Boost

unusually late and I am worried that the customer base for it, might be more swayed by this or Ford's U725, even if lower end.

BTW, apologies to Agent009. Seems that Ward's Auto's Bob Gritzinger is the actual lazy ass, that couldn't fact check the lifecycle of the JK.

It is shameful how FCA bungled launching this in a timely manner and still need another 18 months on completing full roll-out. DCX managed to replace the TJ in a timely fashion