PART 1: EXTERIOR COMPARISON
PART 2: INTERIOR COMPARISON
PART 3: MECHANICAL / SUSPENSION COMPARISON
Not only is the Jeep Wrangler a name that is known in every household, but it is unmistakable to spot with its 7 slot grill, round headlights, and boxy appearance! The Jeep Wrangler JK has been dominating the streets for more than a decade from 2007 through 2018 with very little changes throughout that time frame. So you can only imagine that with the updates being brought to the brand new Wrangler JL, that there would be an overwhelming amount of differences... and you would be right! So, to start, we will go over the differences in vehicle size. The Wrangler JL is larger than the JK, giving more rear passenger leg room, and larger trunk space.
Wrangler JK 2- Door:
Wheelbase: 95.4 in (2,420 mm)
Length: 164.3 in (4,170 mm)
Width: 73.7 in (1,870 mm) Height: 70.9 in (1,800 mm) [Rubicon: 72.3 in (1,840 mm)]
Wrangler JL 2- Door:
Wheelbase: 96.8 in (2,460 mm)
Length: 166.8 in (4,240 mm)
Width: 73.9 in (1,880 mm)
Height: 73.8 in (1875 mm)
Wrangler JK 4- Door:
Wheelbase: 116 in (2,950 mm)
Length: 184.9 in (4,700 mm)
Width: 73.9 in (1,880 mm)
Height: 70.9 in (1,800 mm) [Rubicon: 72.3 in (1,840 mm)]
Wrangler JL 4-Door:
Wheelbase: 118.4 in (3,010 mm)
Length: 188.4 inches (4,790 mm)
Width: 73.9 in (1,880 mm)
Height: 73.8 in (1875 mm)
EXTERIOR COMPARISON
Now that we reviewed the spec dimensions, we can dive into the feature differences and upgrades! Cosmetically, there are some key differences. Working front to back, looking at the front of the Wrangler JK vs the Wrangler JL, there are some outstanding differences. Most people will first notice the differences in the grill. Jeep has doubled down on it's confidence in its defined grill as a logo in itself, and has therefore decided to delete the "Jeep" emblem off the center of the grill. To give a fresh update, there is additional definition in the 7 slot grill by giving the Wrangler JL a contoured grill, versus the flat grill of it's predecessor. You will also notice that the headlights of the Wrangler JL yet still classic in style, are larger than the JK model. They also moved the marker lights out of the grill and back into the fender flares.
Moving on up, paying attention to the hood, there are some cosmetic and also functional updates to the hood on the Wrangler JL from the Wrangler JK. Like the JK, the JL still has hood latches that give the new Jeep the same look as its predecessors, but you will notice they have been positioned about 2 inches closer to the front of the hood than on the JK. This is important because Jeep had received many complaints about the hood of the Wrangler JK rattling when driving at higher speeds. By moving the hood latches forward, it eliminates this issue. Continuing further up the hood, you will also notice that the windshield tie-down bumpers of the Wrangler JL are very different. The first major difference to mention, is the integration on the JL bumpers versus the JK. On the JK, the circular windshield bumpers are self sustaining, circular, and somewhat flimsy. The windshield washer sprayer, and the windshield tie downs are all separate components. On the Wrangler JL, they are all integrated giving the Wrangler JL a more sturdy hood bumper, while providing a cleaner look by the windshield sprayers and tie-downs being built into the bumpers.
Continuing up to the windshield, you will notice the Wrangler JL windshield is more angled than the JK. Aside from esthetics, many Wrangler JK owners complained of windshield cracks occurring due to road debris having a direct impact with the windshield. By increasing the angle of the windshield, and also making the windshield more rounded, it allows better deflection of such debris in an effort to minimize windshield crack occurrences. One other mention while discussing the windshield is now when you take down the windshield, it is separate than the A-pillars unlike the JK where the A-pillars were part of the windshield. Why you ask? Safety. In an effort to improve safety of the latest Wrangler, they allow the removal of the windshield without sacrificing the integrity of having those A-pillars there to protect occupants in case of roll-over. If you prefer the more open concept version, then the JK is the model you want.
Moving around the exterior of the Jeep Wrangler, you will also take note of the modernized new body-line definition given in the JL front fenders, versus the more basic flat fenders of the Wrangler JK. The doors have also received quite a bit of upgrades. Aside from being lighter, you will notice a lot of key upgrades on the Wrangler JL versus the JK. The interior arm rests on the doors now have cut outs underneath making it easier for you to reach your arm through the window and pull the door up onto your shoulder during door removal. Also, the door hinges received some minor, yet major improvements. How can an improvement be minor AND major at the same time you ask?
The improvements in the 2019 Wrangler JL door Handles and Hinges in itself are simple, but what it does for you is MAJOR. Hinge pin length! On the Wrangler JL, the top hinge pin is longer than the lower hinge pin. This allows you to now align the top hinge and partially set it while you align the lower hinge when reinstalling the doors. Simply put, you no longer need to perfectly align both the top and bottom hinge pins before dropping the doors back into the hinges! Another major change is now the doors don't just have the hinge straps of the past, allowing the doors to swing open freely. The Wrangler JL now has 3 point hinges which is a great feature if you have kids (or adults also) that aren't the most careful when opening doors! You will also notice upgrades given to the door handles, now allowing for remote proximity entry technology in the Wrangler JL. Also noteworthy is the rain gutters on the roof have been greatly improved, eliminating the issue of water leaks from the doors as in the JL's predecessor.
Getting to the rear of the Wrangler, there are a lot of updates in technology to go over. In the past, technology was always a thing not really known in the Wrangler world, simply because, it's a Wrangler... and Wranglers get wet! Water and technology don't generally coincide.... until now! Looking at the rear of the Wrangler JL, you will notice that it is now equipped with a rear backup camera (standard). The camera unit is built into the center cap area of the tire carrier. Speaking of the tire carrier, Jeep has now made the tire carrier adjustable on the Wrangler JL, allowing you to upgrade your wheel/tire size up to 33's without having to upgrade the spare tire carrier kit. Depending on additional equipment, the Wrangler may also be equipped with rear-backup assist sonar technology. If you look for the sonar detectors in the rear bumper you won't find it there, that is because it is actually built into the tail light assemblies! You will also find that they repositioned the rear window wiper so it covers a full 180 degree of window space versus the small triangular nonsense that the wiper of the Wrangler JK covered.
Stay tuned for Part 2: Interior Comparison and Part 3: Mechanical/ Suspension Comparison!
- Mopar Mike
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