2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Sahara Review & Off Road Test Drive | Is This The Best Jeep Yet?

[@extremeterrain]

What do you want to see us do next with our 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL? Check out more 2018 Wrangler content here: terrain.jp/YT18wranglerJL

[@CyburneticTiger9]

Keep it simple, I think it could use a winch, 2.5in suspension lift, a good set of rock rails, and a solid set of all terrains. With those small mods you should then raffle it off to one of the followers.

[@certifiedinvestorboy668]

How tall are you??

[@0002EcM]

Put a new grill and hood on it

[@charlesnelson8978]

Could you describe which bolt patterns are identical in both the JK and JL? Such as front and rear bumper attachment points, etc. I will getting my new JLURubi before many JL-specific add-ons become available.

[@xXGhoulieGunXx]

get that pos on some rocks

[@HazeySB]

Just got one a few days ago. Best. Car. Ever.

[@slugzkea]

It's not a car, it's a jeep :)

[@vantu-lapcao7506]

do you still love it

[@vantu-lapcao7506]

do you still love it

[@warriorzmindset]

How has it been ?!

[@HazeySB]

Oh I never saw these replies, I still absolutely love it!

[@ze3bar]

can't wait to buy one in 5 years

[@mhnatew]

now three :)

[@1vsme]

Now 2 years

[@JustinReed-e1h]

Did you buy one??

[@ze3bar]

@@JustinReed-e1h nope, theyre still too expensive haha im poor

[@ze3bar]

@user-xh2il9gc6m i also went to the dealer to sit in and see if i like, but they made the roof too low so my head hits the bar... im 6' 5"

[@jimlayhey1965]

is he 7 feet tall jeep looks small

[@franciscocruz6726]

Jim Layey the JL is 73.6" tall if it's the Sahara or lower trims with 32" tires. This is .4" taller than the JK with the same tires.

[@yeah5850]

Jim Layey well it's not a truck so idk what you expect

[@knifetoucher]

Yeah, he's pretty tall. Jeep's roof is about 6'1" tall, and he's like an entire head over it. So he's like 6'7"+

[@nicolasprice9860]

Yeah at stock height they sit even with a lot of trucks, and higher than a good amount

[@lucyferina]

All the haters not accepting that the new jeep is better , just like it has been every new generation, if you don't like it , keep your old one and stfu.

[@svnbit8408]

lucyferina seriously, this is the first time I'm considering a Wrangler, the JK manual was the worst manual I'd ever driven, including dry clutch cable systems, it's less reliable than the auto (seriously?!) it's a pile to put it short. The new one is actually drivable. Tired of all these morons griping about difficulty putting new flares when you can fit 35s no problem. Anything over that and you may as well by a quad to go play because it sucks to drive

[@olliecrow3547]

Thank you!

[@lucyferina]

You can put 35's without a lift for city driving, but if you are going off road it will definitely need a lift or else the tires will rub, but yes it is a nice vehicle and i think you won't regret getting one, if you do and end up getting the hard top, get the roof liner (Hot head) they are pricey but it comes with strips to put in between the bends under the panels (called sound asassins) and the panels are thick and do make a difference, I got them primarily because i am temporarily in Florida and its getting super hot here so the roof without panels was not going to cut it. 2nd must have upgrade is the sound system (if you don't get the jeep with the Alpine setup) Get a Sub (the Kicker Hideaway is a very decent one) and the 4 speakers ( 2 for the sound bar and 2 for the front). you don't have to change your stereo to get navigation it does work with Iphone if you plug your phone to the USB port.

[@nikkola33]

@@lucyferina i just bought this jeep cant wait til it arrives!!

[@lucyferina]

nik peterson congrats

[@Coconutdoggoz]

Man, I better start saving up my money so that I can buy a JL. I grew up with the JK and I honestly prefer driving Jeeps! There's just that nostalgic feeling I get when I drive it. I cannot go for any other car brand except Jeep! Jeep is love, Jeep is life!

[@offroadnchill]

great video as always, I love that JL

[@greygoose4x46]

A buddy of mine works at a dealership that just took delivery of a base sport model JLU ... it's Fugly in the base trim !!

[@ahmadkaddoura7060]

one of the best on wrangler... thanks .... please make a separate video on understanding the gear...

[@henrycisneros7767]

I like how the Subaru caught his eyes 19:08 lol

[@brianmghanga8048]

Did you see that subi @19:06 . Dope af

[@extremeterrain]

I'm a sucker for Subies, not gonna lie. Gotta love boxer engines. 😂 -Zach

[@GoneBroke]

Hi Ryan the one thing you didn't mention was the sensors in the taillights that check your blind spots.

[@lvmybears]

It is very cool imo.But I think many current jk owners are going to be holding out for the diesel option.This is something we are dying to have in a wrangler.Already planning on buying one when they hit the showroom.

[@jeremygreiner6854]

Would have figured they would come with a front dana 44. Dana 30's problem is when a 4:56 or 5:13 gear is installed, there is not enough contact area, and teeth strip off.

[@WestEndNAB]

He really made sure to let us know he was just doing some “light” off roading! 😂 Other reviewers get roasted on taking it “off-road”

[@bronxhouse00]

Like the windshield change. Besides the aero dynamic helping mpg the flat windshield increases the chances of road debris to crack your windshield. According to safelite auto glass wranglers are the most damage windshields they get in the shop cause of the straight up flat design

[@wildbill23c]

Same goes for the HMMWV's, and Hummers out there with those vertical windshields, very prone to damage from road debris as everything is a direct hit rather than a glancing blow from an angled windshield.

[@paulpak387]

Great review man! Not awkward and didn't act like you reviewed it last minute. Really knew your stuff and presented it confidently! Definitely one of the better reviews I've seen

[@miatarf4676]

Congrats your the first person in the world to do a off road doughnut in the new Jeep JL lol

[@RubiconUnlimited]

Saw one the other day! Really like it but I'll be sticking to my JK!

[@trippycamo9193]

Rubicon Unlimited same, but I don't really like it I'll admit I'm biased

[@slugzkea]

I went jk in 2018. Jk is stronger :)

[@TXcounselinglectures]

Awesome video! Looks like the rain gutter runs the entirety of the three piece hard top. Great for the accessories we use now on our JK. That is a huge relief to be able to transfer some accessories.

[@lady_4leaf]

I can't wait to get one! After driving the JK, this is basically the same thing but with some fixes and some more modern features

[@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!

[@Wanderlust073]

I don't know why but that front bumper drives me nuts. Best jeep ever? Post again in a hundred thousand miles or so.

[@robertb1742]

Wanderlust073 dude get a life

[@MD-dj2vz]

Clean & clear video. Well done guys

[@brucebailey8048]

I love jeep wrangler but....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?

[@Msleelee9487]

I'm warming up to it I might go to the dealership and drive one

[@healthyamerican]

i like the idea of the new 4-h-auto which basically turns it into an AWD like a subaru, which is good when roads are slippery here and there. but i wish this option was available on the rubicon

[@zigmar2]

It's not a full-time 4WD mode, since it has no center differential. It's an automatic part-time 4WD system that uses a clutch mechanism. When you put it in 4H Auto power is only sent to the rear wheels in normal driving conditions. If a slippage is detected, the system will automatically engage the clutch and send power to both rear and front.

[@tunesoulsata9251]

Great video my brother!

[@tbex8606]

Just checked out one yesterday. I like it! Sticking to the jk as I'm not near done that build yet but very cool for sure. I noticed you forgot to mention the 3rd brake light is adjustable to fit a larger tire on the spare mount from factory.

[@sandramccoy491]

I love the new jeep . Head lights r awesome. It just looks good to me

[@Canon1968]

Can't wait to get my JLU Sahara!!

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

C'mon Jeep release the diesel now! Nice video but a diesel is the only thing that will get me out of my JK.

[@Shakshuka69]

An over $50k Jeep is gonna be real hard to swallow though.

[@dave928]

a diesel will be the only thing that gets me into a JL.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

AD1 yeah we will have to wait and see and for 50k it better be loaded and make me coffee in the morning lol.

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

dave928 yup 😸

[@Andrew_Wise]

What's the appeal of a diesel?

[@wildernessfieldjournal8211]

Excellent review. I appreciate how through it was, checking out little details. It's not the best but it's still a real Jeep.

[@Taylor_Poe]

Question.. how do you get back the turncam on because after replace a new battery it disappear.

[@PatrickRich]

The T-Case is basically the same NV242 from the liberty, its just a ball ramp clutch on the front output shaft instead of a shift collar. I suspect you already knew that though. The real question I don't know is: in full time 4wd is the ADD always engaged? I don't know.

[@la10sooony]

Could you please test the wind noise on high speeds?

[@NL-in6uj]

It's a 5 piece hardtop since the side bits pop out. I just don't like the push button start

[@anthonycbrown1952]

It's a 3-piece hardtop. You may be thinking of the demo where on the sky roof option the sides can be removed. Maybe someone will offer a 5-piece Freedom top,

[@Jamesharvey697]

Hi, great Review, Question, on your test drive did you drive on the FWY? If so, was there a lot of wind noise? I have a JLUR fully loaded on order and test drove one a few days ago at a local dealership. When I got on the FWY the wind noise was so loud it seemed like a window was cracked open or a door was not fully closed. Another guys posted on someone else review he also had the same thing on his test drive of one.

[@JD-fx1np]

Urgent, pls help! You recommended rubicon earlier for someone with a similar question but there's a TWIST. Pricing is the same now for a 2018 JK Rubicon OR a 2018 JL Sahara. Which one? I don't plan on serious off-roading. Probably. But for camp/hiking, biking, some snow. My FIRST jeep. I test drove a JL sport last year, automatic. But I can get either a JL Sahara or a JK Rubicon. And yes I like some of the creature comforts and wouldn't mind a factory rearview camera. *yes I know I can get one installed on the JK. I can compare build sheets and axles all day long but in need an experienced advisor. WHAT SHOULD I DO??

[@willb1132]

If they are the same price? Rubicon. Its the expensive hardware that makes it a rubicon. Mostly the axles and stock differentials. The commodities can be added for less than say adding a DANA 40 front stock axle for 3,900 dollars.

[@willb1132]

If you are buying used? Might as well get a sport for nothing and buy the axle and 4x4 differential lockers for 500 dollars and call it a day its a rubicon.

[@indraotsutsuki3072]

Release the diesel!!!!

[@txgamer1347]

So did Jeep eliminate the 3.21 AND 3.73 gears in favor of just having a middle of the road 3.45 gears in all non-Rubicon? I went for the 3.73s in my JK when I bought it, and have been so glad that I did so. My mom has 3.21s in hers and it just doesn't feel as grunty down low.

[@wildbill23c]

Going for fuel economy, surprised they didn't go with a 3.21 or something under a 3 to get more fuel economy...kind of hard to get fuel economy out of a square box on wheels flying down the highway though LOL. Don't understand why people want stuff like the Wrangler then whine about the fuel economy...if you want fuel economy buy a hybrid or electric car of some sort and stop trying to turn every vehicle into an economy box.

[@digitalbuzz]

I could see replacing the fender front marker lights with flood LEDs

[@philharris4504]

Nice balanced review. Enjoyed it. Thanks.

[@limpunsing224]

Great review I like the Sahara but I'm still waiting for the diesel engine option & see how it performs

[@wildbill23c]

Noticed the new Wrangler has gone to CV axles up front, when did they do that? Is it just the newest Wranglers they've swapped to CV's in? I figured the older U-Joint setup would be the heavier duty setup they'd stick with in the Wranglers but I've been told the CV axles are much better for road manners. I know I get a lot of feedback in my 98 Grand Cherokee with the U-Joints up front in 4WD than I did in my 96 Grand Cherokee with CV axles. The selec-trac system I assume isn't nearly the same as what was in the Cherokee's and Grand Cherokees in the 80's and 90's? I'd assume this new system is electronically controlled with sensors rather than a regular front to rear torque split of power all the time?

[@adamleito8678]

Can you do side by side JK and JL also how much is the windshield tilted back

[@VisualOverland]

Great review! I am not a purist by any means but this jeep is disappointing. It went from SUV to wagon. $36k for a sport model and no power windows, door locks or LED light options.. I'll pay more for the scrambler, but not a jeep with more electronics..

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Visual Overland you forgot no AC lol

[@VisualOverland]

Rhino Willy's true for the 2 doors. All 4 door’s will have AC. But still why is that even a thing?!!

[@truckerrickakamanowar]

Visual Overland Right! Yeah I've got a two door ac should be standard this day and age and considering what we already pay for these Jeeps ...they don't exactly give them away.

[@j0rzeh]

Rubicon is a bargain in the UK compared to the discovery 5 which has gone soft.. infact if you want a disco 5 that can go offroad (SXO) like a rubicon it's over £90k+ or $126k+.

[@billysmith7835]

Nice detailed video.

[@jameslape897]

Compare a JKU Rubicon Hard Rock or Recon with the JLU Rubicon.

[@MR-2_AW11]

I wanna get a YJ because the I6 is so bulletproof

[@filmguy91]

I bought a JK last september and I've always said this will be the last car I ever buy because I intend to drive until I die. The only thing that will change that is when Jeep releases a 4.0L V8 engine for the Wranglers

[@patrickonuoha8003]

filmguy91 most auto makers are moving away from bigger engines, rather smaller ones with turbos. 2.0's and such. Jeep has shown it is moving in that direction already. They have 3.6, 2.0 and will release diesel soon. There are talks of a hybrid engine as well

[@co4x4]

XT, how long do you think before we start seeing lift kits from the big names such as Rock Krawler, Metalcloak, Rough Country...etc. Thank you!

[@lvmybears]

Zdenek Stuchlik They probably already have them made.Just not for sale yet.Also the dealers will be selling lifts for them soon afterwards.

[@toddfink1215]

Teraflex just got their jlu rubi...

[@NYC-WRX]

Great video Ryan. Thanks.

[@PatrickRich]

I've noticed no one is getting the Rubicon for review, only the Sahara. Wonder what thats all about.

[@jbandt]

On that hard top, is it designed to have the back windows pop out like the rectractible soft top? I saw what looked like joints suggesting it does, but i could be wrong.

[@DumbDudeDave]

GREAT VIDEO

[@javierlahera5239]

I've notice noone has put it thru water like I've done to my 08

[@TheZigZiggy]

Do you know if aftermarket front and rear bumpers for the JK will work on the JL? I'd like to keep what I have on my JK if I get a JL.

[@korg47237]

TheZigZiggy Lol no

[@fernandoguerrero2895]

I live in Chicago, so the winter is very long and very cold. Do you feel any wind leaks in the Sahara? One time I was on a jeep with soft roof and it was really cold inside the jeep, so I don't know how good or bad will be with the hard top

[@djuell01]

I love it and the options, the ton of little things that they fixed. I just don't want more payments. I have the 70th Anniversary addition, maybe when the 80th comes out in 2021.

[@Avicena-tf5uj]

Anyone know when the v4 turbo is coming out?

[@lwrcbcm8954]

They moved the license plate to the bumper because the tail gate is larger(wider).

[@robertw.1499]

Is a hood lock available and has the new Nav System real time traffic updating? 👍

[@lucasgiles7613]

Your really tall, or is the jeep smaller ?

[@nidalonso8692]

Omg the wheels are a deal breaker

[@mattlong5561]

Hey Ryan, How tall are you? I have a JK and am 6.' You seem to tower over the JL. Were you comfortable with leg and head room inside?

[@vascovasquez2362]

what color is it?? the name of the color??

[@showtime1235]

From what I hear u can fit a 35in tire on stock suspension on a JL

[@Shakshuka69]

About as well as you can fit a 33 on JK. You might get some rubbing at full compression, but trimming the fenders will likely fix that.

[@greygoose4x46]

I heard only on a rubicon not a sport or Sahara

[@toddfink1215]

Very good vid. I wish I could justify the price of a jlu rubi. Guess my yj will keep going. Lol

[@greygoose4x46]

Todd Fink agreed ! My TJ on a trailer will be my newest jeep for awhile

[@franciscocruz6726]

How do I know if I have Dana 44 rear axle in my JL Sahara? I know for a fact I do not have the part time 4 wheel drive option in my transfer case.

[@wildbill23c]

Every wrangler has part-time 4WD if you opted for the 4WD model. Selec-trac in the Sahara would add full time 4WD to the standard part time 4WD transfer case.

[@blainebarnes2086]

Nice! I want one!

[@seasonalsmile2665]

What colors is this called

[@extremeterrain]

Granite Crystal Metallic! -Zach

[@DCSHEEP158]

Alright Ryan. Now what does it look like with a 4inch lift and 37’s?

[@nlesiak3]

haha probably can't lift these like that, too much tech. probably going to have to make trips to the dealership all the time to reset the computer and sensors every time you do anything to it

[@lvmybears]

Im sure were all gonna find out

[@bronxhouse00]

Wish they would fix the road noise

[@phantomplanet07ify]

bronxhouse00 they did. That was one of the main things they fixed it even drives like a regular suv but you can take it off-road. I just bought a 2020 jlu it’s awesome.

[@Jamesharvey697]

I just ordered a JLU Rubicon fully loaded, the only things I did not get was smoker group, dual top, upgraded rims and engine heater. I would like to see it with the 2.5” lift and 37” tires. I heard that is all your going to have to lift it for 37s

[@BritGuyAbroad]

How much $?

[@Jamesharvey697]

BritGuyAbroad Hey, per the dealership invoice the window sticker will be $54,595

[@carlosdr83]

Completely redesigned yet completely identical.

[@sytwang]

anyone else noticed that he was eyeing the yellow subaru?

[@muhammadanus6066]

Love the way tht jeep look

[@bobclapper2672]

Great Review , I Love the Changes, I would have liked to see a more powerful engine , but very Nice 👍.

[@muhammadanus6066]

Best jeep model 👌!!!

[@_MOORE_1986]

They should had stuck with the JL theme and used JL Audio subwoofers instead of Alpine lol.

[@aux1z11]

I bet they did nothing about Death Wobble

[@svnbit8408]

aux1z11 they did try researching

[@mrnikonman]

Great job... Goodtimes

[@AP4aspromised]

Turbo is trash! I got 1 with the turbo had it 9 days and an oil fitting to the intercooler failed leaking oil on the freeway ended up having metal shavings in my oil filter. Still at the dealer service department 2 weeks later, jeep engineers advising them, no answers yet, but I put a claim with chrysler for a buy back. Who wants a new jeep with a rebuilt engine! Should've kept my jk

[@MrMartinez9597]

I found a turbo Sahara for a great price at a dealership but still trying to figure out if the turbo is worth it because I live in SoCal where the gas prices are insane. I don’t want to get a turbo one and then it shits on me later on

[@swidahooverlanding2867]

I think they all ready made the best Jeep ever. Came out about 55 years ago.....

[@Rick-4552]

Looks like a liberty

[@justingeier1181]

Beware! Extreme terrain has horrible customer service. If you have a problem with your order or your order gets lost good luck. They already got your money so they don't care. I suggest reading these guys reviews before ordering from them. They will not take care of you after the sale

[@swarbrickjesse]

yoo tell Tony i said wassup!

[@dexxydoo]

damn hes tall!

[@ripster9713]

Too expensive

[@JeepTJWheelin]

Comprehensive video as usual. But this Sahara jl definitely isn't for me. It screams soccer mall mom. Never been a fan of any 4 Dr Wrangler, especially the Sahara. These bells and whistles are unnecessary fluff. The 2 door Rubicon looks good though. Too bad you didn't bring that in for a closer look.

[@nlesiak3]

All the changes are hidden behind cheap Easter eggs. The whole point of the JL is to get better MPG for the upcoming Federal EPA guideline about to drop. All of its changes are based in MPG but they didn't want to alienate their base. "hey look folding windshield, we care about jeep history!" reality, it's easy to fold because it's a box frame, similar to a minivan. Instead of the old style Jeep with the body on the beefy frame, they weakened the bottom frame and made up for it by going towards a unibody type design. All kinds of unproven Powertrain combinations, probably straight from Fiat, not the best quality, all to show the government bigger MPG numbers. Troublesome 8 speed transmission, same thing. Point is, Jeep is catering to the government and the people who can't buy an H2 anymore. Jeeps of the future will not be for taking off-road anymore than a land rover evoque. Jeep used to stand for rugged, simple, enjoying nature. Now it's the new H2 with douchebags tinting the windows and blasting music. Frankly I'm surprised they still offer soft tops, although the soft top on this JL is also ugly as hell. rant over

[@svnbit8408]

DWings quit your crying Jeep is the only manufacturer keeping it close to their base look at the new defender and g wagen, and the lr3 btw kills my previous discoveries with unibody construction. Go buy a 4 wheeler

[@svnbit8408]

chris roberts and the JK you presume is better? Laughable

[@johngaudet6316]

You forgot they also roll on 24s. Lol

[@nokithecat]

Way too much electronic shit and crap that's not wanted in off road.... Hope they have a stripped version with no bullshit . Get one with a blown engine, throw that away and put a mechanical Cummins in it and Advanced Adapter 4 speed transfer case with some Dynatrac axles... Fill trash can with what ever else the hippies put on it that's not needed

[@arnoni11]

37k for a base model... 53k for Rubicon? ya no thanks! l take a left over

[@guffbear3000]

well that’s unfortunate. my dad just bought himself a 2017 wrangler unlimited

[@phantomplanet07ify]

James Mozzer that’s why you have to do research. Always know if something is coming out in the near future you want to buy that’s newer.

[@Se7nDust]

Tiny axles and those tires got to go

[@Daniel-tv9tb]

too much $

[@johnvangennip1163]

Well it's a jeep and one thing is still true about this one if you want a decent jeep your still going to have to throw away all the jeep parts

[@MRJBTA]

Do you want a 2019 two door diesel Wrangler? If so sign this petition to help persuade Jeep to offer it for 2019! www.ipetitions.com/petition/two-door-diesel-wrangler-for-2019 More info here: www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/ecodiesel-petition-for-2019-two-door-wranglers.2132/#post-31182

[@georgeeads8689]

The new Jeeps are very nice but to me they look like a Hummer. If I wanted a Hummer I would buy one. I prefer the older Jeeps.

[@kison9816]

George Eads then why not buy the older ones?