All-new Jeep Wrangler adds brains to its brawn

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What is it?  A faithful rendition of Wranglers past, but with a serious dose new technology.

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Why does it matter?   The JL — taking over from the, uhm, JK — is at once an homage to CJs, TJs and YJs past and, at the same time, as significant an introduction of new technology as the hoary old Wrangler has ever seen. For instance, for the first time in Wrangler history, there’s a Selec-Trac system for the four-door Sahara model that automatically switches between rear- and all-wheel-drive.

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Oh, don’t worry all you hardcore mudders, there’s still a two-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 rock-crawling gearset, but it’s engaged automatically. Not to forget traditionalists, there’s a Command-Trac system that give you the full gear-crunching manual experience. And for the Rubicon, the fully manual Rock-Trac system offers new generation Dana solid axles and a “4LO” ratio of 4:1 coupled with a final drive ratio of 4.10:1. Just in case you need to climb straight up a rock wall.

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In the engine bay, FCA’s Pentastar 3.6-litre V6 is carried over for 2018 but it’s joined by the company’s 3.0-litre EcoDiesel and an all-new turbocharged inline four. Pumping out 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, the little four grunts out more torque, says Jeep, than the aforementioned 3.6L V6. The little four-banger is hooked up to an eTorque mild hybrid system that auto stop/starts the engine at stoplights, offers a modicum of electric power assist and even a little regenerative braking.

When will Canada get it?  FCA says that the new JL will be in dealerships in January.

Should you buy it?   Well, if you’re one of the roughly 20,000 or so Canadians who buy a new Wrangler every year, you should most definitely visit your Jeep dealer, the new JL being a compelling blend of the new — the aforementioned engine and drivetrain as well as an interior that looks, well, surprisingly modern (think Mini Cooper meets Jeep CJ here) — and the old — the body-on-frame chassis, solid axles and a body so full of 90-degree right angles it could be used as a set square. Every new generation of Wrangler brings with it plaints from the faithful to not futz with their Jeep. They needn’t worry about the JL; The new 2018 Jeep marries traditional and modernity in just the right measure.