An icon of American pop culture and off-road performance, the Jeep Wrangler is an SUV like few others. Jeep introduced the current-generation JL Wrangler for 2018, and it went on to win our SUV of the Year contest—it’s certifiably the best version of the brand’s trail rig yet. For 2024, a raft of changes arrive for the Wrangler, increasing its style, technology, and capability. Competitors to the Wrangler in the off-road SUV segment include the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender, and Toyota 4Runner.
What’s New
- Updated seven-slot grille
- Standard 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration
- First- and second-row side curtain airbags become standard
- Adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking included on most trims
- Available factory-installed Warn winch
- Willys model gains larger tires, increased ground clearance, and high fender flares
- Radio antenna now integrated into windshield
- 10 new wheel styles
- Rubicon X and Sport S 4xe trim levels introduced
- Updated Dana full-float rear axle on Rubicon model
- 4xe Power Box provides power for external devices
- Available Trails Offroad app provides in-depth trail navigation and information
- Available Anvil gray and Bikini teal premium exterior colors
- Diesel engine no longer available
What We Think
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the top off-road vehicles for a reason. It comes with the dedicated hardware to make short work of rock crawling and overlanding. Disconnecting anti-roll bars, locking differentials, and substantial suspension setups provide unparalleled confidence when the going gets tough.
Jeep began future-proofing the Wrangler with the 4xe plug-in hybrid, but hasn’t forsaken the old-school either—see the unhinged Wrangler 392 for proof. Even so, the Wrangler becomes more modern for 2024, gaining an impressive infotainment touchscreen and useful driver assist tech on nearly every version.
But don’t be too wooed by the Wrangler’s iconic looks and rugged reputation—this SUV isn’t for everyone. It’s absolutely not an alternative to the typical crossover; body-on-frame construction and solid axles severely compromise its on-pavement driving manners. The Jeep’s build quality and off-road supremacy led to a win against the Ford Bronco in our dirt-focused comparison test. However, the Wrangler’s off-road prioritizations result in sloppy handling and vague steering, reasons it lost to the Ford Bronco Sport in our cheap off-road SUV shootout.
With all the powertrains, trim levels, design options, and upgrades available, the potential for personalization is nearly limitless. As we wait for the arrival of an all-electric Wrangler (or something like it), the updates applied for 2024 make this four-wheel drive legend even more appealing.
Performance and MPGs
Four powertrain choices are offered in the 2024 Wrangler. Aside from a six-speed manual offered on the V-6 engine, an eight-speed automatic is standard. As would be expected, four-wheel drive is included on all. Note that the EcoDiesel turbodiesel engine offered previously is no longer available.
3.6-Liter V-6
- Transmission: Six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 285 hp/260 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 17-20/23-25 mpg (est. )
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.9 seconds
2.0-Liter Turbocharged I-4
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 270 hp/295 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 21-22/24 mpg (est. )
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 8.0 seconds
2.0-Liter Turbocharged I-4 + Electric Motor
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/470 lb-ft
- Efficiency (combined): 49 mpg-e (gas+elec); 20 mpg (gas only) (est. )
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 6.8 seconds
6.4-Liter V-8
- Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
- Horsepower/Torque: 470 hp/470 lb-ft
- Efficiency (city/highway): 13/17 mpg (est. )
- Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.2 seconds
Jeep Wrangler 4xe: The Ultimate Off-Road Hybrid
Off-roading through pristine nature amidst the drone of an emissions-spewing engine seems so incongruous. Jeep offers a solution with the Wrangler 4xe, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) which can drive in all-electric mode. Its powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 with a transmission-integrated electric motor and 17.3 kWh battery, which work together to produce 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. But the Wrangler 4xe’s real party trick is its ability to drive with the engine off and cover about 20 miles on electricity alone. Its motor works with 4WD, allowing for instant torque and silent running that some trail enthusiasts will find appealing. Look for the telltale blue accents and charge port at the base of the driver-side A-pillar to tell the 4xe model apart.
For 2024, the 4xe powertrain is available in the new entry-level Sport S and high-end Rubicon X trim levels, in addition to the Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, and Rubicon grades offered before. Additionally, a new optional 4xe Power Box allows external devices to plug into the Wrangler for power.
Jeep Wrangler 392: Better Than Ford Bronco Raptor?
Horsepower isn’t everything for an off-road vehicle—but it sure doesn’t hurt, either. Jeep went off the deep end when it created the Wrangler Rubicon 392, which packs a 6.4-liter—that is, 392 cubic inch—V-8 engine that roars out a mighty 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, it proved to be the quickest Wrangler ever, finding enough traction on its massive 33-inch all-terrain tires for a 4.2-second 0-60 mph run. But muscle isn’t the Wrangler 392’s only appeal, as it receives a slew of off-road hardware to back up its Rubicon badge. But is this V-8 Jeep the ultimate high-performance off-roader? We pitted it against its mortal rival, the Ford Bronco Raptor, in an all-terrain comparison test to find out—see the winner here.
Safety Features
Prior model years of the Wrangler drew scrutiny for their troubling crash test performance, but the 2024 version gains standard first- and second-row side curtain airbags on all trim levels to assuage some of those concerns.
For 2024, all trim levels above the base receive front automatic emergency braking and adaptive cruise control as standard. Other driver assist and active safety features available depending on trim level include blind-spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, and automatic high-beams.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Against its segment competitors, the Jeep Wrangler offers more interior space than some, and less than others. Note that the 4xe model has slightly less cargo space and front legroom than other versions of the Wrangler.
Legroom (front/rear) | Cargo Space (seats up/down) | |
2024 Jeep Wrangler | 41.2/38.3 inches | 31.7/72.4 cubic feet |
2023 Ford Bronco | 43.1/36.3 inches | 35.6/77.6 cubic feet |
2023 Toyota 4Runner | 41.7/32.9 inches | 47.2/89.7 cubic feet |
New Technology
A big infotainment touchscreen is a highlight of the Wrangler’s updates this year. All 2024 Wrangler models will come equipped with a 12.3-inch touchscreen mounted prominently on the dashboard. It includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Built-in navigation with integrated trail maps as part of the new Trails Offroad guide feature is available. Up to seven USB ports are distributed throughout the cabin, and a 115-volt outlet is available to power devices, but a wireless charging pad is not available. An available front-facing camera helps sight trail obstacles ahead. High-end models come equipped with a nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system. Another nice detail is that the radio antenna is now integrated into the windshield, eliminating the branch-snagging external antenna used previously.
What Is Rubicon—and Rubicon X—on a Jeep Wrangler?
Named after one of California’s most challenging trails, Rubicon specification takes the Wrangler’s off-road prowess to the highest level. It adds must-haves such as 33-inch all-terrain tires, a Dana 44 full-float rear axle, electronically disconnecting sway bars, locking front and rear axles, and a part-time transfer case, among other details.
New for 2024 is the Rubicon X variant, which takes things even further with 35-inch tires, steel bumpers, a full-time transfer case, and an integrated off-road camera. Starting this year, Wrangler Rubicon models can be equipped with an 8,000-pound Warn front winch straight from the factory. Rubicon and Rubicon X specification can be equipped with various Wrangler powertrains and body styles.
If you want even more off-road capability, thankfully, the Wrangler has some of the most extensive aftermarket support in the automotive industry. These are the mods we recommend tackling first.
Jurassic Fantastic: Jeep Wrangler Jurassic Park Appearance Package
Few vehicles are pop culture icons like the Jeep Wrangler. The SUV is well-known for its cameo in the Jurassic Park films, and Jeep is celebrating that dino-tastic connection with a special appearance package option for 2024. Only 100 numbered Jurassic Park Appearance Packages will be sold, nearly guaranteeing its future collectability potential for Jeep and film geeks alike.
Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is available in a wide variety of trim levels. It starts with the entry-level Sport model, then moves to the better-equipped Sport S trim. Above that is the Willys, which pays tribute to the Wrangler’s military heritage with unique styling cues and upgraded off-road hardware. The Sahara and High Altitude grades give the Wrangler a relatively civilized demeanor by way of premium niceties and more road-oriented rolling stock. At the top of the range are the Rubicon and Rubicon X versions, which maximize the Wrangler’s off-road potential.
We think the 2024 Wrangler is best in Rubicon or Rubicon X specification—you’re getting this Jeep because you want to go off-roading, right? If venturing far off the beaten path isn’t in your plans, perhaps the Wrangler isn’t right for you—just get a crossover instead.
Other Off-Road SUVs:
The Wrangler’s traditional practicality and comfort may trail the crossovers we’ve become accustomed to, but Jeep’s near-unlimited off-road prowess, timeless design, and incredible value make it a worthwhile pick.
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