The next Wrangler will be better in every way, with improved drivetrain, 8 or 9 speed auto. Think small displacement diesel and turbo V6s. The body shape will change some, but not drastically. Solid axle will remain, but look for Rubicons to address performance and economy with possible air suspension that will lower at speed. Materials will change considerably to reduce weight, pulling several hundred pounds out of the chassis. I suspect the folding windshield will die for NVH and aero. Even the current JK windshield looks ridiculous when folded. Possible death of the manual transmission and even possible death of the 2 door. The lineup with the two-door death will now include a four-door truck. Look for improvements in critical capacities like payload and towing, getting closer to 4Runner numbers.
If we consider the current production, they are going to build around 200,000 Wranglers a year with the two online shifts. I believe that will require a pickup to sustain those numbers. I also believe the new Wrangler will up-content even more, hopefully with an Overland model with even better capacity numbers, towing, payload, materials.
If they can get nearly 30mpg out of the Grand Cherokee, they can get 24-25 out of the Wrangler.
I also believe this will likely be the last of the great Jeeps. It will perform better, be quieter, more efficient, better quality and much better materials, all while retaining solid axle, lockers, etc. CAFE and other limitations will make it almost impossible to build a more capable 2025 Wrangler, unless it flys.
None of this is some inside information from Jeep, but my speculation based upon the way things are moving in the brand and industry. I also have a strong confidence in the current team, that they not only understand the brand, but also what the consumer values in the platform. I cannot imagine Jeep conceding the 4wd performance benchmark, and it wouldn't take too much "softening" of the Wrangler for the Trail Edition 4Runner or new Defender to take the belt. . .
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