There are a few differences between the Wrangler JK and the Wrangler JL. You can find these differences in their powertrains and their overall structure of the Jeep. The Wrangler JK is only available with one engine (3.6L V6 engine), whether it is the Wrangler or Wrangler Unlimited. That same engine returns to the Wrangler JL model, but the engine is able to generate up to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The new JL also has two new engine options for drivers. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, able to generate its best-in-class 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque and the 3.0-liter, EcoDiesel V6 engine said to produce 262 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.  
                                                         

The overall structure between the two Jeep models comes down to three main components; weight, trim level, and extra accessories. The Wrangler JL is about 200 pounds lighter due to using different materials for the doors and roof. The JK model only has three trims levels, Sport, Sport S, and the Rubicon; while the JL model has the new Sahara trim level. The Jeep Wrangler JL model has a ground clearance of 10.9 inches; which give the new JL model the ability to traverse water 30 inches deep. With a higher ground clearance on the new models, the JL come standard with a  crawl ratio of 2.72:1. If looking for a higher crawl ratio, the Rubicon trims a crawl ratio of 84.2:1 for the 2-door model and 77.2:1 for the 4-door model.  

The Jeep Wrangler JK and the Wrangler JL grille variations both appear somewhat similar. On the JK edition, the grille is smooth from top to bottom and has a narrower space between each opening. For the newer JL Wranglers, the grille has a 'kink' in the middle as the face bends slightly out and then back from top to bottom. Additionally, there is also a wider gap in each opening of the grille face.

Another exterior feature the newer JL Wrangler offers is a vent right behind the driver and passenger fender flares. This vent is not just a cosmetic feature as its main purpose is to allow better airflow from the hood area. While the front grille was one subtle difference between 2018 Wrangler versions, another is the light strips on the fender flare face. The newest generation Wrangler JL now has signal lights on the flare face itself instead of beneath the headlights.

The new JL backup cameras are mounted on the spare tire. The JK models did not come with a backup camera. With those changes being made, the JL models got the new touchscreen UConnect system allowing the users to play music, set the time, and navigation settings.