Just like the Willys MB, the CJ Jeeps and the Wranglers before it, the JK continues to have a separate body and frame, rigid live axles both front and rear, a fold-flat windshield, and can be driven without doors.

Also, with the exception of optional 4x2 models, the Wrangler JK continues to have part-time four-wheel drive systems, with the choice of high and low gearing.

In addition to the traditional 2-door Jeep, the JK introduced for the first time a factory standard four-door model, called the Wrangler Unlimited.

On December 5, 2004, the 2005 Jeep Gladiator Concept was unveiled ahead of its January 2005 Detroit Auto Show debut, previewing many of the design elements on the incoming JK.

The X-S model features 32-inch tires (on 17-inch wheels), air conditioning, fog lights, cruise control, driver’s seat height adjuster, removable doors, and a fold-down windshield.

It can be customized to a buyers specifications adding such options as power windows and locks, soft or hard top, rear LSD or locker (2007 only), and other accessories.

The Sahara model is the "luxury" model offering accessories such as body colored fenders, "Yes Essentials" seats (in late 2007–2008), power windows and locks and a 7 speaker infinity sound system with subwoofer, later, with Uconnect 430 (an AM/FM stereo with single CD-player with MP3 capability, SiriusXM, an aux input, Bluetooth, and USB port), among others.

For the 2012 model year the 3.8L V6 was replaced by Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 engine previously seen in the Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK2), now producing 285 horsepower, and 260 pound-feet of torque.

The 2.8 L VM Motori turbodiesel straight-4 producing 177 hp (132 kW) and 302 lb⋅ft (409 N⋅m) of torque used in the Liberty was offered as options outside of U.S., as it did not satisfy U.S. emission control standards for 2007.

The lower two levels have the Jeep Command-Trac part-time four-wheel drive system with an optional Trac-Loc limited-slip differential, while the Rubicon uses Rock-Trac a version of the NV241 with a 4:1 low range.

An AIL Storm Mark III was set to be produced for the Israeli defense forces starting in June 2008, when the IDF was to purchase around 600 vehicles beginning in early 2011.

Unlike the TJ-L, the new JK Storm has a much higher maximum load capacity in part due to heavier-duty shock absorbers, springs and axles, necessary for an armored version.

[19] The kit turns the Jeep into a two-seater with a 50 inches long steel bed, and the half hard-top works with Freedom Top panels.

[21] Jeep Wrangler Arctic is based on Jeep Wrangler Sahara, with Arctic badge, decal recall the Yeti, unique black 17-inch wheels, original Mopar accessories, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 petrol engine with the automatic five-speed transmission or 2.8-liter turbo diesel engine with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.

Wrangler Unlimited Altitude edition is a package that starts with a Sahara model and adds black exterior treatment including the front badge, the wheel spokes, the fuel door, and a hood sticker.

Equipment included Rubicon wheels finished in semi-gloss black, black or bright silver body color, "Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition" graphics on the front fenders and spare tire cover, modified sculpted hood also from AEV (no heat vent), an AEV winch-ready (less the winch plate) front bumper and AEV rear bumper, rock rails, taillamp guards and a fuel-filler door from Mopar accessories, 32-inch off-road tires, live axles with locking differentials in the front and rear, a two-speed transfer case, model-specific black seats with accent stitching and "Call of Duty" logos, unique gauge cluster graphics, dashboard serialized plaque, dashboard grab handle with logo, accent stitching on arm rest, console lid, and steering wheel, as well as Mopar slush floor mats and a rear cargo mat (Unlimited only) with logos.

The Wrangler series have received the following update/improvements; newly contoured seats and trim, a lever for one-handed rear-seat folding (previously a two-handed operation), ambient cabin lighting, and the return of the long-awaited second windshield washer nozzle.

Similar to the 2012 "Call of Duty" version, it was named in recognition of the mountainous Utah east-central region that plays host to the annual Moab Easter Jeep Safari.

Available for both Wrangler models, the Moab’s uniqueness was its distinguishing exterior features which included the steel bumpers front and rear from AEV (less the winch plate), rock sliders on the sills, tail light guards, front skid plate, black fuel filler door and a modified sculpted hood also from AEV (no heat vent).

For Australia, the year revived the Jeep 'Overland' name, with the introduction of a premium / luxury version, featuring for instance leather-trimmed seats, automatic headlights and a reversing camera.

As of May 17, 2013, Chrysler Group's Toledo (Ohio) Assembly Complex produced its one-millionth JK model, a 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition, to be delivered to a customer in Sarasota, Florida.

General changes to the Wrangler include a new Trail Kit (two D-rings, a tow strap, gloves and a bag to store the items), clear park lamps and turn signal indicators replace the amber units, 6 new body colors (Amp’d, Anvil, Copperhead, Flame Red, Granite Crystal and Hydro Blue (Freedom Edition only)) for total of 10.

Rubicon (X) Edition Available as a two-door Wrangler or four-door Wrangler Unlimited, the Rubicon X is a version of Rubicon with electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles, Rock-Trac transfer case with a "4-Low" ratio of 4:1, 4.10 front/rear axle ratio Tru-Lok locking differentials, six-speed manual transmission, BF Goodrich KM 255/75R17 tires, 17-inch Rubicon aluminum wheels painted satin black with polished faces and a red Jeep Wrangler 'icon' logo on the inside pocket, black front and rear steel off-road bumpers, front steel bumper featuring removable end caps and a winch-capable design, a dual-intake Power Dome hood, red tow hooks, Mopar rock rails, Mopar black fuel filler door, a red-silhouette "Rubicon" decal on both sides of the hood, Premium Sunrider soft top (optional black three-piece Freedom hard top or body-color hard top), Black leather seats, seat heaters for the front passengers, a unique gauge cluster features Rubicon X exclusive styling and a premium Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with added read-outs such as oil pressure, transmission and coolant temperatures, digital speed and individual tire pressure; passenger grab handle with Quick Silver accents that are also found on the vent rings, steering wheel spokes and door pulls; Mopar slush mats, unique axle locker, sway-bar disconnect switches.

[30][31] Jeep introduced the Polar Edition Wrangler in 2014 which was available in 2-door and 4 door and came in three distinct colors; Hydro Pearl Blue, Billet Silver Metallic, and Bright White.

The package includes a Mineral Gray painted grille, a unique interior and exterior with "Oscar Mike" badging throughout, body colored fenders with silver-painted 17 inch alloy wheels, and rock rails with black tail lamp guards.

On September 13, 2007, at the Defence Systems and Equipment International trade show, Chrysler LLC unveiled a Wrangler Unlimited version designed for military use dubbed the J8.

The unarmored Jeep J8 is equipped with larger brakes, axles and suspension components than the civilian version and has a payload capacity of 1,339 kg (2,952 lb).

The Jeep J8 is powered by a VM 2.8-liter (169 CID) four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine that produces 118 kW (158 hp) and 400 N·m (295 lbf·ft) of torque, providing towing capability of up to 3,500 kg (7,700 lb).

The J8 also features a unique air-intake system with special filtration and a hood-mounted snorkel that enables the J8 to wade in water up to 762 mm (30 in) deep and tackle sandstorm conditions for up to five hours.

Available as a two-door with an extended pickup bed for personnel or equipment transport, or a four-door multipurpose vehicle, it may be produced with numerous vehicle-body and seating configurations in either right-hand- or left-hand-drive.