2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

The Jeep Wrangler is an instantly recognizable automotive icon in America. The Unlimited model is the car’s four-door variant, but it is just as capable at scrambling over rocks or wading through rivers as its two-door counterpart. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a full upgrade for this off-roading legend, adding modern touches and features that will please existing Wrangler fans and make it an attractive option for drivers new to the brand as well.

What’s New for 2018?

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is a full redesign for this vehicle. While the exterior styling remains mostly the same, almost every other aspect of the car, from the powertrain to the infotainment, has been updated to bring the Wrangler into the modern automotive era.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – The Pros

1. Unique Look

Its vintage World War II look is one of the best advertisements for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. The styling alone projects an image of toughness and resilience that incorporates elements of both its military heritage and its historic off-road chops. For the 2018 redesign, most of these traditional elements remain in place, but with a few modern twists. The fender turn signals now hide LEDs inside, for example, while the rear spare tire holder is also home to the car’s rearview camera.

2. Unmatched Off-road Ability

There is no car out on the market right now that is as focused on providing an excellent off-roading experience as the Jeep Wrangler. The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited comes with everything you need to conquer the great outdoors, from high approach and departure angles and excellent ground clearance to a low range mode and a dynamic suspension.

3. Standard All-wheel Drive

There are not many cars out there that come equipped with all-wheel drive on all models, but the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is one of them. Drivers who find themselves frequently driving on rural roads or through heavy snow or rain will appreciate the excellent traction that the Wrangler provides, and many of the features that make it a great off-roader also give it a little extra safety margin in such conditions as well.

4. Strong V-6
At the heart of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited sits the same engine that has proven so popular in the previous Wrangler models - the Pentastar 3.6-liter V-6. It has been slightly updated this year for better efficiency, but it is expected to hit the same 285 horsepower benchmark as last year’s model. Combined with the new eight-speed automatic transmission, this engine should provide the Wrangler with even better performance than before.

5. New Hurricane Engine

A long-standing weakness of the Wrangler line has been its reliance on a single engine option. While the V-6 engine is a strong and popular one, drivers have been asking for alternatives for years and now the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited has finally answered their calls. Among this year’s new engine options is the Hurricane turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Jeep has been keeping the detail under wraps, but it looks to produce around 240 to 280 horsepower, making it an excellent alternative to the traditional V-6.

6. A Diesel Option

Jeep has been even more tight-lipped about the other new engine option on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, but it has also been one that drivers have been clamoring for for ages. The new diesel engine should serve as a high-torque alternative to the V-6 for the off-roading enthusiasts that also gives the Wrangler a much-needed boost in fuel economy as well.

7. Versatile Top Options

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited offers one of the most versatile options when it comes to opening the cabin to fresh air. It features the three traditional Wrangler options of a soft top, a removable hard-top and a modular Freedom Top that allows you to remove individual panels for the best convertible experience. A powered sliding hardtop join the lineup this year to provide you with even more open-air options for your Wrangler.

8. Modern Upgrades

The Jeep Wrangler has often been derided as one of the most conservative vehicles in the Jeep lineup, but the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited brings plenty of much-needed modern updates to the car, from LED lighting to modern infotainment. There are touchscreens and an updated driver information view, as well as full smartphone integration. Drivers who passed on the Wrangler before due to a lack of tech options now have the opportunity to reconsider.

9. Solid Options List

Despite its rough-and-tumble image, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited also has a fairly deal and customizable list of options that match the more traditional mid-size SUVs when it comes to creature comforts. Those include features like heated seats, premium Alpine audio and advanced safety features like blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alerts. The many packages and a la carte options make it easy to design the Wrangler that has the exact features you want in a car.

10. Good Resale Value

In part because of its ruggedness and reliability, and in part because of the large demand for used Wranglers, this SUV has excellent resale value on the secondary market. Both Kelley Blue Book and its Canadian counterpart Canadian Black Book have named the Wrangler as the best in class vehicle for retaining value multiple time. As such, your cost of ownership will not take as much of a hit from depreciation when you buy a new Wrangler.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited – The Cons

1. Expensive

The Wrangler has a higher starting price than most other vehicles in the mid-size SUV segment, and the Wrangler Unlimited commands an additional premium over the two-door model. This high price point may deter some buyers, especially for a car that is meant to get scratched up on off-roading adventures.

2. Poor Mileage

Even with the inclusion of several new, more efficient engine choices, the Jeep Wrangler is still less efficient than most of its competitors. This is a big negative for those customers who are looking for an off-roader that can also double as a daily driver.

3. Subpar Safety Scores

While the rating agencies have not tested the new Wrangler Unlimited yet, the model does have a history of low safety scores, and it is unlikely to win safety awards this year either. That is a big downside for those who plan to drive it on public roads often.

How It Stacks up to the Competition

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited holds a unique niche as an off-road vehicle, and competes with other cars that are similarly oriented, such as the Toyota 4Runner or the Land Rover Discovery. The Toyota 4Runner is more expensive than the Wrangler, while at the same time delivering a less complete off-road experience, though it does have some more seating. The Land Rover Discovery is a match for the Wrangler when it comes to off-roading, as well as bringing far more luxury features to the table, but costs nearly twice as much as the Wrangler Unlimited.

Conclusion

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited takes all of the features that have made the Wrangler a great car and builds on them. While those looking for a conventional everyday car will still find the Wrangler’s focus to still be too narrow, off-roading fans will enjoy the additional options when it comes to engines, technology and the cabin that can help them turn the Wrangler into their perfect off-roader.