Recently captured spy photos have confirmed that there is a 6-speed manual option for the 2018 JL Wrangler! Originally reported by our friends over at JLWranglerForums.com, we get our first glimpse of a six speed gearbox in the new ’18 Jeep Wrangler. This is a major relief, completely debunking the mounting rumors of an automatic only next generation Wrangler.
New Manual Transmission?
While we are excited simply for the fact that we are going to be a six speed manual transmission for the 2018 Wrangler, there is a possibility it will be a completely new setup. Based on the photo in the test mule, the reverse gear is now located in the upper left hand side of the shifter, a departure for the previous configuration.
This wouldn’t be a huge surprise as there has been some mixed criticism on the current JK Wrangler’s Transmission setup, in terms of longevity and strength.
What Engine Will Be Paired With The Manual
It is hard to say at this point what engines will be paired together with the new manual transmission 
for the JL Wrangler. As of right now, it seems like it is safe to assume we will see it as an option with the Pentastar 3.6L V6.
What isn’t so certain is if it will be an option with the new turbo 4 cylinder, Hurricane engine. While the new 8-speed automatic transmission was confirmed for the 4 and 6 cylinder 2018 Wrangler Engines (still no confirmation on a diesel engine option), it’s tough to say if Jeep will offer a manual option for the 4 cylinder turbo, effectively cutting down on the increased fuel economy of the new setup.
Are you glad the Wrangler is continuing to rock a standard transmission or does this transmission offering grind your gears? Let us know in the comments!
It’s awesome! Manual cars are fun!
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I love my manual. I drove 4 hours to get my maunal jk. I do like that reverse is at the top left. Wonder if I will be able to convert mine.
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I LOVE my 2012 Wrangler with 6 speed manual….so fun to drive. I don’t put many miles on my “fancy mercedes” as I prefer to feel like a kid in the Jeep. Sign me up for the new one next year!
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im glad they offer it and i hope its bomb proof that way in few years i can swap one into my jk : )
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Manual is a must, I’m debating between JT and a Tacoma purchase around Xmas ’18, manual diesel JT would probably seal the deal.
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I have a ’12 now with the 6 speed and enjoy driving it every time I drive. Currently 81K miles,and my next jeep will also have a 6 speed, love the location of reverse. Wish I new more about it, like who is making it and the ratios.
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I have a ’12 JK with 82K miles and a 6 speed manual, love it. Does any one know the gear ratios in the new JL aisin unit?
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I am also looking forward to getting my first Jeep. If manual wasn’t an option I’d be looking at something else. Been driving a stick shift for the past 20 years. So glad to see the six speed manual in it. And not a pretend shifter either
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