New York 2023: Refreshed Jeep Wrangler gets more than a facelift
2024 Jeep Wrangler gets extensive refresh inside and out
It's been nearly 6 years since Jeep launched the fourth-generation Wrangler. Dubbed the JL, the go-anywhere 4x4 SUV first made its global debut at the 2017 Los Angeles Auto Show in late November of the same year.
While some might say it still resembles the previous generation JK Wrangler with its boxy shape, the JL generation has a more modern-looking face, as well as a more refined cabin complete with high-tech gizmos. It also became the basis of the first-ever plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Wrangler called the 4xe, along with the HEMI V8-powered Wrangler dubbed the Rubicon 392.
Fast forward to 2023, and Jeep has revealed the 2024 Wrangler facelift. Making its debut at this year's New York International Auto Show (NYIAS), the updated Jeep Wrangler gets a redesigned front fascia, new wheel designs, new and upgraded features, and more intelligent safety systems.
Those with keen eyes will immediately notice that the 2024 Wrangler gets a new grille. Whereas most automakers nowadays make their grilles bigger, Jeep decided to go the other way and made the signature seven-slot grille smaller which reminds us of the TJ Wrangler from the late 90s to the mid-2000s. The grille now also gets gray metallic bezels for an added effect, while the slats themselves have been designed to provide better engine cooling.
The grille redesign was also necessary as the Rubicon variants of the Wrangler now come with a factory-installed Warn winch rated at 3,628 kg to get around the wilderness easier. When it comes to wheel choices, the Wrangler gets 10 new wheel designs that are available from 17 inches all the way to 20 inches. Tires, on the other hand, range from 32 inches to 35 inches for the most extreme needs.
Hop inside and the 2024 Wrangler surprised us with its new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment. It's a far cry from the dated 7-inch touchscreen from before and comes with better resolution and graphics. In addition, it's powered by the latest Android-based Uconnect 5 system. This gives the 2024 Wrangler wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability. Other key upgrades inside are additional USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
Under the hood, the powertrain options remain the same for the 2024 Wrangler. These include the 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four that makes 274 PS with 400 Nm of torque, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 which puts out 288 PS and 352 Nm of torque, the 4xe PHEV that makes use of a 2.0-liter turbo and electric motor that has a total system output of 380 PS with 637 Nm of torque, and the Rubicon 392 which gets a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 that cranks out 475 PS and 638 Nm of torque.
The regular 2.0-liter turbo and 3.6-liter V6 can be mated to either an 8-speed automatic or 6-speed manual while the 4xe and Rubicon 392 can only be paired to the 8-speed slushbox.
While the engine choices remain the same, the chassis gets a significant upgrade. A new Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axle now comes as standard on the Rubicon models. It also gets a new 100:1 crawl ratio for better traction over any terrain and improved structural reinforcement for side impacts.
Pricing and availability of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler have yet to be revealed. However, we can expect it to be revealed later this year. As for when it will actually arrive in the Philippines, it might make its way here around next year.
