The Wrangler goes hybrid, gets a major overhaul

The long-awaited 2018 Jeep Wrangler made its public debut on the eve of the Los Angeles Auto Show.

We'll start with the most drastic update: the Wrangler goes hybrid -- sort of. Its optional engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that makes 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It's equipped with a belt-driven starter/generator that draws electricity from a 48-volt system. The mild hybrid setup improves fuel economy and performance at lower engine revolutions.

If the thought of once again seeing a four-cylinder in a Wrangler upsets you, rest assured Jeep also offers an evolution of the outgoing model's 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. It makes 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, but it benefits from minor tweaks that boost fuel economy.

Two more engines are in the works. A 3.0L turbodiesel producing 260 horsepower and 442lb-ft of torque will be made available for the 2019 model year, but the real story is the confirmation of an upcoming PHEV, slated for release in 2020. Jeep was mum on potential performance of the PHEV.

The six-cylinder comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission and it's available with an eight-speed automatic at an extra cost. The four-cylinder is automatic-only. Both variants get a standard four-wheel drive system; it's a Wrangler we're talking about, after all.

The Unlimited returns 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the V6 and the automatic. Get a stick and you'll see city mileage drop to 17. In comparison, the outgoing model posts 16/21 with the automatic and 16/20 with the manual. Jeep has not yet finalized numbers for the 3.0L turbodiesel but expects 30 mpg.

2018 Jeep Wrangler Unveils with amazing features

It’s finally here. After years of waiting, months of spy shots and weeks of rampant speculation, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler has finally premiered at the LA Auto Show.

In terms of engines, the range starts with FCA’s familiar Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 delivering 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. Mated to eight a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, the four-door Wrangler Unlimited is officially rated at 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with the manual. Opt for the automatic and those figures are 18 mpg and 23 mpg respectively.

The second engine available is a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder, producing 268 hp and 295 lb-ft, not the 368 hp as wrongly claimed in official FCA documents. Interestingly, this powertrain is a mild-hybrid and consists of a 48-volt battery and belt starter-generator. In the future, a 3.0-liter diesel will be added to the range.

Customers will have two- and four-wheel drive configurations at their disposal and like the outgoing model, a number of different variants will be sold.

In terms of body styles, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler is available as a hardtop, a convertible top consisting of a number of removable roof panels, and as a powered soft top. Alongside these roof options, the 2018 Wrangler is offered as both a two-door and four-door, the former of which includes Sport, Sport S, and Rubicon trim levels. Meanwhile, the 2018 Wrangler four-door is available in Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon models.

Like the current car, the Rubicon model aims to offer the most off-road prowess. Consequently, it features 33-inch off-road tires, electronically disconnecting anti-roll bars, beefed up fenders, Dana 44 axles, and a host of suspension modifications.