2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon JL 3.6L V6 8AT AWD (285 HP)

Vehicle Overview

A decade after the introduction of the Wrangler JK, the American automaker launched the fourth generation of this moniker, also known as the JL generation, and the changes were massive.

Regardless of how iconic a vehicle looks, over time, it starts to show its wrinkles, and the Wrangler was precisely that kind of car. Even after a refresh in 2011 for the 2012 model year, followed by a few special edition models, the Wrangler JK was old enough and had to be replaced by a newer generation. As a result, in 2017, Jeep pulled the wraps off the JL Wrangler at the Los Angeles Auto Show and offered it in several trim levels and with a choice of two bodyworks, just like its predecessor. Besides the two-door version, the automaker also offered the Unlimited, five-door, long-wheelbase lineup, which was available in three grades: Sport, Sahara, and Rubicon. The latter was the only hard-core off-road vehicle on the market that could provide seating for five and an open-air experience thanks to the removable hard top and the manually retractable soft roof that could fold behind the rear seats.

Right off the bat, it was easy to distinguish the new generation, even though, at first sight, some could mistake it with its predecessor. And yet, there were some significant differences between the JK and the JL. The 2018 Rubicon came with a front fascia where the seven-slat grille was wider than before, and the headlights took some space from it. In addition, the car featured daytime running lights inside the headlamps. At the same time, the round blinkers underneath them were deleted. Jeep replaced them with horizontal turn signal lamps mounted on the forward side of the fenders. A beefy bumper with fog lamps mounted on the outer-side elements was specific for the 2018 model year Wrangler Rubicon, regardless of whether it was with a long or a short wheelbase.

From its profile, the Wrangler JL Rubicon revealed a more tilted windshield and smoothed-out corners than its predecessor. It featured rounded A-pillars that enhanced aerodynamics, even though the car’s overall shape was closer to a brick than a teardrop. The automaker offered the car with skid tubes running between the axles to protect the bodywork. Its huge, 33-inch tires were designed for maximum grip while off-roading, and that also raised the ground clearance a bit compared to its non-Rubicon siblings. Jeep didn’t forget to install removable doors, which were made from aluminum to save weight. A set of half-doors were available for the 2019 model year. Out back, on the cradle that supported the full-size spare wheel attached to the rear side-hinged door, the automaker installed a reversing camera.

Inside, the automaker created a comfortable cabin where five people could sit properly, with enough legroom and shoulder room. The latter attribute was obtained by slightly enlarging the SUV’s width, while the former resulted from the long wheelbase. Up front, the dashboard featured a center console that housed a generous screen for the Uconnect infotainment system, while the driver fronted a redesigned instrument cluster featuring round dials with silver encirclements.

But those who bought the Rubicon didn’t get it for its comfort and amenities. Instead, they bought it for its off-road capabilities right from the showroom floors. They could choose between a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic, but with only one engine available: a 3.6-liter all-aluminum V6 powerplant. The Rubicon came with front and rear locking differentials, and customers could disconnect the front sway bar. As a result, the car’s performance in off-road situations was excellent. That “Trail-rated” badge on the front fenders was there for a good reason.