Jeep releases more photos of next-generation Wrangler

11/8/2017

Fiat Chrysler shows off the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon in this newly released promotional photograph.

FCA US LLC

A little more than a week after showing the first official images of the new 2018 Jeep Wrangler, Fiat Chrysler has again given Jeep junkies something to talk about, releasing a pair of photos that show the interior of the next-generation model.

The images show the new Wrangler will keep a simple, upright dash layout. The power window controls remain in the center stack, while the two center HVAC vents move up to the dash panel for a more straight-across symmetrical look.

The center stack — at least in the Rubicon model that’s shown — also gets an array of four auxiliary control buttons that can be wired up to accessories such as off-road lights. Those switches are clustered with the other off-road oriented controls, such as the sway bar disconnect. On the current Rubicon, that’s located on the lower dash near the driver’s left knee. 

Jeep put out a short description of the photos that in part said:

“The all-new Wrangler’s interior design combines authentic styling, precision craftsmanship, and high-quality materials that result in improved versatility and comfort for drivers and passengers.”

There’s a button visible for turning off the automatic start-stop feature, which allows the engine to cut out rather than idling at stoplights for better fuel economy, confirming auto start-stop as a feature on the new Wrangler. There’s also a button for a heated steering wheel, which would be a first for the Wrangler.

The new Wrangler is expected to go into production soon in a revamped part of FCA’s Toledo Assembly Complex. The company invested approximately $700 million to prepare the plant for the new vehicle. Toledo is the only place the Wrangler will be built.

The two photos released Wednesday join three other exterior shots that show most of the Wrangler’s cosmetic changes, small as they may be.

On the outside, the new Wrangler gets a new character line just below the door glass, new vents sculpted into the quarter-panel just behind the rear fenders, and what looks to be a slightly more sculpted grille. 

The turn signals also move from the grille below the headlines to the front fenders where they join what looks to be a new, horizontal running light. The taillights also appear to get a slightly different treatment.

The Blade reported yesterday that the four-door Wrangler Unlimited model will see a fuel economy increase of three miles per gallon when equipped with the carry-over V-6 engine and a new eight-speed automatic transmission. 

The company plans to officially debut the vehicle Nov. 29 at the Los Angeles Auto Show. It’s expected in dealerships sometime after the first of the year. 

Contact Tyrel Linkhorn at tlinkhorn@theblade.com, 419-724-6134, or on Twitter @TyrelLinkhorn.