First Drive: 2024 Jeep Wrangler – The Wrangler You Know And Love, Only Better

Fast forward to 2024 and Jeep has updated the JL with a mid-cycle refresh that is available now at your local dealer.

The focus of this update was on streamlining the JL’s complexity, upgrading the technology and safety, improving comfort, and keeping its edge in capability. Styling changes are reserved for the somewhat controversial new grille (we like it) that offers an improvement in airflow and a new selection of wheels on the outside. The inside gets a new tech-forward dashboard update.

Powertrains
Jeep has narrowed the engine selection to just four choices, dropping the e-Torque options to join the previously discontinued EcoDiesel. Available engines include the familiar 285hp and 260 lb-ft of torque 3.6L Pentastar V-6, the 270hp and 295 lb-ft of torque 2.0L turbocharged I4, and the 375hp and 470 lb-ft of torque 4xe plug-in hybrid.

Fortunately, Jeep has graced us once again with the 470hp and 470 lb-ft of torque 392 model for one final hurrah before the Hemi V-8-powered model is sunsetted for good next year. Transmissions remain the venerable selection of eight-speed automatics and the six-speed manual on the V-6. 

Four four-wheel drive systems are offered and include the two-speed Command-Trac part-time case (2.72:1), two-speed the Rock-Trac part-time case (4.0:1), the two-speed Rock-Trac fulltime case (4.0:1), and the two-speed Selec-Trac fulltime case (2.72:1). For 2024 the Selec-Trac in the 392 features upgrades to aid durability.

In another effort to streamline production complexity, most wide-track axles now lose the front axle disconnect (FAD) and more models come with the CV-style front axle shafts.

Capability
Jeep’s focus on improved capability across the board includes a lot of parts and pieces that were previously reserved for aftermarket builds. There is a newly designed full-float Dana 44 HD rear axle that helps to increase 3.6L and 2.0L tow ratings to 5,000 pounds (the 392 stays at 3,500). Another nicety is the optional factory installed 8,000-pound Warn winch that comes with steel bumpers that feature removable end caps.

The previous XR Package that added 35-inch tires has been renamed the Xtreme 35 Package and includes LT315/70R17C BF Goodrich All-Terrain KO2 tires, 17x8-in beadlock capable wheels, 4:56 gearing (4.88s on manuals), swing gate reinforcement, and a 1.5-inch factory lift with unique shock tuning. Manual Wranglers equipped with 4.88 gearing achieve an impressive 100:1 crawl ratio. 

With the Xtreme 35 Package, the Wrangler sees an incredible 47.4-degree approach angle, 40.4-degree departure angle (35s), and a 27.8-degree breakover angle (2-door). Ground clearance is an impressive 12.9 inches and water fording jumps to 34 inches.

For the first time, Wrangler Rubicon 4xe models now get the Off Road + button, which acts as a max performance or sand mode in 4-High and allows hybrid owners to also enjoy manual shifting with the “M” gate. In this mode, the drivetrain defaults to engine-only and acts similarly to the non-hybrid 2.0L powertrain.

In 4-Low, the Off-Road + button is essentially a rock crawl mode, lessening the aggressiveness of the pedal and making modulating the pedal easier. As an aside, the ’24 model’s e-save mode allows for faster engine-only recharging of the battery pack.

Interior
While Jeep Wranglers aren’t exactly known for their low ambient noise, this could very well change with the ’24 refresh that now includes a standard premium cabin package on High Altitude, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 models. Good for a 3-5db drop in sound levels, this package adds acoustic front glass, thicker carpet, and additional sound deadening foam in the windshield header, front cowl, and B-pillar.

Keeping with the theme of comfort, 12-way power adjustable front seats are a Wrangler first. These seats have been specifically designed for the Wrangler to be waterproof to meet Jeep’s water fording numbers, even with the doors off and water pouring in the floorboards.

Technology
Central to the ’24 Wrangler technology push is the gorgeous and water-resistant 12.3-inch screen that has been designed for exceptional viewability, even in direct sunlight. Every Wrangler now comes standard with this display, and the camera images show up in crisp high resolution. The Wrangler has been updated to Uconnect 5 and now sports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with SiriusXM 360L.

Uconnect 5 delivers operating speeds that are five times faster when compared to the previous Wrangler’s Uconnect 4 system. It is based on an Android operating system and can receive over-the-air (OTA) updates. Jeep says that Uconnect 5 brings flexibility that will allow the system to continuously evolve to offer new content, features and services over time.

One of those services available immediately is the off-road trail adventure guides through a partnership with Trails Offroad. Downloaded directly to the Uconnect 5 system, Trails Offroad offers trail guides in rich details for the 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails plus an additional 200 trails for 24 months. An annual subscription costs $39.99 and increases the number of accessible trails to more than 3,000.

An included 4G LTE hotspot can handle up to eight devices and there is also a new seven-mic array for Bluetooth that improves call clarity and voice accuracy. This new array has microphones throughout the cabin and works by filtering out the noise of the road, engine, climate control system, and wind, allowing for remarkably clear calls.

One other neat piece of tech is the Jeep 4xe PowerBox. This device has four 120-volt outlets with 30 amps (15x2) of total output, allowing the 4xe’s battery pack to charge external devices. Perfect for powering a campsite.

Models
The ’24 Wrangler is available in eight trims: Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, Rubicon X and Rubicon 392.

Of course, the Rubicon trim remains the top dog and comes with all of the off-roading bits you have come to expect, including 33-inch tires, Rubicon suspension, front and rear lockers, electronic disconnecting front sway bar, 4:1 Rock-Trac part-time transfer case, full skid plating, rock rails, tow hooks and the Dana 44 HD axle.

Rubicon X is a more premium version of the Rubicon and adds the Rock-Trac full-time transfer case, integrated offroad camera, steel bumpers, leather power seats, and the Xtreme 35 Package.

The other trim worth exploring for adventurous types is the reworked Willys package. Coming in at a lower price point than the Rubicon, it gets a standard rear locker, rock rails, trailer tow and heavy-duty electrical group, and 33-inch tires with the Rubicon’s highline fender flares. The Willys also received the Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with a 2.72:1 low range and can now be had with the Wrangler 4xe.

Driving Impressions
Jeep recently invited us out to Sand Hollow State Park near St. George, Utah to get behind the wheel of the new Wrangler. We had a chance to sample the improvement from the driver’s seat of the extraordinary Rubicon 392, a 3.6L-equipped Rubicon, as well as Rubicon 4xe. Each Wrangler has its own personality, and no matter which one you choose, they are all extremely capable.

We’d say that with all of the updates the new screen is the star of the show. It is crisp and bright, with inky blacks and in the high Utah sun, and it never appeared washed out, even in direct sun. The system is incredibly easy to use and we think Jeep did a good job of integrating it into an already real-estate-challenged dash. The new power seats are also very comfortable and a nice touch, although we wish they would have added a memory function.

On the road, the new sound deadening is immediately noticeable, especially if you drive a Wrangler on a daily basis. The Wrangler was comfortable and dare we say, serene, out on the highway.

While we are not claiming it is anywhere near luxury car quiet (it is a Wrangler after all), it’s quiet, composed, and allows for better stereo performance, improved conversations between passengers, and with the seven-mic array, almost unbelievable Bluetooth call clarity.

As you would expect, the Wrangler is every bit of a beast on the trail as you have come to know. Jeep took us on trails that were some of the more difficult ones we have been on during a press drive, challenging novice off-road drivers and technical enough to keep experienced drivers entertained.

Jeep never shies away from showcasing their vehicles in difficult trail environments and this trip was no different. We used front and rear lockers, lifted tires, and climbed rocky off-camber slopes. It was impossible not to like the Wrangler 392, but the newfound capability that came with the ’24 4xe Rubicon model really showed us just how great that technology is.

Climbing ledges in low range, lockers locked, and electric motors silently providing thrust is a fantastic experience. You can hear so much more going on outside the cabin and knowing there is no range anxiety because you have the gas engine if you need more range or power. The 4xe really does give you the best of both worlds.

We love the 4xe E Selec feature, which provides three hybrid modes that allows the driver to choose how to consume the vehicle’s power. The Hybrid mode lets the vehicle decide how to use its energy in the most efficient way, Electric mode allows the driver to operate only on electric power until the battery is drained or the driver needs full power, like wide open throttle, which at that point the engine will fire up.

Lastly, and probably our favorite is eSave. This mode allows the driver to save his battery charge for later. If you haven’t plugged in, the vehicle will charge the batteries as you drive, and it could be used as an auxiliary fuel tank to extend range. We like to use it to save our charge for silent wheeling when we hit the trail. It’s great to have choices.

Our Take
For us, the V-6 or 2.0L are still great all-around choices, especially for those daily drivers that don’t have a home charger and can’t take advantage of the plug-in feature of a 4xe. The 4xe is the future and Jeep has done a great job to blend technology while not taking anything away from capability and gives a completely unique wheeling experience in the market.

There is no denying the raucous and visceral nature of the Rubicon 392. The performance is incredible and it dumps adrenaline in the body in a way you’ll never get with almost any other vehicle at its price point. 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds while you are sitting three feet off the ground is a special experience. Thank you, Jeep, for giving us one last year to experience the ultimate Wrangler.

While the Wrangler has received significant upgrades and refinements, it didn’t lose anything in the process. The new Wrangler is everything you love about the Wrangler, just better. 2024 might represent the best Wrangler line-up ever.

Quick Specs

	’24 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 4-door	’24 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 4-door	’24 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Xtreme 4-door	’24 Jeep Wrangler Willys 2-door
Engine/Trans	6.4L OHV V-8/8-speed Auto	2.0L turbocharged I4 Gas PHEV/8-speed Auto	2.0L turbocharged I4/8-speed Auto	3.6L DOHC V-6/6-speed Manual
Horsepower/Torque (lb-ft)	470/470	375/470	275/295	285/260
Wheelbase (in.)	118.4	118.4	118.4	96.8
Tire Size	LT315/70R17	LT285/70R17C	LT315/70R17	LT285/70R17C
Approach/Breakover/Departure Angles (degrees)	47.4/24.5/39.8	43.9/22.5/37.0	47.4/26.7/40.4	44.0/27.8/37.0
Ground Clearance (in.)	11.1	10.8	12.9	10.8
Water Fording (in.)	34	30	34	30
Crawl Ratio	58.4:1	77.2:1	91.9:1	100:1
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5,268	5,226	4,602	4,246
Payload (lbs.)	1,088	1,328	1,298	900 (est.)
Towing (lbs.)	3,500	3,500	5,000	2,000

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This article originally appeared in OVR Issue 05. For more informative articles like this, consider subscribing to OVR Magazine in print or digital versions here. You can also find the print edition of OVR at your local newsstand by using our Magazine Finder.