The facelifted Wrangler comes with a redesigned seven-slot grille, an upgraded infotainment system, and two new trims — has Jeep run out of new ideas?
After a rather long wait, Jeep finally introduced a facelifted Wrangler for the 2024 model year. At first glance, you may think it’s quite similar to the current model — and you would be kinda right.
Sure, there are subtle changes made inside the cabin and several technological improvements to further improve the comfort and safety of the occupants, but is that really what Jeep owners want?
As Jeep’s CEO, Christian Meunier, stated, almost 5 million Wranglers have been sold since its debut, and “the Jeep Wrangler is the archetypal adventure hero, embodying the spirit and the soul of the Jeep brand,” so it would make sense not to stray too far away from a winning recipe, but still…
The 2024 model brings a new style to the seven-slot grille design, with slightly smaller slats and a new black finish, making it look quite fresh, but will that be appreciated by hardcore Jeep enthusiasts? Moreover, there are now ten new wheel designs to choose from, ranging from 17 to 20 inches in size. Jeep also replaced the traditional radio whip antenna with a windshield-integrated model — that’s surely a good move.
Inside is where you’ll find the most changes, though. Indeed, various features have been embedded to make the Wrangler safer and more comfortable. For instance, the front seats can now be electronically adjusted for improved ergonomics and are protected so they won’t be damaged in case the electronic components are submerged underwater when crossing shallow rivers.
In addition, another significant change in the cabin is the massive 12.3-inch infotainment screen with Jeep’s Uconnect 5 system first introduced in the Grand Wagoneer. Fun fact, Jeep has partnered with Trails OffRoad to equip this new infotainment system with preloaded maps of various trails — and more waypoints can be added when opening your own trails.
On top of those changes, the 2024 Wrangler also introduces two new trim levels — Sport S 4xe and Rubicon X. The Sport S 4xe essentially becomes the new entry-level model in the Wrangler’s plug-in hybrid lineup, while the Rubicon X will be Wrangler’s most hardcore model yet, available with gas or 4xe powertrain, and featuring massive 35-inch off-road tires, beadlock wheels, steel bumpers, and integrated off-road cameras.
Worth noting, buyers of the 2024 Wrangler 4xe models can now opt for a nifty accessory called PowerBox, featuring four 120-volt outlets with a total output of 30 amps that can charge or provide power to external devices.
As usual, you’ll have to go for the Rubicon model for the most off-road-oriented Wrangler. Indeed all 2024 Rubicon gets treated with heavy-duty Dana 44 rear axle as standard for better low-end torque and an increased towing capacity of up to 5,000 lbs. Moreover, it also comes with a pre-installed winch, with a capacity of 8,000 lbs and a slow crawling ratio of 100:1.
Overall, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler shows a proper example of a mid-cycle refresh, although we would have wanted more. It’s not bad in any way, but not exceptional either.
The new Jeep Wrangler is set to hit US dealerships later this year — we’ll keep you posted when it hits our shores.
What do you think of Jeep’s latest flagship off-roader? Yay or nay?
Gallery: 2024 Jeep Wrangler
