Jeep · 2006–2018

Jeep Wrangler (JK)

The Jeep Wrangler (JK) is the third generation of the Jeep Wrangler off-road vehicle. The Wrangler was unveiled at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the JK series 2007 Wrangler Unlimited at the 2006 New York Auto Show. The car's body and chassis were completely redesigned during the era when Jeep was part of DaimlerChrysler. Just like the Willys MB, the CJ Jeeps and the Wranglers before it, the JK continues to have a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors. Also, except optional 4x2 models, the Wrangler JK continues to have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing. In addition to the traditional 2-door Jeep, the JK introduced a factory standard four-door model, called the Wrangler Unlimited. Contrary to the first, TJ-based Unlimited, and the CJ-8 "Scrambler", its wheelbase is stretched by 20 instead of 10 inches. The Wrangler Unlimited became a big sales success — by mid-2017 three-quarters of all new Wranglers listed for sale were four-door models.

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Jeep Wrangler (TJ) · Successor: Jeep Wrangler (JL)

All Jeep Wrangler data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

Development

In 2001, DaimlerChrysler commissioned development of a TJ successor under the "JK" program code for the third-generation Jeep Wrangler. Design work began almost immediately in 2001, with Mark Moushegian winning an internal design competition against Dan Zimmerman (later responsible for the 2005 Jeep Hurricane Concept) by the second quarter of 2003. In January 2004, the JK design was frozen at 31 months ahead of production, and work began on a conceptual preview. On November 16, 2004, Jeep released 2 CAD renderings of a Jeep pickup. On December 5, 2004, the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept was unveiled ahead of its January 2005 Detroit Auto Show debut, previewing many of the design elements on the incoming JK. The Wrangler JK was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show with past Chrysler group CEO Tom LaSorda driving one up some steps and through a plate glass window, just as Robert Lutz had done at the show in January 1992 with the Grand Cherokee.

Initial release

The JK was first available for purchase with the 2007 model year, beginning in August 2006. The 2007 model year brought a complete redesign of the Jeep Wrangler, and also a four-door model. The TJ chassis was replaced by an all-new JK platform. The JK Wrangler has been offered from the start in two models: A short-wheelbase 2-door, in X, Sahara, and Rubicon trim levels. A long-wheelbase Unlimited 4-door, also in X, Sahara, and Rubicon trim levels. This next-generation Wrangler was noticeably wider than the previous model, with a 3.4-inch (86 mm) wider track; and though the two-door model has a 2-inch (51 mm) longer wheelbase, it is actually 2.5 inches (64 mm) shorter in overall length than the TJ, allowing for a 44.3° approach angle and a 40.4° departure angle. With a larger factory available tire size of 32 inches, the breakover angle on the Rubicon is increased from 22.6° to 25.4°. The four-door Unlimited model has an over 20-inch (510 mm) longer wheelbase at 116 in (2,950 mm) to offer much improved rear seating room, but is nevertheless only 14-inch (360 mm) longer than the 2006 TJ Unlimited. The JK runs almost all vehicle functions, other than steering, under computer software control. Engine, transmission, and to some extent braking are computer-controlled, as are lights and auxiliary systems. This is a first for the Wrangler. As of mid-2007, there have been three safety recalls for software fixes. Stability control was a new safety feature for the JK Wrangler. All versions offer off-road tuned Anti-lock braking system and traction control system with electronic limited-slip differential. Standard on the Rubicon trim is a new electronic sway bar disconnect system. A Sunrider convertible soft top is standard equipment. Also available on the JK model is an optional

Trim levels

The Standard Wranglers are available in six trim packages (including 2 special editions). The Unlimited Wranglers are available in four trim packages (including 1 special edition). Most packages can be ordered with either a hard or soft top, full or half doors ("Sport" and "Rubicon" only). The Sport base model is available in 2-door versions. It is the "bare bones" Wrangler that can be customized to a buyer's specifications by adding such options as air conditioning and other accessories. It was originally called the "Wrangler X" until 2009. Later, stain-resistant YES Essentials cloth seats replaced standard vinyl seats, an AM/FM stereo with single-disc CD/MP3 player and auxiliary audio input jack, and a full-sized spare tire and wheel came standard on this model. The X-S model features 32-inch tires (on 17-inch wheels), air conditioning, fog lights, cruise control, driver’s seat height adjuster, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield. It can be customized to a buyer's specifications, adding such options as power windows and locks, soft or hard top, rear LSD or locker (2007 only), and other accessories. It was renamed "Sport S" in 2009. Advantages over the Sport included standard air conditioning, alloy wheels, a matching spare tire and wheel, YES essentials stain-resistant cloth seats, optional Uconnect touch-screen radios, optional seven-speaker premium sound system with subwoofer, and optional power equipment, such as power door locks and power windows, a first on any Wrangler model. The Sahara model is the "luxury" model offering accessories such as body colored fenders, "Yes Essentials" seats (in late 2007–2008), power windows and locks and a 7 speaker infinity sound system with subwoofer, later, with Uconnect 430 (an AM/FM stereo with single CD-player with MP

Powertrain

A 3.8 L EGH V6 with a displacement of 230.5 cu in (3,777 cc) producing 202 hp (151 kW) and 237 lb⋅ft (321 N⋅m) of torque was the base engine in 2007-2011 models. It replaced the AMC 242 straight-6, and was shared with the first-generation Chrysler Pacifica crossover (CUV), and Chrysler Town and Country, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Volkswagen Routan minivans. Transmission choices included a standard six-speed Chrysler NSG370 as the manual transmission, or an optional Chrysler Ultradrive 42RLE 4-speed automatic transmission. For the 2012 model year, the 3.8L V6 was replaced by the Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 engine previously seen in the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), now producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. The NSG370 remained as the manual transmission option, while the 42RLE was replaced by a 5-speed Mercedes-Benz NAG1-family W5A580. The RA428 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel straight-4 producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 302 lb⋅ft (409 N⋅m) of torque used in the Liberty KK and Dodge Nitro was offered as options outside of U.S., as it did not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007. It was offered with either the NSG370 manual, or the 5-45RFE automatic transmission. In 2011 engine diesel was upgraded to A428 DOHC producing 200 PS (147 kW; 197 hp); torque: Manual transmission: 410 N⋅m (302 lb⋅ft) automatic transmission: 460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) and automatic transmission was replaced by a 5-speed Mercedes-Benz NAG1-family W5A580. The lower two levels have the Jeep Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive system with an optional Trac-Lok limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses Rock-Trac, a version of the NV241 with a 4:1 low range. Electronic locking front- and rear-axles called Tru-lok are also standard on Rubicon models. (A rear locking differential was

Updates and editions

=== Postal Service === The Wrangler was available with factory-installed right-hand drive, targeted at U.S. Mail carriers. Rural mail boxes in the United States are serviced with the carrier behind the wheel, also useful for carriers who wish to get out of their vehicle without the risk of getting hit by traffic. For the 2007 and 2008 model years, the right-hand drive Jeep was the short-wheelbase Wrangler. For the 2009 model year, the right-hand drive Wrangler was replaced by the right-hand drive Wrangler Unlimited. AIL Storm Mark III. An AIL Storm Mark III was set to be produced for the Israeli defense forces starting in June 2008, when the IDF was to purchase around 600 vehicles beginning in early 2011. Based on the then-new four-door Jeep Wrangler JK design, the Mark III is meant to address some of the shortfalls of the earlier Mark II. Whereas the previous vehicle was an update of the original TK Storm, the Storm III was designed from the outset with a five-door configuration. Unlike the TJ-L, the new JK Storm has a much higher maximum load capacity in part due to heavier-duty shock absorbers, springs, and axles, necessary for an armored version. It includes a standard 2.8L Italian VM Motori turbodiesel and automatic transmission. 2009 model year update. The 2009 model added standard Hill Start Assist (HSA) to prevent rollback on graded surfaces. Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is also available to monitor vehicle movement relative to the intended path and activates the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) if the trailer begins to sway outside set parameters. Additionally, ULEV II emissions replace LEV II emissions on manual transmission-equipped vehicles. Rocky Mountain Edition. The Rocky Mountain Edition is a special edition of the "X" model that was made for 2009 with 3

Military Jeep J8 (2007–present)

On September 13, 2007, at the Defence Systems and Equipment International trade show, Chrysler LLC unveiled a Wrangler Unlimited version designed for military use dubbed the J8. The unarmored Jeep J8 is equipped with larger brakes, axles, and suspension components than the civilian version and has a payload capacity of 1,339 kg (2,952 lb). The J8 also differs from the civilian model by utilizing heavy-duty rear leaf springs for carrying heavier payloads. The Jeep J8 is powered by a VM 2.8-liter (169 CID) four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lb). The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to wade in water up to 762 mm (30 in) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up to five hours. Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand- or left-hand-drive. Targeted at armed forces in overseas markets, the J8 is not available in the United States because it will not meet U.S. emissions requirements. The J8 will be produced in Egypt.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Jeep Wrangler (JK)

Manufacturer

Jeep

aka

Jeep J8 (Egypt), Jeep TJL-J8 (Egypt)

Production

August 2006 – April 2018

Model years

2007–2018

Assembly

United States: Toledo, Ohio (Toledo Complex), Egypt: Cairo (AAV)

Designer

Mark Moushegian (2003), Ryan Nagode (2011 interior: 2008), Lorenzo Ramaciotti (2014 exterior: 2012)

Body style

2-door convertible, 2-door SUV, 4-door convertible, 4-door SUV

Layout

Front-engine, rear-wheel drive, Front-engine, four-wheel drive

Related

AIL Storm III

Engine

2.8L VM Motori RA 428 Diesel I4 , 3.0 L Pentastar V6 (China), 3.6L Pentastar V6 , 3.8L EGH V6

Transmission

4-speed Ultradrive 42RLE automatic, 5-speed Mercedes-Benz W5A580 automatic, 5-speed Chrysler 545RFE automatic, 6-speed Chrysler NSG370 manual

Wheelbase

2-door: 95.4 in, 4-door: 116 in

Length

2-door: 164.3 in, 4-door: 184.9 in

Width

2-door: 73.7 in, 4-door: 73.9 in

Height

70.9 in, 2-Door Rubicon: 72.3 in

Kerb weight

2760 -

Predecessor

Jeep Wrangler (TJ), Iveco Massif (Spain)

Successor

Jeep Wrangler (JL)

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

US EPA fuel-economy records

US EPA test figures (US MPG, US test cycle).

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q47036821CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeep_Wrangler_(JK)CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1370074169 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeep_JK_Wrangler_Sahara_2-Door_Convertible.jpgPublic domain · Photo: Bull-Doser · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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