Check Out Our Expert Buyer’s Guide Before Buying a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL [Video]

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is in dealerships right now. If you’re thinking about buying one, check out our expert buyer’s guide first!

If you’re just stepping into the world of Jeep ownership, you might be currently weighing your options of which one to buy. While the Wrangler JK hosted a bewildering array of trim levels and possible options, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is rather more straightforward. At least for now, until the special editions emerge. With that in mind, which one is the best to go for? Of course, that depends on your budget – keep in mind the Wrangler JL took on a price jump over the outgoing JK – and which options you’d like to have.

Fortunately, TFL’s resident Jeep expert Tommy Mica is on hand to explain every detail and every currently available option on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. Whether you’re looking for the latest tech the Wrangler can offer, want the best off-road package, or something in between, we have the answers for you here. Check out the video above to see which 2018 Wrangler JL hosts the best options for your purchase.

Trim levels

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL rolled out in four trim levels: Sport, Sport S, Sahara and Rubicon. All trim levels except the Sahara are available in two-door or four-door configuration (the four-door versions are “Unlimited” models). The base-model Sport starts at $27,495 for a two-door version, not including destination charges. The Sport S is a bit more, at $30,695. You can step all the way up to a two-door Rubicon for $37,495 and up. Add $3,500 to the overall price if you want the 4-door version of the Sport, Sport S or Rubicon. The Sahara is only available as a four-door, and starts from $37,845.

2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Expert Buyer's Guide
2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon. [Photo: FCA]

Engines and transmissions

Right now, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is available with two engines. One is a carryover – FCA’s tried-and-true 3.6-liter Pentastar V6. The engine puts out 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, same as the outgoing JK. For $3,000 more, you can equip the Wrangler’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. That option puts out less power, at 270 horsepower, but more torque, at 295 lb-ft, but it also forces you to get an eight-speed automatic transmission. The engine is a $1,000 upgrade, while the transmission boosts the price by another $2,000.

For manual enthusiasts out there, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is available with a standard 6-speed manual transmission. However, the manual is only available with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6.

Check out the video above for more packages and options available on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL. Don’t forget to subscribe to The Fast Lane Car and TFLnow on YouTube for more news, views, reviews, and expert buyer’s guide videos!