The Wrangler JK is the more recent Jeep model with a variation of 2door and 4door. The Wrangler JKU or Unlimited is the official name for the 4door option. A Wrangler JK can have different trims and editions, but the fact remains it is always 2door except Wrangler JKU or Wrangler JK Unlimited is specified. Produced from 2007 to 2017, this Jeep model was notably bigger than the model before it. The grille, logo on the grille and built-in turn signals were all different on this model as large tires were made available on the JK too. The Wrangler JK/JKU featured in-built fog lights in the fog bumper and horizontal door handles with a button to push. The wheelbase for the Wrangler JKU was larger than the JK model. The different editions of the Wrangler JK/JKU are stamped on the body of the vehicle. The Wrangler TJ and JK models look quite similar to each other, but you can tell them apart from the grille.

The year

• Wrangler JK: transmission, engine and a few extend braking functions are controlled by a computer on this model. The auxiliary systems and lights are computer controlled as well. A soft top Sunrider convertible is added as a standard part of this model. A modular 3piece hardtop is optional. As per usual Wrangler fashion, the doors can still be removed and emote power door locks and power windows were provided for the very first time. This is also the first Jeep Wrangler generation to have the tail lights changed and a navigation system available.
• Wrangler JK Unlimited or JKU: the 2007 Wrangler JKU was introduced back in 2006 with four doors, and it stretched longer than even the TJ Unlimited version (Wrangler LJ). The Wrangler JKU was the only 4door convertible SUV and also the last 2door SUV to have a 4door option. The Wrangler JKU has the same engine and transmission options as the Wrangler JK. The Sahara and X trims had a rear wheel drive option of 4x2 in the United States. After 2010, this 4x2 rear wheel drive option was discontinued and the standard became a 4wheel drive from 2011. The Hummer H1 with rag top option is no longer sold in the United States which makes the Wrangler JKU the one and only 4door convertible SUV available.
• Wrangler J8: this is a Wrangler JKU designed for military use and was unveiled at the end of 2007. The Jeep J8 was unarmored, had larger axles, suspension components and brakes than the civilian version with a total load of 1,339kg. Heavy-Duty leaf springs are located on the back of this model so the vehicle can carry a heavier load. A 2.8L VM four-cylinder Turbo-Diesel engine with 158hp powers the J8. With a five speed automatic transmission, this model features a special air intake system with snorkel mounted on the hood and a unique filtration system so the vehicle can survive sandstorms of up to five hours and trudge in water up to 30inches deep. The J8 is available as a 4door multipurpose car or a 2door with protracted pickup rear and is produced with different seating arrangements of eight left or right-hand drive. The Jeep J8 model does not meet US emission standards, so it is only available as a foreign military vehicle and produced in Egypt.

The difference

• One significant difference between the Wrangler JK/JKU and other Jeep models can be seen in the grille. With a rake, the grill has been sloped back moderately on this model and the lowest part sticks out the more.
• The Jeep logo was added on top of the grille where it did not exist before.
• All Wrangler JK and Unlimited versions had updated safety features. This included electronically limited slip differential for the traction control system, an anti-lock braking system for off-road use and a disconnect system for the electronic sway bar on the Rubicon trim.
• The JK sports version sported horizontal hinges on the door as opposed to the vertical hinges that were available to this point.
• The Wrangler JK featured a lot of firsts for Jeep Wranglers including a navigation system, some computer controlled functions, different tail lights and new security system.

What happened

Development of a successor for the Wrangler TJ was sanctioned back in 2001 under the code ‘JK.' Design kicked off immediately and something tangible was realized in 2004 and a conceptual preview started. The Jeep Gladiator concept of 2005 was displayed in by the end of 2004 and this showed many design features that will be available on the upcoming JK. In 2006, the Wrangler JK was introduced.

With the 2007 Wrangler JK came a total redesign of the Wrangler and the introduction of a 4door option as the framework for TJ was replaced. The new chassis featured a wider track and the JK model had a wheelbase 2inches longer than the previous TJ model. The Wrangler JKU had a new and improved seating room for the back with about a 20inch wheelbase. This JK Unlimited version was longer than the TJ Unlimited version by 2.4inches in the wheelbase. From the first production in 2006, the Wrangler JK/JKU offered Sahara, X and Rubicon trim levels for 2door and 4door variations alike.

What changed

• From 2007-2008, the right-hand drive option was the Wrangler JK but in 2009 right-hand drive switched to the Wrangler JKU
• The Wrangler JK/JKU had different editions throughout the years:
  • Sahara edition: power windows, body colored fenders, infinity sound system with seven speakers and power locks and windows are available on this luxury edition.
  • Rubicon edition: his package is committed to off-road. It includes front and rear II Dana 44 axles32 spline rear axle, rock rails, 8.8inch gear ring, Rock-Trac 4wheel drive and 4.10 axle gearing. The sides of the hood have Rubicon decals.
• Oscar Mike/Freedom edition: with ‘Oscar Mike’ fender badges and a militarily styled star on the rear quarter panels and hood, this edition also has silver stitched ‘Oscar Mike’ on the tectonic fabric of the black seats. ‘Oscar Mike’ is the military slang for ‘On The Move.' Accents of silver stitching also align the seats, door pulls, door fabric, leather steering wheel, grab handle and dash vent rings.