2024 Jeep Wrangler : Five Things to Know

Jeep has unveiled the new 2024 Wrangler last week at the New York Auto Show. The popular body-on-frame truck has received cosmetic tweaks, and now includes more technology and equipment. The automaker also added two new versions to the lineup.

The Wrangler Inheriting the classic look

The Jeep Wrangler has retained its iconic design for the 2024 model. Its distinct seven-slot grille has been refreshed, and the antenna is now integrated into the windshield. Additionally, the vehicle offers ten new wheel options ranging from 17 to 20 inches, along with a range of ten body colors. The interior maintains its horizontal layout and adds contrasting stitching. The Uconnect 5 multimedia system, featuring a 12.3-inch screen, is now standard. The latest update includes a new infotainment display, replacing the 5.0- and 7.0-inch screens from previous models. It offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Jeep's latest infotainment software. The onboard navigation system includes mapping for over 2000 trails, with the option to download more. The cabin has also been improved with a more robust active noise-cancellation feature to facilitate phone calls. The Sport and Rubicon X trims now offer the plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain, and hybrid models come with a 3.6-kilowatt auxiliary battery to run accessories. Related Articles: How To Prepare For Easter Jeep Safari 2023

Two New Models

Jeep is introducing two new models to the 2024 Wrangler lineup. The Rubicon X, available with a gas engine or the 4xe hybrid setup, builds upon the Rubicon model with enhanced off-road capabilities and additional gadgets. It features a Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, off-road camera, steel bumper, body-colored hardtop, and fender flares. Inside, it includes navigation, 12-way adjustable seats, a nine-speaker Alpine stereo system, and Nappa leather seats.

For those who prefer to stay true to the Wrangler's simple roots and maintain an affordable price, the two-door Wrangler is a great option. It comes with a removable cloth top and the Wrangler Sport S is an excellent choice for added features, such as air conditioning, a leather-covered steering wheel, power windows and locks, automatic headlamps, and heated mirrors. The 270-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is also recommended for its 295 pound-feet of torque, which is 35 pound-feet more than the standard V-6. The four-cylinder comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission, making for a smooth and easy ride while off-roading.

Additionally, the Wrangler Sport S 4xe is an affordable plug-in hybrid version that utilizes a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. This combination generates 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, with an electric range of 21 miles (34 km), according to Jeep. The 2024 Wrangler lineup includes the Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392 trims, with the 2.0-liter turbo (270 hp/295 lb-ft), 3.6 Pentastar V6 (285 hp/260 lb-ft), and 6.4-liter V8 (470 hp/470 lb-ft) engines still available.

Traction and Engine

The 2024 Wrangler has four skid plates that come standard and cover important components such as the fuel tank, transmission oil pan, and transfer case. All models come with a five-link coil spring suspension, but the Rubicon versions have some notable upgrades. These include an 8,000 lb capacity Warn winch that is factory installed, a gear ratio of up to 100:1, and a Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axle that can handle increased tire size and towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds.

The Wrangler is available with five different powertrains. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 285 horsepower and can be paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. An optional turbocharged four-cylinder engine works together with an electric motor to provide additional low-end power, but it's only available with the eight-speed automatic. In addition, the Wrangler can also be equipped with a 3.6-liter V-6 with a similar hybrid assist, a 3.0-liter diesel V-6, a 375-hp plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain, or a 6.4-liter V-8. The Wrangler is off-road ready with part-time four-wheel drive as a standard feature, controlled by a lever on the center console.

In testing, a base two-door Wrangler Sport with the V-6 and a six-speed manual transmission accelerated from 0 to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Meanwhile, a well-equipped four-door Sahara model with the automatic transmission took 6.8 seconds to achieve the same speed. The four-cylinder hybrid powertrain made the four-door Sahara slightly quicker at 6.5 seconds to 60 mph. The Rubicon and High Tide models, which have heavier off-road equipment, were slower than the other models in testing. While the Wrangler JL has improved performance compared to its predecessor, it still falls short of its rivals in some areas. It still has a truck-like feel when driving and doesn't compare to modern SUVs and pickups in terms of handling. However, the ride in the four-door version is acceptable over rough surfaces, although braking distances were inconsistent between the two test vehicles.

New Technologies 

The upcoming Wrangler model from Jeep is set to offer some exciting features, including the integration of Trails Offroad for off-road adventure trail guides, albeit with late availability. This feature is designed to evaluate trail conditions and difficulty levels for users. The Wrangler will also allow occupants to create up to five user profiles using the infotainment system, with the ability to connect two devices simultaneously. Other advanced technologies included in the vehicle are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 4G LTE Wi-Fi modem, and TomTom navigation.

Although the Wrangler is known for being a rugged vehicle without basic creature comforts such as air conditioning and power windows, it comes with a comprehensive infotainment package. The Uconnect 5 interface is user-friendly, responsive, and can be displayed on a 12.3-inch touchscreen. Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There are over 2,000 mapped trails for onboard navigation, and an active noise-cancellation feature to reduce cabin noise during phone calls or when driving on the road.

Safer Than Ever

The 2024 Wrangler model from Jeep is equipped with over 85 active and passive safety features. This includes second-row outboard seat belts with pretensioners and load limiters, as well as structural enhancements for improved side-impact performance. Additionally, the Wrangler comes with standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, a pre-collision system (Sport S and above), and adaptive cruise control (Sport S and above).

For interested buyers in the United States, reservations are now open, and the 2024 Wranglers are expected to arrive in dealerships later this year. As for the Canadian market, details should be announced soon.