2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Full On and Off-Road Review

The Jeep Wrangler is widely considered the most recognized vehicle in the world. The 2018 JL may be new from the trail up, but it keeps its legendary silhouette and mountain goat-like capabilities. Tom Voelk travels to Tucson, Arizona for a full on and off-road review of the newest Wrangler, including severe boulder hopping in a Rubicon model.
Tom was provided with travel and lodging to the event.
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About Tom:
Tom Voelk is an award-winning automotive contributor to The New York Times. His podcast was the first to win an Emmy Award. He also married way out of his league. Now, stop reading this promotional copy bragging about Tom's photography and editing skills and watch a couple episodes. It's much more interesting.

[@Dwealdric]

I've got to say, I'm quite pleasantly surprised at how various auto journalists are reviewing this vehicle. This video is an excellent example. Most reviews in the past have focused on the Wrangler as an on road car, and have lambasted it in that regard. For the JL, it's like a light bulb has come on. Everyone seems to realize what the vehicle is, and what it isn't. Road manners come second by design, as this is an off road vehicle first. This applies to even the more luxurious on road versions. It's nice to see journalists with their fingers on the pulse of the vehicle. Well done.

[@mikewellington2738]

I think there are too many Jeeps not being used "properly" (very subjective, I know) but they've really done a masterful job of updating it to today's standards while keeping its integrity intact.

[@crownr0yalonice]

Embargo lifted! You are my favorite car reviewer. I used to stalk NYT for your videos. They soothe and inform me while I study. Keep doing great things!

[@j.r.777]

I just ordered and bought my very first Jeep. It is a 2021 JL Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. I ordered it on 11-30-2020 and it arrived at the dealership on 02-12-2021. I bought the Rubicon for the sole purpose of off roading and I cannot wait to finally take it out on the trails.

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Probably the best review of the new Jeep I've seen so far on YT, thanks.

[@mikeaxa8243]

Most genuine review I have ever seen

[@Merakai01]

Amazing vehicles, can only dream of owning one 👌🙌. Also fantastic review👍

[@alamohammad3018]

now i know what the difference between all trims,thanks alot tom that was really helpful brother.

[@carmilo9399]

Jeep is the best 4x4 vehicle in the world.

[@user-ei3dq2dw6i]

Yes I've got one

[@ExtremeLARPr]

Excellent review, thank you!

[@volcom52002]

I was never a fan of Jeep Wrangler....until now. Excellent video

[@theonewhowatchesthewatchme2275]

Hope we get similar specs in South Africa, Then I'll have mine in green and in 2 door guise. Excelent

[@daftboy11]

Great review Tom !! I can't wait for the four door pickup model to debut.

[@BearClawJ]

THANK YOU! for making a very well put together video. Very well done

[@noecker97]

I Love That Red 2-Door Rubicon One!!!

[@RCPlayGround]

Awesome new jeep wrangler JL video~

[@BladeDoomer86]

Looks amazing, an upgrade from my 13 Jku, getting jealous here

[@ghosher]

Thanks for the great reviews.... keep it up. From an envious enthusiast... cheers !

[@FarHanSolo]

"I'm not breathing; I should breath" hehe. Nice one Tom

[@Orion33759]

2:20. It’s actually two rungs up. From the sport. Forgetting the sport S?

[@christopherbennett4559]

Try it in a rain storm. Open the door to get in after rain and water will pour in from top corners of the front doors.

[@redblaze1981pk76]

I bought my wife a JL wrangler an we love it ! Having a great time... Wishing it was easier to find more lift kits options.

[@nicolecurry5627]

Great video love that new JL

[@barbaraschenck5691]

Very nice job, Tom! Thanks. Wouldn't mind getting one but I need the one with a pick-up bed!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

While automakers seldom "comment on future product" apparently it will be called "Scrambler". I'll guess it's a Detroit show reveal. I had one FCA exec confirm it's existence while another just looked at me in a coy way. FCA could use a compact pickup.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Why don't they just call it what it once was, the Commanche?

[@walterivanfairview]

You make the best car review videos on KZbin, thank you!

[@morganbuhborgan730]

I'm excited for the diesel JL

[@thevisualedmarchiveproject3861]

You gotta get one of these. Sky's the limit... - Avengers.

[@williamkee7924]

My dream vehicle.

[@fatsixtysix5392]

William Kee you can do it

[@fatsixtysix5392]

CAN

[@jamespatrick6939]

I love how they make them even better for Offroad every generation but about 90% will never get out of Suburbia... still like the car though.

[@thiagocarvalho836]

You're an awesome reviewer, greetings from Brazil!

[@keshavluckhun4257]

A real man daily drive.

[@mithunchawdhury689]

You guys gotta bring it in Bangladesh, roads here are terrible, the 2L jl would be perfect here.

[@mithunchawdhury689]

guy proulx Toyotas and Japanese brands mostly

[@ZAINABBAS]

Awesome Review.

[@EGlideKid]

Nice review!

[@freedom_foz_6337]

Great for off road. Get pricey fast-the standard features are limited on base trims and you have to get higher trims to even pay to add some basic features.

[@intox69]

I'm stoked for the diesel, I've been waiting for that for a long time.

[@gorillaninja78]

That dude talking to the press sounded like he was going to fall asleep! Lol

[@DPRX99]

Great review!

[@healthyamerican]

the sahara is the only one with full time four wheel option, i think thats so wrong. why not offer it on the rubicon as well

[@invincibleEAST1]

Best review? Forget that. Best way to describe this vehicle, go out and see it for yourself. This is the best car I ever purchase in my life . I chose this car over a $40k Mercedes Benz and had not regretted ever since. I now own my dream vehicle of my life. No not a Mercedes. No not a Tesla. No not a Porsche or a Ferrari. Yes a 2018 Jeep unlimited Sahara 2.0 liter I4. The ride and feels to this vehicle is unlike anything. The quality has improve 100% from inside out and top to bottom. Mix a Jeep and a Cadillac together and you'll get a 2018 JL Sahara unlimited.

[@hemingsgarage]

Very detailed and interesting review.

[@cadsux]

The original design & creation of the Jeep was American Bantam & the Army, but Willys & Ford were the ones who could produce & evolve it. The distinctive vertical slot grille was Ford's idea. It was 9 slots, but Willys later made it 7 slots in order to trademark it. When American Bantam went belly-up in 1950, the trademark was granted to Willys.

[@limpunsing224]

This may sound silly but I'm just curious if it's viable to put a camera somewhere in front to see obstacles more clearly & also eliminate the need for spotters

[@marcducati]

The seven slot grill was Fords idea to différenciante there Jeep when asked to build it along side other manufactures during the war. It then stayed in the civilian production models.

[@tylergasswint6976]

For what you get compared to JK’s, the prices really aren’t that bad

[@et1965]

Nice work Tom. I envy your job :)

[@ultrakwon]

Wondering if I should get this, the Ford Edge, or Toyota Highlander.

[@avilondon3615]

I love jeep Wrangler JL! Watch me off roading for the first time: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZjKY3qqYtpksNE

[@K03sport]

The wife wants one as a replacement for her "aging" CX-5. The only thing I can't get over (but the Wrangler car) is the price. I am having a hard time building a lower trim and keeping it below $40k. The options list KILLS you...even on higher trims (e.g. Sahara). Even a lowly Altitude and Willys is having a hard time staying out of the mid-40s (both V6 and 2.0t engines + auto trans). Uggg, what to do, what to do...

[@zeebooooad]

Very nice jeep

[@OriginalTeddy]

My experience owning one so far... Every ad, pamphlet, sales literature and even the sales pitch at the dealership revolve around it's off road capabilities. Yet doing things I did on a weekend basis with my 20 year old Wrangler TJ Sahara caused the yolk on the front inner axle to fail, taking out a ball joint and snapped an ear off of the now cheap aluminum steering knuckle. All on a brand new 2019 Wrangler JL Rubicon! First they tried to brush me off due to evidence of mud under the vehicle (for real?). The argument quickly escalated that I possibly hit something despite 0 damage on any other components. They wouldn't say I did hit something for sure, but since it was a possibility... they had an argument. It was also a possibility a part failed... just saying. When making it clear I couldn't be without a vehicle any longer and that I have to get it fixed, I asked if it needed anything else. They didn't know, as they didn't inspect it. They just saw it was broke and dirty and essentially just said nope unless I paid up. I was told they could see if anything aside from what they could see by looking behind the tire was broke, but I'd have to pay for a full inspection. At one point I was given the option to pay in "advance" to speed up the repairs and if the warranty kicked in, I'd be reimbursed. Ya, right... Being jerked around between the dealership and customer service, I took my jeep elsewhere to get fixed. Doing so apparently waived my right to complain anymore or receive compensation. But after 2 weeks of being without a vehicle... it had to be done. It turned into 3 weeks after everything was said and done. That's what 60k buys you! I've posted this a few times on Jeeps facebook page. Which are all deleted and I am blocked now from commenting. Guess your only allowed to tell people to go ahead and void your warranty work, it's fun!

[@mjareacts2731]

Sorry to see that you've gone through all of that. I own a 2020 Jeep JL, and even though it has the capability I didn't spend that kind of money to destroy my vehicle rock crawling. Yeah I know most JK and JL owners probably think I crazy for buying a Jeep Wrangler not to go off-roading, but I bought it mostly for bad roads and snowy weather.

[@XploreAz]

Impressive.

[@Inferno45]

I want to see the wrangler pickup

[@EeveeLO6]

Picking up a 2018 4 door red rubicon soon.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

What roof?

[@jarredmay7496]

Awesome video!!

[@legion1630]

I owned one and loved it..I am looking at a wrangler unlimited or a silverado..Please advice

[@joshowen9054]

26 mpg when cruising.. at what speed ? At 35 mph? That's perhaps optimal for mpg, but not useful on a daily basis

[@brucebailey8048]

Please explain why you don't talk about the recall for over 18,000 2018 and 2019 Jeep Wranglers that have failing welds causing a critical suspension mounting bracket to detach?

[@alh06]

Bc your comment is late, this was the very release of the car.

[@abbasfahmy1899]

Why isn't anyone talking about the ANC (Active Noise Cancellation) feature listed in the JL Wrangler Order Guide ? .... I mean it's a major feature to improve on-road comfort.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

Well, now they are. Thanks for that, I don't do 30 minute videos like Alex so I don't get EVERYTHING in. In addition, I missed that there are no side curtain airbags or any airbag protection for rear passengers.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

My 2015 Sahara has side airbags located in the front seats. That option is no linger available?

[@stangtrax]

Good review, but any facts on roll cage?

[@alemnass7067]

Wao...very nice

[@SAMLEE-bb1xp]

Well I'm bored with my car choices, I need to have fun...hmm

[@feribae8777]

saya suka dan kagum dengan RUBICON WRANGLER ... MANTAP

[@JeffSelf]

Damn. Makes me want to trade in my 2010 JK Rubicon.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I'm sure there's a Jeep dealership willing to make that happen...

[@alderusdmc]

What's the TP trunk test?

[@6ec6YRFPTcC]

I'll take that red rubicon please and thank you

[@ducatil-twin3379]

I will start caring when they offer a 6 speed (manual) diesel.

[@emekaossai5485]

late 2018

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I was told calendar year 2019 by a Jeep exec

[@BrendanMacWade]

2019 you will get it!

[@ThomasTalbotMD]

might be a torque limit on the manual gearbox. i like manuals but they arent nearly as fun with diesel. thinking V6 manual vs diesel automatic.

[@EddyStyl3s]

Emeka Ossai k

[@Lancaster730]

I wish Land Rover had studied JEEP building the new Jeep Wrangler like their old one .Rover has built something nothing like our old one & doubles the price

[@davedeece9380]

Man I bought a brand new 2015 jeep Sarah and hate it cause I felt it was over priced and out dated technology. The wrangler way overdue for a redesign

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Mine is a 2015 sahara and I love it. But bought the tech package, which of course is outdated now

[@michaelfoulkes9502]

Diesel option is long overdue

[@nlesiak3]

i give you the Jeep H2, transformation nearly complete

[@Lizestechreviews]

Why didn’t y’all show and talk about the 2 door?😔

[@DrivenCarReviews]

As I said at 00:44, I didn't have time to do both. I had to focus on one and there was a better chance of ending up in 4-door models throughout the day. Sorry!

[@MLightstone]

Is this one less likely to get the dreaded death wobble?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Any solid axle vehicle will get the "death wobble" if not maintained or a part is knocked out of true. I've bent both my tie rod and connector rod and, knock on wood, not had it.

[@2Phast4Rocket]

The JL is like the American version of the Porsche 911. As the design changes, it maintains its design legacy and is recognizable from any view point. As with Porsche, the JL is priced as expensive as the German marque. Yikes, this is not the technological improvement I want to see.

[@fiftytwice50x2]

Does the Turbo version still use 87 octane or is it premium?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

This from the press packet David- Minimum unleaded regular, 87 octane (R + M)/2, 91 octane or higher recommended for optimum fuel economy and performance

[@johnsabha1210]

if its hard for you to walk up a rocky mountain... get a rubicon !

[@macncheese1991]

just something else to keep the range rover away

[@davidxu166]

It seems I will probable come back to Jeep again then. Oops, why I say the "again"?

[@pennfootball71]

My old 09 JK had the crap 4.0 L Engine...it had 2 drive shafts blow up and the engine leaked out all the oil one day and Chrysler had to get me a new motor. I hope reliability has been addressed. Drive a Toyota now.

[@BuDavid]

Time with Don JK's had 4.0? I think you mean 3.8 V6

[@beastboyP1]

pennfootball 07-11 JK’s spelled nothing but issues. They’re much much better now, but when you take it off roading and beat the shit out of it, you do have to take care if it and not leave it that way otherwise it will fall apart

[@ahmadmusa55]

WTF 2009 with a inline 6? My old 1994 Cherokee had the I6. They don’t make these motor anymore and Jeep need to bring the I6 back.

[@jody024]

10:02, that orange peal though.... cringe! Tom heads out for some fun, leaves evil twin at home~

[@jamesbensch6]

I'm surprised by the USB-C. My phone charger is USB-C and the cord it came with is the same on both sides so it would be easier than using an adapter

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

That's the point.

[@brucec43]

90% of these will never go more off-road than parking on grass at Christmas when the mall is busy. At least with the initial owners.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I don't know any Wrangler owners who don't go wheelin. I average about 10 days a month. 90% could be accurate with Discovery or Cherokee owners

[@Torque_India]

9:40 😍😍😍

[@Sayua-chan]

Perhaps Jeep should try again to tackle the army's needs. The H1 os old and it would be a major boner to see a Jeep in official military use.

[@MountainGuerrilla]

still no base model diesel standard, get with the times, we want what the rest of the world can have

[@DigitalYojimbo]

Why the rear door opens towards the road still confused me.

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

Easier for the driver, won'y have to walk around the gate. Also doesn't matter off road (or in the UK)

[@marthinusdavidkruger1674]

These models arent in my country...All the same as last year😐

[@jeepdude5789]

1/5 stars safety, no rear airbags, poor protection on chest and legs in frontal crash, over 440 complains at the NHTSA for bad welds and bad steering, people really frustrated wanting to give it back... the most unsafe car in the street right now due to poor manufacturing and quality. It is a shame this concept is not made by a reliable brand like Toyota, Honda, Subaru, etc. How they are selling the 4 doors from $32k to $50k its unbelievable. This car is as basic as it can be, should be selling for $20k-$24k if anything. I went to the dealer and saw half way done welds on the steering control column, no thanks!!!, i will wait for 2020 Ford Bronco or maybe the 2025 JL (maybe FCA by then gets it right by - trial and error).

[@TheHoth1]

Jeep Dude I wanted one but once I considered the poor quality and reliability factors, I had to say no to it. I think one of the reviewers(the skinny one) from Autoguide actually got stranded on the highway with a completely disabled 2018 Jeep Wrangler during his review of the car. He couldn’t even turn on the hazard light! I love Jeep Wrangler but this is getting embarrassing!

[@CalvinHikes]

Goodness that representative from Jeep is like low energy Jeb. I never understand how spokes people get hired who are just so... I guess boring. It's a Jeep!

[@DrivenCarReviews]

He's not a spokesperson, he's an engineer.

[@brucec43]

Just admit it. You drive it because it looks cool. That's about it.

[@DrivenCarReviews]

That would 50% of all cars driven Bruno

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

I drive one because it gets me places most vehicles can't. And it does look really cool :)

[@whoeverwhoever400]

The design is good but the materials they use to make are bad and cheap. All those rubber and foam start to degrade after a year. You wonder why a Jeep starts at $27K instead of $40+K

[@Orion33759]

Whoever Whoever it starts at 27k because that includes only a 2 door with no power windows and NO AIRCONDITIONING. Pretty much unheard of to pay over 20k and not have air conditioning

[@andrewsmactips]

Has the kind of doodads that appeal to those of us who watch KZbin reviews of tactical bags and such. I say that in a good way.

[@sharappp4976]

😍😍😍

[@HEARTDARKNESS1]

what about the reliability ?

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Do you think people can predict the future? Come back in 5 years for your answer.

[@vhateverlie]

That 3.0 diesel V6 is known to slip cam gearing which can destroy the whole motor so that's something too look out for unless FCA fixes that which we know they will not.

[@JundaComputersGmbH]

6:30 RAV4 can't climb hills like that? How about Jeeps don't last 500,000 miles? Or do 22/28 MPG?

[@RickZackExploreOffroad]

There are Jeeps out their that have 500000 miles been ridden hard for 50 years. Nothing against the Rav4 but they cannot compare with a Wrangler off road.

[@fover3319dfy]

lol…do you think rav4 could last 500k？what an idiot…keep bring up the old story

[@slicktype001]

Car and driver much?

[@codyellis4933]

Hey Tom was this in Reddington Pass?

[@DrivenCarReviews]

I was too busy to pay attention. It was on private land about 15 minutes from the Ritz Carlton golf course outside of Tucson. It will be houses in the future...

[@codyellis4933]

Ok that’s up north. I took my GTI through some of those trails near there, nothing as insane as those Jeep trails, but still interesting!

[@hellbender1100]

To many electronics for an offroad vehicle

[@SERGUMUM]

The new Suzuki Jimny 2018 will make the job for a fraction of the price.

[@franconepi2996]

the lock on tailgate i pathetic ....