The OG off-roader, trendsetter, and daddy of all Jeeps (you thinking what we are thinking?), the Jeep Wrangler, has received a facelift in India. At the same time, Jeep India teased the upcoming facelift for the Meridian. Globally, the Wrangler received its facelift a year earlier, but India is now getting most of the updates. Here's a breakdown of everything new on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler facelift ahead April 22nd launch.
What's New?
On the outside
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler facelift comes in five colours, all designed to get dirty. Jeep has given cool names to the paint options: Firecracker Red, Sarge Green, Bright White, Black, and the new addition, Anvil. Let's explain: Anvil is nothing the trendy colour, resembling a grey primer coat but with a glossy finish.
Apart from the colours, the iconic seven-slot grille remains, but it's now newer, bigger, and slimmer. The Je For a tough vehicle, the Jeep has ensured a tough Corning Gorilla windshield (although it's not the same glass as your smartphone). The radio antenna is stealthily integrated to avoid off-road damage. The facelift also features chunky rubber on 18-inch and 17-inch alloy wheels on the top variant, though arguably they could be more off-road oriented.
On the Inside
Taking centre stage on the inside is the latest UConnect 5 system with a 12.3-inch touchscreen featuring an off-road camera, vehicle stats, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and noise-cancelling microphones. Speaking of noise, music is always better, and this Wrangler gets a 552W 9-speaker Alpine audio system. It's important to note that North American variants get pre-loaded offline off-road trails on their screens, which is not included here.
The new interiors are well-suited for washing, as Jeep claims the dash and HAV system is waterproof. The top-of-the-line Rubicon variant boasts premium Nappa leather seats, while all variants get 12-way electrically adjustable seats that can handle water wading without a fuss. However, the seats and steering wheels can only be heated, not cooled, which seems like an oversight for Indian off-roading conditions. In a thoughtful touch, Jeep offers built-in mounting points for action cameras on the dash itself.
Under the skin and bones
Jeep retains the same potent 2.0L engine that produces 270 horsepower and 400 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Both variants, Unlimited and Rubicon, will only be offered with Jeep's Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. In other parts of the world, the Wrangler gets even more beastly with a 6.4-litre V8 producing 465 bhp and 637 Nm.
The Dana HD 44 rear axle is capable of towing 5,000 lbs. Additionally, you can disengage the sway bar at the touch of a button and change throttle response, transmission characteristics, and traction control with another. The 2024 Wrangler can forge through water up to 864mm deep.
In addition to all the current safety features, the facelifted Wrangler also gets six airbags and an ADAS suite across all variants. Interestingly, the upcoming Meridian facelift will also boast ADAS as its biggest new feature addition.
For prices and more information, we will have to wait till April 22 and stay tuned to TopGear India for more car and bike content.
