Compare New Jeep Wrangler JK vs JL in Duncannon, PA

2018 Jeep Wrangler JL vs. Jeep Wrangler JK

Exploring Differences between the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL & the Wrangler JK Predecessor in Duncannon, PA.

At Forrer Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we know that we have many customers living throughout the Duncannon, Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg and Newport areas who are passionate fans of the famed Jeep SUV brand. And we cannot exactly say we are surprised, as this massively popular automaker seamlessly combines the incredible off-roading capabilities that Jeep vehicles are known for, with innovative technology and an iconic style that people love.

Speaking of icons, we are absolutely thrilled that the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler has hit our showroom! This widely praised SUV and genuine automotive icon is now entering into its fourth generation, and it's an entirely new vehicle for 2018...

We are aware that some loyal members of the Jeep community may have initially been worried that the all-new Jeep Wrangler JL may somehow lose part of the appeal that the previous Wrangler JK offers. Well, upon further examination and after a real good look, it immediately becomes very evident that the new Jeep Wrangler JL is a huge step up from its Wrangler JK predecessor, without straying away from its timeless Wrangler roots!

Please allow us to explain what we mean.

Power Under the Hood

Jeep CEO Mike Manley himself has stated that the new Wrangler JL is simply the "most-cpable SUV currently on the market", and he sure did mean it.

Taking a look under the hoods of these two Wrangler models, the new JL will offer an updated version of the classic and highly-regarded Pentastar® V6 engine. Thanks to the addition of Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology, this new and improved V6 delivers a whopping 285 horsepower, 260 lb.-ft. of torque, and also simultaneously is more fuel-efficient than ever before too. Along with the Pentastar®, there is also a new 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder engine with 295 lb.-ft. of blistering torque that comes equipped with a turbocharge for better acceleration when you step on the gas pedal.

Surely welcome news for the true driving purists out there who love gear-shifting themselves, the 2018 Wrangler JL now features a lively new 6-speed manual transmission system for complete shifting control! Let's now dive into the amazing off-road driving abilities that the Wrangler is so well-known for.

Famous Jeep Wrangler Off-Roading Performance with a Twist

The new Wrangler JL possesses even better off-roading capability than before, and that sure says something to those who know just how off-road ready the previous Wrangler JK is. Thanks to an improved crawl ratio up to 77.2:1, slowly navigating over boulders and extremely uneven terrain is made even easier behind the wheel of the 2018 Wrangler Rubicon JL. On top of that, the all-new Wrangler also has the brand's legendary 4X4 system, a best-in-class approach angle, tremendous breakover angles, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect, over 10 inches of ground clearance, and 33 inches of water fording ability. To be frank, while the Wrangler JK is an excellent off-road warrior, the all-new Jeep Wrangler JL is an even better one.

You very well may have been expecting us to say that, but now here's the twist. The 2018 Wrangler JL also provides a dramatically higher-quality ride when you are driving along paved streets and fast highways. Its drivetrain is far smoother, far quieter and far more civil when driving at high speeds along a freeway or slowly making your way around a city environment.

Unmistakable Jeep Wrangler Style, Enhanced

Why fix something that isn't broken? Both the Wrangler JL and JK editions do indeed seem to have very similar exterior designs and appearances at first glance. But there are in fact some subtle design tweaks and adjustment here and there that separates the former from its predecessor. While you may not notice them right away, here's how you can tell these two Wranglers apart.

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is now less boxy than the former JK model, but only by a bit. With its sharp edges shaven down, bold body lines added along the side, and a minor redesign for the grille, the new JL has less of a utilitarian feel than it did in the past. Spotting features such as added depth, a notably curved grille instead of completely flat, as well as new vents located behind the fenders is how you can differentiate the Wrangler JL from earlier models. In addition, the famous Jeep grille and headlights of the JL are of course still unmistakably Wrangler, yet the headlights now slightly cut into the signature seven-slot grille.