Is My Jeep a JK or a JL?

If you have a 2018 Wrangler, you may have wondered, “Is my Jeep a JK or a JL?” The JL is the newest model of the Wrangler, so if you have a 2019 or 2020 Wrangler, then it is a JL. But if you purchased a Jeep Wrangler in 2018, then it can be hard to know if you have a JK or a JL. This is because Chrysler actually sold both models that year to make sure that the release of the newer model happened without any difficulties. 

If you are among the thousands who purchased a Wrangler in 2018 but don’t know if your Wrangler is a JK or JL, buying durable and cool upgrades for your Jeep becomes a real challenge. Luckily, we’re here to help you sort through the confusion. 

Is My Jeep A JK Or A JL? How to Know the Answer

Although it can be hard to tell the difference between the two 2018 Wranglers at first, when you look more closely, there are actually a number of differences. Let’s make the answer to “Is my Jeep a JK or a JL” easier to figure out by going over the main distinctions between these two models.

Engine

Wrangler JKs all come equipped with the same engine (3.6L Pentastar V6). 2018 JLs, however, have several different engine choices. One engine option for the JL is an upgraded 3.6L Pentastar V6 capable of generating up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, along with an electric start-stop that helps to reduce fuel emissions and increase your mileage per gallon. The second option is a 2L four-cylinder engine that can generate 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Transmission

Wrangler JK Jeeps have five-speed automatic transmission systems. But if you have a JL, then you have an eight-speed automatic transmission instead. This means that the JL model is more environmentally friendly, drives better in the low gear range, and can speed up to 60 mph faster.

Technology

Compared to the Wrangler JK, the JL come with more high-tech features, including a backup camera and a keyless push-button start. 

Lights

When examining the front of your Wrangler, pay attention to the placement of its headlights. JL headlights encroach on the grille vents, but the JK headlights do not. The JL also features front-facing indicator lights on the fender flares.

Check out our full range of Jeep Wrangler JK products here.

Jeep Wrangler JK and JL LED Lighting Packages

Looking to upgrade your vehicle but aren’t sure if you have the LED lighting package on the Jeep Wrangler JK or JL? Check out our simple tips below to find out.

In 2017, Jeep introduced an upgraded LED lighting package which included factory LED headlights and fog lights. Look at the diagram below to help determine which factory lighting package you have on your Jeep Wrangler JK.

Since it was first introduced in 2018, the Jeep Wrangler JL has come with option for a LED package which includes LED headlights, fog lights, daytime running lights, and tail lights. The diagram below can help you identify whether you have the standard halogen or factory LED lighting package for Wrangler JL.

Check out our full range of Jeep Wrangler JL products here.

Aftermarket Modifications for your Wrangler JK or JL

Hopefully, with our help you can easily figure out the answer to the question “Is my Jeep a JK or a JL?” Now that you know which kind of Wrangler you own, it’s time to decide on what kinds of cool, customizable upgrades you want to add to your vehicle.

While we offer a wide variety of full headlight replacements and halos for both Jeep models, we also carry the first-ever fully-integrated LED grill replacement. With our Pro-Series Vector™ Grill, you can guarantee that your Wrangler is the most show-stopping Jeep around. The ORACLE Vector™ Series grill was the first replacement grill ever for the Jeep Wrangler with a dazzling LED lighting system. ORACLE’s latest Pro-Series Vector™ Grill is custom designed for the Wrangler JK and Wrangler JL. 

Our new Pro-Series has improved both the durability and the style of our Vector™ Grill by offering integrated LED lights for high beams, low beams, and dynamic daytime running lights. We have heightened the grill’s ability to withstand water, brightened the output of the LED lights, and created controls to allow drivers to adjust the various light beams independently of one another.\

Want to customize your Wrangler even more? Our Pro-Series allows you to install our signature color-changing halo lights into your Wrangler’s Vector™ Grill. If you’re looking for a more intense lighting pattern, check out our demon eye headlights instead.

Whatever the answer to “is my Jeep a JK or JL,” we have a range of eye-popping Jeep Wrangler accessories for you.