This section will serve as historical information of the Jeep Wrangler JK Series.
Part 2 – 2011-2017
2011
The interior was redesigned and the top received some design changes. Most notably was the larger rear side and hatch windows on both the hard and soft tops. The X model became the Sport. Color matched hardtop option. Total Sales: 138,096
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Special Editions: 70th Anniversary, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Edition, Mojave
Fun Facts: Love the Mojave. For the first time ever, automatic temperature controls were added.
2012
The year the JK grew up. Jeep answered their customers demands by giving the Jeep a worthwhile V6. The Pentastar V6 featured 285HP, almost 80HP more than the 3.8L. See 2012 Changes and Compatibility Guide. Total Sales: 160,665
Engine: 3.6L Pentastar V6 – 285HP
Transmission: 5-speed Chrysler W5A580 automatic or 6-speed Chrysler NSG370 manual
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Special Models: Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Edition, Arctic, Altitude
Fun Facts: The Dana 44 rear axle became standard on all Wranglers. Only Rubicon and special models would have locking differentials
2013
Revised seats (both comfort and material). Auto-dimming rearview mirror with LED map light. Premium tire pressure monitoring system. LED courtesy lights and new wheels for Sahara and Rubicon. Total Sales:
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Special Models: Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition, Moab, Freedom “Oscar Mike”
Fun Facts: Dual windshield washer nozzles were added. Spring assist added to ease soft-top installation.
2014
Not much change in the standard lineup or features, color options and appearance changes were minimal. Total Sales: 74,450
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Colors: Anvil, Granite Crystal, Copperhead, and Amp’d, Flame Red, Dune
Special Models: Rubicon X – based on the 2013 10A, Polar, Freedom III, Dragon, Altitude
Fun Facts: Parking/turn signal lamps get clear lenses and amber bulbs, new floor mat retention system.
2015
Not much change in the standard lineup or features, color options and appearance changes were minimal. Total Sales: 203,098
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Colors: Anvil, Baja Yellow, Billet, Copper Brown, Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue, Black, Sunset Orange, Tank
Special Models: Rubicon Hard Rock – renamed from Rubicon X, Altitude
2016
Not much change in the standard lineup or features, color options and appearance changes were minimal. Total Sales: 163,110
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Colors: Black, Hydro Blue, Firecracker Red, Billet, White, Granite, Mojave Sand,
Special Models: Rubicon Hard Rock, 75th Anniversary Edition, Freedom, Backcountry, Black Bear
2017
The (almost) final year of the JK to be replaced in 2018 with the Wrangler JL. Not many changes in the standard lineup or features, color options and appearance changes were minimal. LED headlights and fog lamps are standard on Sahara and Rubicon trims, optional on Sport models. 2017 Wrangler Changes. Total Sales:
Standard Models: Sport, Sahara, Rubicon
Colors: Black, Rhino, Hypergreen, Firecracker Red, Billet, White, Granite
Special Models: Rubicon Hard Rock, 75th Anniversary Edition, Willys Wheeler.
*sales numbers are not official
2018
When Jeep released the all-new Wrangler JL for the 2018 model year, it didn’t immediately replace the outgoing JK. Instead, Jeep did something unusual, they continued building and selling both models side by side. For a time in 2018, you could walk into a dealership and choose between a brand-new JK or the next-generation JL.
Why Two Wranglers in 2018?
The primary reason comes down to logistics, demand, and a smooth product transition. The JK had been in production since 2007 and had built a strong reputation for reliability, aftermarket support, and affordability. Jeep knew that shifting entirely to the JL platform too quickly could leave a gap in production, disrupt supply chains, and alienate budget-conscious buyers.
By continuing JK production well into the 2018 calendar year, Jeep was able to:
- Meet fleet and international demand that didn’t immediately require or want the new JL
- Keep price-sensitive customers in the showroom with a more affordable version of the Wrangler
- Allow time for JL production to ramp up at the new Toledo North Assembly Plant, while the JK remained in production at the older South Plant
Special Editions and the End of an Era
To give the JK a proper send-off, Jeep released several special edition models in 2018, including the Golden Eagle, Altitude, and Wrangler JK Unlimited Smoky Mountain. These limited-run trims featured unique badging, wheels, and interior upgrades, giving longtime fans a final opportunity to grab a piece of the JK legacy.
