The 2024 Jeep Wrangler debuted at the New York International Auto Show, with modest but significant changes. The mid-cycle facelift promises greater off-road performance, higher safety, and increased refinement, all while making minor cosmetic changes to the exterior.
Highlights include a redesigned Dana 44 Full Float solid rear axle for Rubicon models, new trims with increased standard equipment, and greater safety as standard. Meanwhile, the Wrangler 4xe — Jeep's plug-in hybrid option — will be offered at a lower starting price with the Sport S 4xe, as the firm strives to have electric vehicles account for 50% of all new Jeep sales.
New Grille, Wheels, Colors and a lot more...
The most noticeable modification for the 2024 model year is the redesigned seven-slot grille for the Wrangler, which will serve as the primary exterior differentiator. The slats are sleeker and more vertical, similar to the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer designs, and also resemble the contentious Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary models. The slats are also inlaid on the front facia, which has a fussier but more aggressive look with black textured slots, neutral gray metallic bezels, and a body-color surround.
But the alterations aren't just for show; Jeep believes the new design improves cooling. It's also required for the factory-installed Warn winch on the Rubicon. Another practical concern is the removal of the steel tower antenna, which might snag on trees, in favor of a "stealth antenna" built into the windscreen. A new premium soft top is now standard, and the Sky One-Touch powertop is standard on the Wrangler High Altitude.
For 2024 10 new wheel designs range in size from 17 inches to 20 inches. For those wishing to up the ante, there are also beadlock-capable options for the Xtreme 35 package, while tire sizes range from 32 to 35 inches.
Upgraded Rubicon and a new Rubicon X Option...Bringing back the Willys badging
The Rubicon brand has always been associated with competent Wranglers, and the 2024 version hopes to build on that legacy. The Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle is new for this model year. A Warn winch rated at 8,000 lbs is also fitted on the steel bumper, right from the factory. A Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with a 4:1 4LO ratio, front sway bar disconnects, 33-inch tires, and Tru-Lok front and rear axle locks are also included.
Those seeking further capabilities might consider the Rubicon X. The X receives a Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, an off-road camera, and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tyres for the 2.0-liter and 3.6-liter automatic powertrains. There's also the V8-powered Rubicon 392 with 470 horsepower.
The Wrangler Willys is back for 2024, with additional 4x4-oriented features such a now standard Tru-Lok rear locker, steel rock rails, trailer tow and heavy-duty electrical group. The ride height has been increased by one size, to 33 inches, and the fender flares have been modified to fit them.
On the plus side, for the past two years, the Wrangler 4xe has been America's best-selling plug-in hybrid. A new Sport S variation will cut the entry price for customers, thereby broadening the appeal. Meanwhile, the previous PHEV entry point, the Willys 4xe, has been upgraded with a Selec-Trac full-time transfer case and a 4LO ratio of 2.72:1.
All 2024 Wrangle 4xes will come standard with a "Power Box," which has four 120-volt outlets with a combined output of 30 amps, allowing the battery pack to power other equipment.
Interiors improved to suit the generation...tech savvy enough?
The major focus of the 2024 JL Wrangler upgrade is an updated infotainment system. There's a new 12.3-inch touchscreen display, which is a significant improvement over the previous model's antiquated 7-inch device. Similarly, the Uconnect 4 infotainment system, which debuted with the original vehicle in 2018, has been replaced with Stellantis' Uconnect 5 Android-based system.
The new Uconnect 5 offers wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Trails Offroad function is a unique aid for taking the Wrangler's trail-rated capabilities seriously.
Jeep claims to be the first automobile manufacturer to have built-in off-road adventure path directions. With complete trail maps for the 62 Jeep Badge of Honor routes, the system provides a comprehensive way to arrange off-roading outings. The Rubicon Trail in California, Hell's Revenge in Utah, and Jericho Mountain in New Hampshire are among them. Over 3,000 trial guides are available, each with a difficulty rating, a route description, and essential checkpoints for twists, obstacles, and places of interest. However, there is a catch. The whole catalog is only available through the dreaded S-word: subscription.
Fortunately, you won't have to pay for the enhanced inside after the original purchase. Soft-touch surfaces and a "heritage-inspired" center stack structure, according to Jeep, have increased refinement. There are USB Type C ports as standard for front seat passengers, as well as USB Type A and Type C connectors for the second row.
The inside of the High Altitude will have a distinctive new Mantis Green color, while the High Altitude, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 will get an acoustic front glass, thicker carpet, and more sound-deadening foam.
This year, safety has also been upgraded, with the second row now receiving outboard seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters. Side-impact protection has been structurally improved, and side airbags are now standard for both front and rear passengers. Traction control, ESC with electronic roll mitigation, and a reverse camera are standard on all models, with forward collision warning and advanced cruise control with stop now available on Sport S and higher trims.
Powertrains...or lets just talk figures
The powertrain lineup for the 2024 model year remains unchanged, with three ICE choices and the PHEV 4xe. The 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four has 270 horsepower (201 kW) and 295 lb.-ft. (400 Nm) of torque. The classic 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 continues to produce 285 horsepower (212 kW) and 260 lb-ft (352 Nm) of torque when coupled to a manual transmission or an optional eight-speed automatic transmission.
The 4xe is powered by a 2.0-liter inline-four engine mated to a motor generator unit installed in the gearbox. The engine produces 375 horsepower (280 kW) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. Finally, the Rubicon 392's 6.4-liter V8 produces 470 horsepower (350 kW) and 470 lb-ft (638 Nm) of torque.
Prices are expected to be announced later this year.
