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Jeep has always represented the ultimate in capability and open-air freedom, and our all-new 2018 Wrangler protects that important legacy and takes it into the future,\u201d said Mike Manley, Head of Jeep Brand \u2013 FCA Global.\u00a0 \u201cThe all-new Wrangler is instantly recognizable as a Jeep, staying true to the original, yet it is better in every way \u2013 delivering even more rugged capability, more ride comfort, more fuel efficiency courtesy of several advanced powertrain options, more interior comfort, more safety and more technology.\u201d<\/p>\n
New on 2018 models, the front windshield and grill are slightly more slanted for aerodynamics, the square backlights are set in, and there are air extractors behind the front fender flares to help cool the engine.<\/p>\n
The Jeep Brand badge has been moved from the hood back to the side of the aluminum fender \u2013 a look reminiscent of past models. Add to this a set of 17-Inch, polished granite crystal wheels, side steps for easy entry, and a slick black soft top with tinted windows and the rugged, luxurious beast I was driving was looking pretty awesome.<\/p>\n After a quick walk-around, I opened the power doors, hoped in the driver seat and pushed the start button. That\u2019s right; the new Wrangler has a push button start, which is something new to me. I then headed for Azusa Canyon in the San Gabriel Mountains.<\/p>\n Along the way, I cranked up the impressive Alpine Premium Audio System, with nine speakers, including a waterproof rear subwoofer, on the floor near the tailgate. The stereo is part of the Wrangler\u2019s new Uconnect 4 media system, that comes with a 7-inch touch screen, featuring AM\/FM radio, available SiriusXM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth Streaming Audio, Voice Command, Hands-Free Calling, Apple Carplay and Android Auto. The touch screen also doubles as a rear back-up camera when the Jeep is in reverse.<\/p>\n The JL is a Jeep dream to drive. It\u2019s like a mix between a truck, a sports car and a little tank. Mine was powered by the efficient 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, with Engine Stop\/Start (ESS) Technology that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. ESS automatically shuts the engine off at full stops, then re-engages for takeoff. The technology is engineered to help deliver an efficient performance, and can be disabled with the push of a button.<\/p>\n The Wrangler also came with a new eight-speed automatic transmission specifically calibrated to optimize shift points and deliver maximum torque to all four wheels. The vehicle gets about 17 city\/23 hwy mpg.<\/p>\n When I got in the mountains I pulled into Camp Williams Caf\u00e9 and General Store for lunch and to turn the soft top into a bikini top. This brings up another new innovation on the Wrangler. There are no more zippers to mess with. To take off the windows, you simple peel back the Velcro and pull the windows from the slots they are in. This is a big plus.<\/p>\n![\"2018](\"https:\/\/travelingboy.com\/travel\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/Convertible-Doors-and-Top.jpg\")
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