How To Tell The Difference Between a JK and JL Jeep Wrangler

Whether you are trying to figure out if you have a JK or a JL or just want to know how to spot the differences when you see one, we have a few simple ways to tell the two Jeeps apart. The JL was introduced in 2018 so there are some 2018 models of both the JL and the JK. If you have a 2019 or newer Jeep Wrangler you have a JL. However if you are trying to spot the difference between a JK or JL while out on the road here are a few subtle hints to look for.

1. The Grill: Jeeps 7 slot grill is iconic and of course on both versions, however there are slight differences. The JL headlights actually bleed over into the 7 slot grill on each side. Also the JK has a Jeep emblem on the grill which is not present on the JL.



2. Front Fender Lights: Jeep added lights directly into the front fenders of the JL to help improve visibility. While there are aftermarket fender kits for the JK, only JLs come with these lights from the factory. So if you see a Jeep passing and it has little square LED lights embedded directly into the fenders then it is a JL.



3. The Tail Lights
Jeep also changed the way the taillights look on the JL. The JK had a fairly simple design when it comes to taillights. Essentially just two rectangular lights. However the lights on the JL have a unique design where the lights curve in towards the center of the lights. Once you have seen the new tail lights you will always recognize the unique design in the future. Also of note is that the reverse light on the JK is at the bottom of the light while the reverse light is dead center in the light on the new JL.



4. Door Handles
If you happen to pull up next to a JL you will notice that the handles are very different than what you have seen on the JK for the past 10 years. The JL door handles pull out to open the door where as the JK doors have a button on one side of the handle that is pushed in to open the doors. See the difference?




5. Licence Plate Position
While you are comparing differences between the JL and the JK from behind you may notice that the license plates are not in the same spot. On the JK the licence plate is right under the left taillight. Whereas on the newer JL the license plate has been moved down. Still on the left side of the Jeep but now integrated into the bumper.


6. Fender Vents
Just behind the front fenders on the new JL are fender vents. These help control air flow in the engine bay and they also look pretty cool. This is a new design feature that you will not see on the JK Wrangler. So if you pull up next to one it’s a quick and easy thing to spot.



7. Windshield Slope
One of the most subtle changes between the two models is the slope of the windshield. Admittedly this has been a controversial change for some die-hard Jeep Wrangler fans. In order to improve the fuel economy the windshield on the JL is more slopped. This makes the box on wheels slightly more aerodynamic but does take away from the iconic look a little bit in our opinion.



8. Interior Overhaul
Like most updates, Jeep completely overhauled the interior of the Wrangler when designing the JL. The updates from the TJ to the JK were massive yet still pale in comparison to the upgrades made to the interior of the JL. Every single element within the Wrangler was completely redesigned, and all for the better. While some JL owners will be wheeling their new Jeeps pretty hard the reality is many never leave the pavement. The Wrangler has always lagged behind other SUVs in their class when it comes to interior ergonomics and flow, but not with the JL. The Dash and displays have been modernized and upgraded. It only takes a second looking through a window to recognize just how nice the new JL is. Better controls on the steering wheel, push button start, easier to understand locker controls and improved ergonomics of the shift levers just to name a few. Not to mention the drastically improved digital displays. There is not one thing we like better about the JK interior than the new JL.
JL Interior

JK Interior



9. New 8 Speed Transmission
While you can’t tell what transmission a Jeep has from the outside, you definitely notice it when driving. While the new 8 speed transmission does help improve fuel economy the best gains are actually in first gear. First gear is lower on the JL than on the JK giving it better rock crawling ability just like the Jeep Gods intended. Additionally it is faster off the line and quicker to 60mph. Paired with the new Inline 4 turbo charged engine and you will feel like you are driving a completely different animal.


10. New Engine
While you can still pickup a JL with the proven Pentastar 3.6L V6 you now have other options. The JL can come equipped with a new to the Wrangler Inline 4 Cylinder Turbo Charged Engine. It has a noticeable extra pep when you hit the pedal which is a lot of fun while driving. Coming soon will be a V6 diesel engine which we cannot wait to get our hands on. There is no way to tell from the outside which engine is under the hood on the gas models. The new diesel model will have an insignia indicating that it is diesel. If you pop the hood you will be able to see quickly either the 3.6l or 2.0l insignia.

Rounding Things Out
While there are a lot of updates to the JL from the JK these are some of the most notable ones. The best thing about this comparison is seeing how Jeep is committed to making the Jeep better each and every time they release a new version of the Wrangler. The JL is just as capable off-road as the JK and is even better on the pavement. Which change do you think is the most impressive? Will you be upgrading your JK for a JL?