2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Test Drive | Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton
2018 Jeep Wrangler JL Test Drive | Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton
Posted on July 29, 2018
The now-retired Jeep Wrangler JK makes room for the Wrangler JL and classic Jeep lovers in Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton are definitely going to want to check out this dynamo, for sale at Team Chrysler. It’s got updates as well as nods to previous favourite features, and with the deep Jeep history that comes built into every Wrangler, it’s a head turner. Want more? Read on.
The 2018 model roster brings new exteriors, six trim levels, super-fresh interior décor, four different top configurations to choose from, a massive overhaul on the powertrain, and some very big improvements to the chassis. Carry-over details include round headlamps, the iconic seven-slot grille, and a body-on-frame construction.
Is the JL really lighter than the JK?
There’s a notable reduction on the weight of the new JL’s: two doors have dropped 128 pounds and 4-doors have lost 203. How did they do it? Easy: the doors, hood, and tailgate skin are now made of aluminum, and the boxed high-strength-steel frame is now 18-percent stiffer and 100 pounds lighter.
Is the Jeep JL top easier to remove?
The sometimes-tricky soft-top zippers have been nixed in favour of Velcro attachments. With the top off the JL, the structural members remain erect to ensure roll-over protection and a good strong anchor for your inside mirror. There’s a cool Sky option that lets you fold up the top at the touch of a button. Also handy: the Wrangler JL doors can be lifted off their hinges quite easily and left behind as needed. Bonus detail: the windshield folds flat, too, once you remove the wipers and four screws. Open air trail ride, anyone?
Is the Jeep Wrangler a good daily driver?
Most Jeep fans know all about the legendary off-road prowess of the Wrangler, a legendary climber of hills, rockpiles and riverbeds. The JL can creep in engine idle mode on the manual or bask in the power of the 84:1 torque multiplication available in low range. Traction control prevents mid-air wheel spinning on steeper climbs. But did you know that there is no more dependable choice than a Jeep Wrangler equipped with winter tires for a blizzard-plagued commute or rainy drive to work? Take a look around the GTA: Wranglers are a popular choice of commuter vehicle. The engineers at FCA raised the suspension’s roll axis 2.5 inches to reduce lean in turns. If you think the JL will take potholes hard, you can take comfort (literally) from the double-rubber isolation nudged between the live axles and the frame, and in between the stout frame and the body. Throw in decent fuel economy and there’s no reason to doubt that the Wrangler JL could sweeten your morning ride.
How much horsepower does the Jeep Wrangler have?
The standard JL comes with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, bringing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, along with push-button starting and automatic shut-down at traffic lights. If you want to kick it up a little, the 2.0-liter DOHC turbo-four (borrowed from Alfa Romeo) is a good call. It adds a twin-scroll turbocharger and a belt-driven alternator/starter hybrid assist called eTorque, grabbing 270 horsepower, a very impressive 295 lb-ft of torque, and 25 mpg on the highway. Upcoming for Wrangler diehards next year: an Italian-made 3.0-liter turbo diesel rated at 260 horsepower and (get this) 442 lb-ft of torque. Yes, you read that last number right. In terms of drivelines, you can go for the six-speed stick (V6 only) or an eight-speed automatic that comes standard on the I-4 and optional with the V-6.
Additional Jeep JL specs:
Safety features on the JL include: four airbags, electronic stability control, a rear backup camera, blind-spot monitoring, and helpful sensors to warn of fixed objects and rear-approaching traffic. Space-wise: swing the tailgate and spare to the side and lift the glass hatch. Rear seats fold, and you have extra storage space under the cargo hold’s floor. The JL has updated Uconnect electronics for easy navigation, easy-to-read colour LED instruments between the tach and speedometer, and desirable 7.0- or 8.4-inch central touch screens. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are provided. In terms of good looks: leather trim is available and, for the driver, adjustable lumbar support and a tilt/telescoping steering wheel. That’s nice on the highway OR the back forty. Plug in with 4 USB sockets and a 115-volt AC outlet—your road trip plans just got better.
Where is Team Chrysler?
Team Chrysler is easily located at 777 Bancroft Drive in Mississauga, Ontario.