What to Expect: 2023 Model Compared to the Newly Unveiled 2024 Jeep Wrangler
Hearing the word Wrangler makes you think of driving off-road. It has been in the market for many years, long before the term SUV was coined. Fast forward to today — we’re now in the second quarter of the year. Jeep has recently unveiled the upcoming 2024 model year of the Wrangler, which received various alterations and updates. Should we expect a lot of new things on the new year model? Let’s explore the differences and similarities of the new 2024 Wrangler compared to the Jeep accessories and features of the 2023 model.
Improved exterior looks
In terms of looks, Jeep has kept the Wrangler’s façade but with a few additions. Facelifted a few times, it still has the famous broad-nose style on the front end and the boxy body. The iconic seven-slot grille is present, but the design has been changed a bit. Under scrutinizing eyes, each slot of the grille with mesh behind it, making the look more distinct in the new model year.
Other exterior updates are relatively minor, including the trail-ready stealth antenna integrated into the windshield (not present in the 2023 model). Not just one or two — but ten all-new rim designs are available for the new SUV year model that range from 17 to 20 inches. Like the 2023 model, a palette of ten body colors is available to showcase your style.
Tow-ready
As you look at it closely, you will notice that the new Wrangler has become slimmer and seems smaller than before. Despite looking smaller than before, the grille can be fitted with a factory-installed Warn winch with a capacity of 8,000 lbs. (over 3,600kg). Two tow hooks up front and at the rear are also ready for use.
Powertrains
All four current powertrains carry over the 2024 Wrangler. Customers can still choose the following:
- 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with 270-hp and 295-lb-ft. torque
- 3.6-liter V-6 engine with 285-hp, 260-lb-ft. torque
- 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 engine with 470-hp and 470-lb-ft/ torque
- 4xe plug-in hybrid with electric motor and 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine with combined 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. If you need access to extra power for longer drives, it switches to engine power instead of the electric mode.
The performance of each powertrain option remains unchanged. There could be a slight improvement in fuel efficiency, but EPA ratings are still to come.
Bigger wheel and chunkier tire options
BFGoodrich all-terrain tires are mounted on beadlock-capable Jeep wheels. For drivers who want to up the ante of their Wrangler, the Xtreme 35 package allows owners to upsize tires from 32 to 35 inches.
Open-air freedom
Wrangler is known for its open-air freedom. It is still available but with added features for improved functionality. The new Sky One-Touch powertop allows for an open-air driving experience without the hassle of detaching the roof. The Jeep top is an accordion-like roof that offers security and peace of mind when closed. The roof easily folds back open with the touch of a button too.
Refined interior
Inside the new Wrangler, anyone can notice the changes were drastic, especially in the tech and amenities. Jeep ditched the old infotainment in favor of a standard 12.3-inch widescreen touchscreen. The instrument panel uses Uconnect 5 software and features wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. It has soft-touch fabrics that come with contrast stitching wrapping the instrument panel.
The 2024 model has Trails Off-road software integrated directly into the center screen. It provides access to various guides for the 62 “Badge of Honor” Jeep trails. Owners may opt to subscribe for access to over 3,000 trail guides currently mapped.
For comfort, the SUV has 12-way power-adjustable front seats, tested to endure when water fording. It now includes standard side-curtain airbags, which seem like a retort to the side bags of Ford Bronco. It also has a built-in accessory mounting system on the dashboard.
4xe’s Power Box
Wrangler’s 4xe version will have a Power Box — a power supply unit accessory with four 120-volt outlets. It supplies 30 amps of total output and can run independently or in hybrid mode. It allows the battery pack to power smartphones and other external devices.
Standard equipment options
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler has different standard kits for Rubicon, Rubicon X, Rubicon 392, Willys, Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and High Altitude. Jeep fans who are interested in owning the new Wrangler can now order. The SUV will start to arrive in Jeep dealerships later in 2023.
The 2024 model is designed with more interior niceties and off-roading features. The brand is expanding the 4xe lineup by adding two new models for 2024. The Sport S 4xe emulates the gasoline-powered Sport trim, offering a cheaper version of the plug-in-hybrid model. The Rubicon has both gas-powered and 4xe versions.
The Rubicon has an integrated off-road camera, steel bumpers, and Rock-Trac full-time transfer case. As standard, it shares the Rubicon’s Tru-Lok rear locker. It also has a trailer tow, steel rock sliders, and a heavy-duty electrical group. All-new next-generation Wranglers will have Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle (as a standard on Rubicon and available on Willys).
Old-time fans know that you can trace back Wrangler’s roots to the mass-produced 1940s Willys Jeep. The company is bringing back the name for a comprehensive package that’s available exclusively on the Wrangler Sport S. It features four skid plates that protect the transfer case, fuel tank, and transmission oil pan. Willys is ideal if your budget is not within the range of a Wrangler Rubicon. The Selec-Trac full-time transfer case in the 4xe Willys has a 2.72:1 4LO ratio.
Body-on-frame
Chassis-wise, the 2023 and 2024 models use the same body-on-frame architecture. It comes with a proven five-link rear coil suspension setup. For longitudinal axle control, two upper and two lower high-strength steel control arms accompany the suspension, while the front suspension has a track bar.
Safety features
When it comes to safety features, the advanced cruise control with stop, as well as the forward collision warning comes standard on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport S and above. These features are only present in selected trims for the 2023 model. Moreover, the SUV now includes second-row outboard seat belts with load limiters and pre-tensioners. for side-impact performance, it also includes structural enhancements.
Optional safety features on Sahara, Sport S, Willys, and Rubicon are cross-path and blind-spot detection, as well as the ParkSense rear park-assist system. The electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation, traction control, and ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines are all standard safety features on all models.
Looking forward to the 2024 Wrangler
Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep North America, said the company drives improvements for advanced technology, capability, and refinement based on the fans’ expectations. Previous model years are indeed incredible, but by taking the best and enhancing it more, the new Wrangler offers legendary 4x4 capability, especially with the 4xe playing a lead role in the lineup. The new 2024 Wrangler shows how strong the Jeep community is.
Jeep’s CEO, Christian Meunier, called the SUV the archetypal adventure hero at the New York International Auto Show, explaining that it embodies the spirit and the brand’s soul. The entire North American lineup of Jeep will be electrified by the end of 2025. By 2030, sales of fully electric vehicles in the United States will reach 50 percent.
