The Jeep Wrangler JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year, which was released in 2006. The Jeep Wrangler JK is the third generation of Jeep Wrangler vehicle. You can learn more about this Jeep model below and all that it offers.
Jeep Wrangler History
The first “jeep” was produced in the early 1940s as a military vehicle for World War II. This vehicle was created by the company Willys-Overland. The vehicle was known as the MB, but people nicknamed it the “jeep.”
Years later, Jeep was a brand that was home to several great vehicles. In 1987, the Jeep Wrangler was produced. This vehicle was a nod back to the original MB with its open body, but it was a much more modern version with new updates and features.
It started production in 1987, but the Jeep Wrangler is still around today, and it is still a top-rated SUV. This vehicle is known for its off-road capability and unique open-air style. It has gone through many changes over the years, and there are four different Jeep Wrangler generations. These generations include the YJ, TJ, JK, and JL. Each generation has specific changes to the features or capabilities offered by the Wrangler. You can learn more about each of these generations below.
What is the Jeep Wrangler JK?
The Jeep Wrangler JK is the third generation Jeep Wrangler. This vehicle was in production from 2006 to 2018. Below, you can take a closer look at what each Jeep Wrangler generation looked like and when it was produced. You can also learn more about some of the key features and changes with each generation.
- Wrangler YJ – The first Wrangler generation ran from 1987 to 1995. This vehicle took some inspiration from the “jeep” models used in World War II, but it is not the same vehicle. This original Wrangler features square headlights instead of the iconic round headlights we now associate with Jeep. However, the first-generation Wrangler does give you much of the look we associate with Wranglers because it looks similar to the Jeep CJ or “civilian jeep.” Engine options on this Jeep included a 2.5-liter straight-four, a 4.2-liter straight-six, and a 4-liter AMC 242.
- Wrangler TJ – The Wrangler TJ was in production from 1997 to 2006. This Wrangler brought back the circle headlights that were found on previous Jeep vehicles. This generation featured engine options like a 2.5-liter straight-four, a 2.4-liter PowerTech, and a 4.0-liter AMC straight-six engine. Toward the end of this generation, some model options featured a longer wheelbase than the standard Wrangler.
- Wrangler JK – This third-generation model brought some significant changes to the Jeep Wrangler. One of the biggest changes was the addition of the four-door Wrangler Unlimited model. Before the JK, the Wrangler was only offered in a two-door model, but the JK provided the four-door Unlimited model, which gives you more passenger space and more cargo space. This generation also added features like remote entry and an optional navigation system. The Wrangler JK ran from 2007 to 2017, and it had some technology updates in the middle of the generation. Some of these technology updates included a new touchscreen for the Uconnect infotainment system, Hill Start Assist, Trailer Sway Control, and more.
- Wrangler JL – The JL generation is the fourth generation or the current generation in production for the Jeep Wrangler. This generation started in 2018. The JL keeps much of the same look for the Wrangler from the previous JK model, but there are some updates and changes. One significant change was the new engine options that include a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a diesel engine option. This generation of Wrangler also improved fuel-efficiency, aerodynamics, and some technology features.
Now that you know a little bit more about the different generations, we are going to take a closer look at what the Jeep Wrangler JK offers you in terms of performance and features. Check out this JK model in greater detail below.
Wrangler JK Trim Options
As mentioned above, the Jeep Wrangler JK is available in a two-door model or a four-door Unlimited model. The Unlimited version gives you seating for five people, while the two-door only gives you seating for four. In addition to choosing between the two-door and four-door models, you also have to decide if you want the soft top or hardtop Jeep. The soft top option is usually standard, but you can upgrade to a hardtop option.
Another decision to make with your Jeep is the trim level you want for your Jeep Wrangler JK. You can check out some of the common trim levels below, as well as some special edition trims.
- Sport – The base level trim for this SUV is the Wrangler Sport. The Jeep Wrangler JK Sport will be your most affordable option. It will also have the most basic features. You will have features like cloth upholstery, an eight-speaker audio system, and other similar features.
- Sahara – Your Sahara trim will be a more luxurious option. This trim can give you features like leather seating, heated seats, air conditioning, power windows, automatic climate control, and a navigation system.
- Rubicon – Your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon trim is going to be your off-road performance-oriented trim level. This trim level can offer you features like a performance suspension, an advanced four-wheel-drive system, larger tires, and other off-road performance features to help you take on the trails.
There are also plenty of special edition trims that have been offered on the Jeep JK throughout the years. We are going to highlight a few of them below.
- Mountain – The Mountain Edition was a special edition made for the 2010 model year. This vehicle featured special edition seats, black hood decals, black tail light projectors, and 32-inch tires on 17-inch wheels.
- Call of Duty – In 2012, the Jeep Wrangler created an exclusive Call of Duty: MW3 Edition. This special edition Jeep was tied to the video game of the same name. Only 200 of these exclusive edition models were made, and this vehicle had features like heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, Call of Duty fender badges, 17-inch wheels with 32-inch off-road tires, and Call of Duty logos on the interior of the vehicle.
- Rubicon Hard Rock – This special edition was released for the 2015 model year. It gave you features like the Roc-Trac four-wheel-drive system, Tru-Lock electronic lockers, an electronic sway bar disconnect, a nine-speaker Alpine audio system, and leather seats.
- Golden Eagle – The Golden Eagle trim was a special edition model that offered you features like a tan soft top, a body-colored grille, bronze tow hooks, Golden Eagle logos, and 17-inch alloy wheels.
Those were just a few of the Jeep special edition options. There are also other special editions like the Willys Wheeler, Freedom Edition, Islander, Rubicon Recon, and so many more. These special edition options offer unique style or features and may be worth the purchase if you are looking for something a little bit different. Now that we have talked some Jeep Wrangler JK models, let’s take a closer look at the performance that the JK offers you. Check it out below.
Performance and Engine Options
When looking at different Jeep Wrangler generations, the powertrain options could be a little different from generation to generation. Below, you can check out the different engines found in the JK model, as well as learning more about the performance this model gives you.
- 3.8-liter V6 – This 3.8-liter engine was the base engine in the Wrangler JK from 2007 to 2012. This engine produces 202-horsepower and 237 pound-feet of torque. For fuel economy, this engine gives you around 15 city and 19 highway mpg.
- 3.6-liter V6 – The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine gives you about 285-horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. This engine was introduced in the middle of the Wrangler JK generation. In 2012, Jeep Wrangler models got this 3.6-liter engine to give them more horsepower and more torque. The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but a five-speed automatic transmission is available. It also gives you around 17 city and 21 highway mpg in terms of fuel economy.
As mentioned above, the Jeep Wrangler JK was the first generation to offer the four-door Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited model in addition to the two-door option. This changes a few things in terms of performance. The four-door Unlimited model is larger and offers you more towing capacity. With the Unlimited, you get up to 3,500 pounds of towing capacity, and with the two-door model, you get only 2,000 pounds of towing capacity.
There are also differences in these two models when it comes to the overall off-road experience and ability. They both offer you similar off-road features, but the JK Unlimited is longer than the two-door option, so the two-door Wrangler offers you a better turning radius and break-over angle. However, the JK Unlimited gives you a better highway ride.
Both of these models offer you some impressive off-road features and capabilities. You can learn more details about the off-road features found in the Wrangler JK model below.
Off-Road Features
Jeep offers you legendary off-road capability. The Jeep Wrangler JK model was made wider and larger overall than the previous-generation TJ model. This helped to improve the riding experience and off-road performance of the JK model. The approach, departure, and break-over angles in the JK are all better than the angles offered in the TJ. The Wrangler JK gives you an approach angle of 44.3 degrees, a departure angle of 40.4 degrees, and a break-over angle of 25.4 degrees.
What else does the Jeep Wrangler JK offer you in terms of off-road performance? Check out some of the features right here.
- Advanced Four-Wheel-Drive – One thing that makes the Jeep Wrangler great at going off-road is the advanced four-wheel-drive system that it has. It offers you a 4:1 low range option that gives you the ability to take on trails and crawl at a lower speed. This can give you more control when you are leaving the road to take to the trails.
- Push-Button Sway Bar Disconnect – The sway bar on your vehicle helps it stay balanced when you are driving, particularly when you are driving at highway speeds. However, when you are off-road, the sway bar can interfere with your wheel articulation. That is why there is a system in your Jeep where you can simply push a button to disconnect the sway bar to help you perform better off-road. Then, you can reconnect your sway bar when you are back on more level terrain.
- Locking Front and Rear Differentials – The locking front and rear differentials in your Jeep allow you to evenly distribute power and torque to get the traction you need to take on more challenging terrain.
- Rock Rails – The rock rails on your Wrangler JK allow you to have additional protection for the side of your Jeep from the front fender flares to the rear fender flares.
- Tow Hooks – Jeep Wrangler models offer you front tow hooks to help you get out of off-road situations where you might be stuck.
- Skid Plates – The underside of your Wrangler would be exposed to elements of the trails and rough terrain without the skid plates to protect this vehicle from damage.
- Off-Road Tires – There are many different tire options for the Jeep Wrangler JK, depending on the trim and model. These tires can be off-road-focused to offer you better traction and increased surface area.
Those are some of the main off-road features you can find on the Jeep Wrangler JK. This vehicle is very off-road capable, and it is ready to take on your next adventure. This SUV can offer you the incredible performance you are looking for.
Interior Features and Technology
On the inside of the Jeep Wrangler JK, you can find standard cloth seating for four or five, depending on whether you choose the two-door model or the four-door Unlimited model. This vehicle has interior upgrades optional like leather seats, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and more.
When it comes to cargo space on the inside of your Wrangler JK, it again depends on the four-door or two-door model. The Unlimited JK added about 20 inches to the wheelbase, to give more passenger and cargo capacity. The two-door JK offers you around 13 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and about 55 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. Your four-door Unlimited option offers you around 31 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and about 70 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.
The interior of the JK model also gives you some technology features. You get features like an automatic climate control system, a navigation system, remote start, keyless entry, satellite radio, a premium sound system, and Bluetooth voice command.
You also get some safety features and technology with your Jeep Wrangler JK. This JK model gives you features like brake assist, airbags, electronic stability control, traction control, front tow hooks, and a rollover protection system.
Wrangler JK vs. Wrangler JL
The Wrangler JK and JL are the two newest Jeep Wrangler generations. The JK was in production from 2007 to 2017, and the Jeep Wrangler JL has been going from 2018 to the present. You may wonder if you should upgrade to the newer version of the Wrangler or stick to the JK Wrangler. Let's discuss the differences to help you decide.
The Wrangler JL adds some technology compared to the older JK model. The JL gives you some driver assistance features like a rearview camera, blind-spot monitoring, and more. The JL also offers you technology features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration. The JK model still gives you an infotainment system, just not smartphone compatibility.
The JL model also adds a turbocharged four-cylinder engine option, and new models give you the option of a diesel engine. However, both the JL and JK are standard with the 3.6-liter V6 engine. When it comes to off-road performance, the Wrangler JK model still offers you plenty of off-road features that you are looking for, and you can find this model at a more affordable price than the Wrangler JL. The model option that you choose depends on your needs and wants with your next vehicle.
Which Jeep Wrangler is Right for You?
When deciding on your next vehicle upgrade, you want to choose based on what is most important to you. If you are looking for upgraded technology, you might choose the Wrangler JL model because it can offer you that. However, if you are looking for a capable off-road performance and a great price, the Wrangler JK model is a great one.
Jeep has been making excellent vehicles for many years. The Jeep Wrangler itself is over thirty years old, and it has been providing you with incredible off-road capability and an exciting style for all of that time. If you have any questions about your different Wrangler model options or which one is right for you, you can reach out to our experts at Left Hand Garage. We are happy to help answer questions you may have about Chrysler, Ram, Dodge, or Jeep vehicles.