Back in 2018, Jeep announced that it would create a special edition model of the new Jeep Wrangler JL. The Wrangler JL is the fourth-generation of the Wrangler off-road vehicle, available in both two-door and four-door styles for accessibility.
First shown at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show, the production began the same year, creating the 2018 model year. Both the 2-door and 4-door variants feature an exterior design that is similar to that of the Wrangler TJ, produced from 1997-2006.
Characterized by the front grille with seven vertical slots and round headlamps, you can tell this is a Jeep from miles away. The Wrangler kept the body-on-frame construction, which is a construction where the separate body is mounted on a rigid vehicle frame that is carrying the powertrain.
The Wrangler JL is available in various trim levels, featuring the Sport, Sport S, Sport Altitude, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, Rubicon, and Moab. The 2019 Jeep Wrangler Moab even offers multiple trim options. Despite this, there are still qualms about whether the Moab will ever be produced again - check out this 2018 Jeep Wrangler Moab edition and see for yourself.
Let's check out a little bit more about the Moab, and why it might not be produced in the Jeep lineup again...
Jeep MOAB
The Moab is the top trim level offered on the Wrangler, and is based on the Unlimited Sahara. The Unlimited Sahara was the luxury model, featuring colored fenders, more comfortable seats, power windows, and a 7-speaker Infinity sound system, complete with Sirius XM, Bluetooth, and a USB port.
With the name based on the off-road trails of Moab, Utah, it is no wonder this model was designed for performance and ruggedness. The Moab adds some Rubicon styling and amenities, as well as adding Sahara luxury elements like limited slip differentials, and low-gloss black aluminum-alloy wheels with Mud Terrain tires.
The Moab is the only Jeep model that shares the vented hood and suspension parts with the Rubicon. The other parts shared are the removal end caps on the front end bumper, LED head and fog lamps, leather-trimmed seats, the U-Connect infotainment system, nine-speaker amplified audio system, removable hardtop roof, park assistance, and all-weather floor mats.
The Issues
The main difference with the Moab, which could be why we may not see this model in the future, is that it is only available with the base 3.6 Pentastar VVT V6 gasoline engine. This engine is complete with an Electronic Stop STart and 8-speed automatic transmission.
For those who require a more powerful engine, either for driving on the road or cruising around off-roading trails, like in Moab, Utah maybe, you might need a more performance-oriented engine that can handle the tough terrain.
In addition, if you are trying to save some money while still purchasing a high-end Jeep Wrangler, the Moab might not be the trim level for you.
Price
With it going on sale at Jeep dealerships back in October of 2018, the 2019 model starts at a whopping $51,300 without adding any options. Customers who don't want to take their chances with the rock rails will have to swap them out for the Sahara's side steps - for no charge. But this might be the only thing free of charge. They will have to pay for add-ons like a cold-weather package, towing package, and off-road management system.
Even without the extra options included, this is the most expensive Jeep Wrangler JL trim level, which might not be worth the price with the lack of engine and transmission options.