Skip to main content
Blog
Photography By: 
JL Wrangler Forums

One of the spy photographers out there saw an opening, literally, then focused the camera and recently captured a first real look at a production ready 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL LED taillight. And what we can see is a lamp that has now progressed well into what many consider a modern taillight style, versus what Jeep has put out there in all its previous Wrangler models.

The folks over at JL Wrangler Forums were the first to post shots of this new style taillight, which displays a shape and look we have seen lit up under camo from time to time over the past months, as well as tailgate shots from a Jeep dealer meeting last fall.

The nice thing to see is the JL Wrangler taillights do not have an exact match to the smaller Renegade 'X' design like we had heard from various people last summer. Perhaps that smaller light was the original design for the testing mules, but this model certainly looks better. The taillight does have a slight X outline, but it is more of an hourglass shape - with three LED lights stacked inside what could be considered an inner section. They also appear slightly larger and wider than the current JK taillights, but that could just be the photography angle.

Here is the current Renegade tail light:


Current JK tail light:

Another side benefit of this spy shot on the JL tail light is a glance at the new Wrangler's tailgate hinge, which looks to be redesigned as well and is minus the plastic overlay that marked its JK edition. Perhaps a little thinner as well.

Currently, the 2018 JL Wrangler is expected to begin production this November.

Top Jeep Articles

  • September 28, 2026
  • 6 min read
Jeep Hardtop Q&A: Top Questions Before You Upgrade
Hardtop Questions, Real Answers — Everything You Need to Know Before You Go Hardtop
READ MORE
  • September 25, 2026
  • 3 min read
Jeep Vehicle 2 Letter Model Designations / Model Codes
From wartime Willys prototypes and early CJs to today’s JL Wrangler and JT Gladiator, this guide decodes the letters behind Jeep’s most familiar vehicles.
READ MORE
  • September 24, 2026
  • 3 min read
Five Small Jeep Adventures You Can Have Today
You do not need a new lift kit, a week off, or a famous trail to remember why you bought it. Start with an afternoon and take the long way home.
READ MORE
  • September 23, 2026
  • 5 min read
Why Are My Jeep Seat Covers Fading And How Can I Prevent It?
Sun exposure gets most of the blame, but cleaning products, salt and everyday wear can also change a cover’s color. Here’s how to spot the cause and slow the fade.
READ MORE
  • September 17, 2026
  • 6 min read
How To Do An Oil Change On A 2018 And Newer Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L Pentastar V6
How to do an Oil Change on a 2018 and newer Jeep Wrangler JL 3.6L Pentastar V6
READ MORE
  • September 15, 2026
  • 5 min read
Which Jeep Wrangler Axles Do I Have?
For anything from simply changing out the differential covers, to replacing the entire axle, it is always good to know exactly what you have under the vehicle. But not everyone knows, especially if you bought the vehicle used.
READ MORE