2018 Jeep Wrangler Interior Fully Revealed!

What It Is: The Wrangler is as synonymous with Jeep as the Steinbrenner family is with the Yankees. While it’s no secret that an all-new Wrangler is set to replace the current decade-old truck before year’s end, these shots mark the first time we’re able to sneak a peek into the next-generation Jeep Wrangler’s insides.

Why It Matter: The Wrangler is the heart and soul of the Jeep brand, and its success sets the tone for the entire Jeep lineup. Although no one can criticize the current Wrangler’s off-road chops, many (including us) have commented on the rig’s low-tech interior. While such an interior helps simplify things while you’re out wheeling, modern amenities nevertheless would be welcome on the daily commute. we can’t comment on the quality of the forthcoming interior, but these spy shots reveal that the Wrangler’s technology is set to increase dramatically.

No longer will Wrangler owners be forced to peck haphazardly at the small, slow-to-react, touchscreen infotainment that’s offered in higher-end Wranglers. As seen in this seemingly top-of-the-line mule, the 2018 Jeep Wrangler will adopt the latest iteration of FCA’s easy-to-operate and quick-to-respond system in the form of UConnect 3.0. Although our spy photographer didn’t get close enough to measure the screen, we presume the top-end unit will measure 8.4 inches as it does in other FCA products (expect lower-end 2018 Wranglers to run a smaller but still intuitive and quick 5.0-inch touchscreen setup).

These shots also allow us to see myriad other buttons scattered across the new Wrangler’s center stack. Directly below the screen sits the truck’s automatic climate controls and a pair of big rubberized knobs for the audio system’s volume and tune functions. Notably, this mule also features buttons for parking-assist sensors, engine stop-start functionality, and a heated steering wheel, the latter of is likely to be appreciated by denizens of snow-covered areas both north and south of the equator.

One level down from there sit the window switches, the traditional location for power-window-equipped Wranglers, and essentially confirmation that the Wrangler’s doors will continue to be able to be completely removed. Surrounding the switches are a 12-volt charging port and a “media” door that likely hides one or more USB ports and perhaps an SD card slot. Finally, below that Jeep places an anti-roll-bar disconnect button, what appears to be a differential lock button, and a mystery rocker switch (maybe for entering various off-road modes?), as well as a quartet of auxiliary buttons that presumably means 2018 Wrangler buyers can wire in stuff like additional exterior lighting, a winch, and other off-road-ready items without needing to drill switches into the dash.

In spite of its new technology, the Wrangler’s won’t completely ditch the current model’s old-school vibe, as the broad and flat dashboard has the same circular air vents, the front passenger once again has an easy-to-reach dash-mounted grab handle in front of them, and the driver is greeted by a retro-inspired three-spoke steering wheel.

Platform: Although expected to be lighter than its predecessor thanks to increased use of aluminum, the 2018 Wrangler’s chassis won’t stray from the truck’s traditionalist formula. Body-on-frame construction and solid axles at both ends are all but a given, as are two- and four-door body styles. A pickup version is coming, as well.

Powertrain: Like the interior, the new Wrangler’s powertrains are expected to combine old-world charm with new-age tech. While FCA has indicated that both a diesel and gasoline-electric Wrangler are on the horizon, they’ll arrive later, as Jeep will launch the new model with the current Wrangler’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 under the hood. Power is expected to be shuffled to the wheels through either an eight-speed automatic transmission or a six-speed manual. A four-wheel-drive system with a manually operated transfer case is a certainty. Additionally, we anticipate the new Wrangler will get a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Expect the boosted four-pot to serve the role of the Wrangler’s fuel-economy pallbearer until the diesel and hybrid powertrains arrive a couple of years later.

Competition: Chevrolet Colorado, Nissan Frontier, Toyota 4Runner, V-6–powered mountain goats.

Estimated Arrival and Price: The new Wrangler should show its face by late summer with a formal auto-show debut in the fall. Look for it on dealer lots before the end of the year with a base price only marginally higher than the current truck’s $25,090 point of entry.