The 2018 Jeep Wrangler's Three Infotainment Systems

TopSpeed

By Mark McNabb

Published Dec 8, 2017

The Wrangler in-dash tech finally moves into the 21st century!

Perhaps the most obvious improvement to the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL is its new infotainment systems. Gone is the old and outdated radio and optional Uconnect 420N system found in the outgoing Wrangler JK. Now, the JL comes with three systems – all of which are far better and more user-friendly.

Regardless of the head unit, the Wrangler comes with eight speakers. An optional nine-speaker Alpine system with a subwoofer is available on the Sahara and Rubicon trims. The Wrangler Unlimited with the Alpine system now has its subwoofer located in the side panel of the cargo area, freeing up the floor space. The two-door Wrangler still has its sub in the floor. No worries, though, it’s weatherproof and has a strong metal grille protecting it from harm.

Continue reading for more on the Wrangler’s infotainment systems.

Uconnect 3 with 5.0-Inch Display

The standard radio is similar to the base system found in other Fiat Chrysler products like the Ram pickups, Dodge cars, and other Jeep models. It uses a 5.0-inch touch screen with physical buttons lining each side of the screen. It offers AM/FM/SiriusXM/Bluetooth/AUX capability, along with phone connectivity. Even though it’s the base radio, it’s far prettier than the old Uconnect 420N found at the premium option in the JK.

Uconnect 4 with 7.0-inch Display

This optional system brings upgraded technology wrapped in a prettier package with a larger screen. The interface looks more like the premium 8.4-inch system but doesn’t offer navigation. It does make Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard, though, something the 5.0-inch system doesn’t offer.

The 7.0-inch system also relocates the volume and tuning knobs near the climate controls system. This also means the 7.0-inch system makes dual-zone HVAC standard. The system also includes phone connectivity and all the usual radio bands and media connectivity. It’s certainly worth the extra coin if you can spring for it.

Uconnect 4 with 8.4-inch Display

Not only does the 8.4-inch system has the largest display of the bunch, it also looks the best, making use of the entire area dedicated to the infotainment system. Graphic buttons are larger, more information is displayed, and the backup camera is downright crystal clear. The 8.4-inch system also brings navigation on board, along with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto from the 7.0-inch system. UConnect 4 is FCA’s latest software, and it continues to be a leader in the automotive industry. Its intuitive menus, resolution, and user-friendliness are right up there with Chevrolet’s MyLink system.

Sound quality from the Alpine system we sampled was pretty good, even with the doors and top off running down the highway. That’s a great thing, since that’s the time with good music is best enjoyed.