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

A Jeep Wrangler climbing rocks with a display of tire sizes
  • July 22, 2026
  • 3 min read
Jeep Tire Size Calculator & Comparison Tool
Compare tire sizes, see speedometer changes, and find the right fit for your Jeep.
READ MORE
  • July 20, 2026
  • 3 min read
Jeep Speedometer Gear Tooth Chart & Calculator Guide
Find the exact replacement speedometer gear for your Jeep’s new tire size and gear ratio.
READ MORE
  • July 17, 2026
  • 3 min read
How To Do an Oil Change on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK 3.6L Pentastar
A DIY oil change is a relatively easy and safe way to keep your Pentastar-powered Jeep JK Wrangler in prime running condition.
READ MORE
Red and blue Jeep Wranglers with text on a black background
  • July 15, 2026
  • 5 min read
Five Ways To Tell If You Drive a JL Or JK Wrangler
So you’ve taken the plunge and bought yourself a new Jeep. A sparkling fresh 2018 Wrangler. Or maybe it wasn’t even you who did the purchasing, but someone in the family or a significant other
READ MORE
  • July 14, 2026
  • 5 min read
Jeep Air Compressor Buyer’s Guide: Best Options for Trail and Travel
Whether you're hitting the trails or heading home, there are plenty of air compressor choices to fit everyone's needs.
READ MORE
  • July 10, 2026
  • 5 min read
How To Drive Your Jeep On The Sand
Soft and gritty, sand can be fun to drive on in your Jeep as long as you know what you are doing.
READ MORE