2024 Jeep Wrangler: Tech Overhaul, Capability Gains, New Base 4xe
The Jeep Wrangler is the most off-road-capable model in the brand’s lineup, and its 4xe plug-in hybrid variant balances off-road prowess with fuel efficiency. Despite these strong suits, however, the outgoing 2023 Wrangler was falling behind its newer stablemates in the tech department, so Jeep intends to remedy the situation with the refreshed 2024 model. In addition to modernized tech, the updated SUV will offer a new Sport S base trim for the 4xe, enhanced off-road capability for the Rubicon and Willys trims, and safety and comfort improvements.
Related: More 2023 New York Auto Show Coverage
Big Tech Comes Standard
All 2024 Jeep Wrangler trims now get a standard 12.3-inch center touchscreen that replaces the outgoing model’s 7-inch or available 8.4-inch touchscreen. The Wrangler is also upgraded with Jeep’s latest Uconnect 5 system, replacing the previous generation Uconnect 4. Already found on the Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer, Uconnect 5’s Android operating system is five times faster than the outgoing generation, according to the brand. Along with standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, the system offers up to five user profiles with customizable preferences including music, apps, seat position and climate control.
Also new for the 2024 Wrangler is a feature called Trails Offroad, a detailed off-road adventure trail guide downloadable through Uconnect 5 and displayed on the center touchscreen. The guide features dozens of “Jeep Badge of Honor Trails” with maps and information for difficulty ratings, route descriptions, equipment requirements and points of interest.
4xe Gains Sport S Trim, Power Box
The 2023 Wrangler 4xe is currently available in four trims: Willys, Sahara, Rubicon and High Altitude. For 2024, the 4xe Sport S arrives as the PHEV’s new base model. The Sport S gets the 4xe’s standard powertrain: a 400-volt battery pack paired with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and eight-speed automatic transmission for a combined 375 horsepower and 470 pounds-feet of torque. Additionally, all 4xe variants will offer a Power Box system that includes four 120-volt outlets with 30 amps of output, allowing the vehicle’s battery to power external electronic devices.
Rubicon, Willys Improve Capability
The Rubicon and Willys trims each see updates for 2024 that aim to boost their on- and off-road capability. The most off-road-oriented Rubicon now comes with an available factory-installed 8,000-pound warn winch. A new Dana 44 full-float solid rear axle replaces the semifloat in the outgoing model and, according to Jeep, brings several benefits for the Wrangler: It allows for weight to transfer to the axle tube instead of the axle shaft and upgrades the SUV’s maximum towing capacity to 5,000 pounds — up from 3,500 in the outgoing model.
Meanwhile, the Wrangler Willys is enhanced with larger 33-inch tires replacing the 22s on the outgoing model; higher ground clearance and fender flares; and improved traction, says Jeep.
Minor Tweaks Outside, Added Comfort and Safety Inside
The 2024 Wrangler’s exterior carries over largely unchanged apart from a redesigned seven-slot grille, new wheel designs and a new integrated antenna hidden in the windshield. The updated grille is slimmer with black textured vertical slots that improve cooling and accommodate the Rubicon’s new Warn winch, according to the brand. Willys, High Altitude and Sahara models each get unique grille finishes, and a total of 10 new wheel designs range in size from 17 to 20 inches.
Inside, the 2024 Wrangler sees a handful of safety and comfort improvements. Newly standard first- and second-row side curtain airbags, along with structural improvements for side impact performance, are likely intended to remedy an issue we raised regarding the outgoing Wrangler’s crashworthiness. Relatedly, several driver-assist features previously standard only on the range-topping Rubicon 392 have now expanded to more trims. Forward collision warning and advanced cruise control are now standard on Sport S and higher trims. A blind spot monitor with cross-path detection and rear park assist are optional and standard on the High Altitude and above.
For improved comfort, trims starting with the High Altitude get standard 12-way power-adjustable front seats and a premium cabin package that adds sound insulation with acoustic front glass, thicker carpet and sound-deadening foam for a quieter ride.
Trims and Release Date
Returning trims for the 2024 Wrangler include the Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392; the SUV’s five gas-only powertrains along with the electrified 4xe’s carry over from the 2023 model. In addition to the Sport S for the 4xe, new for 2024 is a Rubicon X variant for all powertrains that slots between the standard Rubicon and the Rubicon 392. It adds standard 35-inch tires, an integrated off-road camera and steel bumpers.
The refreshed 2024 Wrangler will go on sale later in 2023, and pricing is expected to be announced closer to its arrival. While Jeep has not yet announced pricing for the 2024 Wrangler, the brand says the new base Wrangler 4xe Sport S will bring a lower cost of admission. The 2023 Wrangler starts at $32,990 for the two-door Sport model (all prices include destination), while the four-door Wrangler Willys 4xe currently starts at $56,530.
More From Cars.com:
- 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, Wrangler 4xe Plug Into Past With Special Editions
- Life With the Jeep Wrangler: What Do Owners Really Think?
- 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe Review: Not Bad, Just Confusing
- Is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe a Good Car? 5 Pros and 4 Cons
- Research the Jeep Wrangler
Related Video:
Cars.com’s Editorial department is your source for automotive news and reviews. In line with Cars.com’s long-standing ethics policy, editors and reviewers don’t accept gifts or free trips from automakers. The Editorial department is independent of Cars.com’s advertising, sales and sponsored content departments.
