Everything we know about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL

The 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is perhaps the most highly anticipated SUV in America. The next-gen Wrangler is expected to get a host of updates that include new front and rear end designs, as well as an all-new pickup truck variant. Here's everything we know about the next version of Jeep's iconic SUV.

November 7, 2016: JL Wrangler Forums released renderings of the 2018 Wrangler, and the SUV will generally stay the course. Compared with the current Wrangler, the new one will likely have slightly more aerodynamic bodywork and LED lighting, and the truck version's bed will carry traditional Wrangler design cues. The renderings also visualize what a Wrangler without a fully removable top could be like. The loss of the removable top is currently a rumor, and FCA's well-camouflaged prototypes have not given up the secrets of the roof.

October 18, 2016: Images of the upcoming Wrangler JL from a supposed Jeep dealer meeting surface, revealing the SUV's updated front and rear end design. The renderings point towards the next-gen Wrangler maintaining a seven-slot grille and round headlights. The SUV, though, will obtain LED light bars on the front fenders, while the taillights get a similar design to the units found on the Renegade crossover. Overall, the renderings display a smoother shape than ever before.

September 16, 2016: A report from JL Wrangler Forums indicates that the next-gen Wrangler JL would utilize aluminum on the hood, as well as on the front and rear doors. The report claims the Wrangler will get its aluminum from supplier Alcoa, in the form of the company's C6A1 high form alloy, 6022 alloy sheet, and A951, which is the company's sheet bonding technology.

July 20, 2016: The first images of the Wrangler pickup truck hit the web. The pickup truck appears to be riding on a long-wheelbase Wrangler and flaunts a decently sized bed. From the overhead photos, we can see that the pickup truck will have a seven-slot grille, large rear taillights that mimic ones found on Ram's trucks, and be about the same size as a Chevrolet Suburban. Oh yes, the Wrangler pickup truck does exist and it's coming.

July 10, 2016: A report from Automotive News claims that the Wrangler JL will continue to have its iconic, boxy shape, but changes have been made to ensure that the SUV is better off in terms of fuel economy. What Jeep has done to improve the next-gen Wrangler's fuel efficiency, though, is still a mystery.

June 21, 2016: Photographers capture pictures of the Wrangler JL testing and claim the prototype had the distinctive sound of a diesel. The upcoming Wrangler is expected to get an EcoDiesel V6 alongside a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The prototype's interior was also snapped (pictured below) with a shifter design that matches the one found on the Dodge Charger and Challenger, pointing towards the eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF as the prime candidate.

May 3, 2016: The next-gen Wrangler is spotted wearing an incredible amount of camouflage that completely hides the SUV's design. Despite wearing enough camo to hide Batman, the overall shape of the prototype looks extremely similar to that of the current model.

January 12, 2016: According to the Detroit News, Jeep confirmed a Wrangler-based pickup truck that will be released in 2017. The truck will be revealed shortly after the next-gen Wrangler JL.

September 1, 2015: Production of the Wrangler, according to Automotive News, will stay in Toledo, OH, while Jeep is reportedly planning to introduce a Wrangler-based pickup truck in 2017 or 2018.

May 21, 2015: While speaking at an event, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne revealed that the Wrangler JL would not be made out completely out of aluminum. The decision to ditch the all-aluminum Wrangler, claims Marchionne, is down to the difference in cost and the assembly process.

March 5, 2015: An anonymous source within FCA confirmed to Autoblog that the Wrangler JL would have the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 as an option and ZF's eight-speed automatic transmission. The combination makes a lot of sense as the Grand Cherokee and Ram 1500 both have the same powertrain.

February 16, 2015: Automotive News reports that the Wrangler JL is expected to use floating solid axles at the front and rear. While FCA didn't confirm the report, the choice makes sense from a cost, modification, and capability perspective.

January 21, 2015: The UK's Auto Express reports that Jeep is planning to introduce a hybrid variant of the Wrangler with the next-gen model. The report cites CEO of FCA's Jeep division Mike Manley. The hybrid powertrain is rumored to arrive by the SUV's 2017 model year with similar horsepower and torque ratings as the current model's.

November 24, 2014: A report filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, and cited by Automotive News, claims that Jeep is planning on fitting the next-gen Wrangler with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With FCA utilizing the ZF automatic transmission in its other vehicles like the Ram 1500, Grand Cherokee, and versions of the Dodge Challenger, an eight-speed automatic makes sense.

October 27, 2014: The next-gen Wrangler JL, according to a report from Automotive News claims the will continue to use a full-steel chassis, but will also have aluminum panels.

May 7, 2014: Speaking at a FCA briefing, both FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne and head of Ram Trucks, Reid Bigland, shot down the idea of a Wrangler-based pickup truck, stating that the automaker had no plans for that type of vehicle. Marchionne also stated that the next-gen Wrangler would not use aluminum components.

March 7, 2014: A report from Road and Track claims that Jeep is engineering a power-retractable top to make the next-gen Wrangler appeal to more drivers. The power roof would be an optional extra for the SUV.

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