For more years than half of you reading this have been alive, the Jeep Wrangler has been one of the most recognizable, and beloved vehicles on the planet. In fact, it is so recognizable that the name ‘Jeep’ is often used to describe the type of truck some of its competitors are. For example, much in the same way “Google” has become the verb of choice to describe searching for something on the internet, something like the Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon can sometimes be referred to as the “Mercedes Jeep” by the uninformed passerby. That is brand recognition some companies have paid billions out of their marketing budgets to just hope for.
For 2024 Jeep brings us simultaneously a brand-new Wrangler, and yet the same old Wrangler. It only takes one look at the latest JL-Series to see the brand-spanking new front end. The most obvious is the seven-slotted grille that looks distinctly more aggressive and somehow elegant than its predecessor’s front end did. The mesh backing the grille opened up a bit, while the headlights stand out more noticeably than before as well.
Inside 2024 Jeep Wrangler has finally decided to do away with its archaic infotainment system and upgrade to a new 12.3-inch touchscreen unit that rounds out the most modern-looking digitized dashboard and console we have ever seen from the throwback Jeep. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto work in conjunction with Jeep’s Uconnect 5 software, while much softer materials make the entire dashboard far more nurturing and comfortable than ever before.
A front-facing camera allows drivers to see anything coming up the trail that might be in the way, while an optional nine-speaker Alpine sound system is ready to be a hit at any tailgate party. In a move that we think took Jeep far too many years to figure out, the antenna for the radio is now integrated inside the window frame. So new Jeep owners will not be privy to that very unique snap-and-whip sound the antenna makes when it gets hung up on a branch driving through the forest.
What hasn’t changed with the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler is the powertrain. The base engine remains the imperishable and seemingly indestructible 3.6-liter PentaStar V6 that somehow still makes the same 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque it seems like it has since the Clinton Administration. The optional 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine offers up better fuel economy and 270 horsepower as well as 295 pound-feet of torque.
Thankfully, there will still be a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 available that offers a ridiculous (and matching) 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Finally, there is the Wrangler 4xe, which is a plug-in hybrid that incorporates a transmission-integrated electric motor powered by a 17.3 kWh battery. Combined with a 2.0-turbocharged inline-4, the electric motor produces a total of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. As with all Jeep Wranglers, part-time four-wheel drive is a standard issue, still operated by a console-mounted shifter.
With so many engine options, the Wrangler’s performance all over the place. At its best, the Rubicon 392 is the monster of the group. It’s odd to see a truck capable of turning 33-inch all-terrain tires into melted rubber and smoke, but get them to hook just right and you will rocket off the line faster than any Jeep before it. 0-60 MPH takes a scant 4.2 seconds, while the quarter mile flashes by in a ridiculously fast 12.9 seconds at 104 MPH. Just for perspective, it was only a decade or two ago that that kind of trap time was C4 Corvette ZR-1 territory.
While official pricing is not available as of this writing, we expect the 2024 Jeep Wrangler to have a starting price of about $35,000 for the base Sport model. As with the previous Wrangler and its 19 different trim levels, we also expect the top-of-the-line Unlimited Rubicon 392 to top out right around the $85,000 mark. So the 2024 Jeep will be much like its predecessor, and have something to offer just about anyone which will allow it to continue on as one of the most familiar vehicles on the road today.
Related: The 2023 Jeep Gladiator
Photos: Jeep
