2024 Jeep Wrangler: 5 things you need to know

In the face of mounting competition from the Ford Bronco, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler pushes the iconic vehicle into all new terrain. This refresh is way more than a simple color change.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler gets some significant changes while leaving the powertrain options alone. Typically, a new engine is the big deal. Instead, Jeep swapped axles, added a new model and much more.

Powertrains remain the same with 6-speed manual (2.0-liter, 3.6-liter only) and 8-speed automatic transmissions not changing as well. Engine lineup:

• 2.0-liter turbocharged PHEV 4xe: 375 horsepower, 470 pound-feet of torque 
• 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine: 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque 
• 3.6-liter V-6: 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque 
• 6.4-liter V-8: 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque 

New Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axles

Rejoice off-road crowd, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler has a new Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axle. What does this mean?

A full float solid rear axle can handle more weight and abuse then a semi-floating rear axle. Abuse also means if you snap an axle shaft, the wheel won’t come off while a semi-float axle will be broken down on the trail.Plus, it can handle a larger tire better and allows for better towing capacity at 5,000 pounds.

Full floating axles are typically found in heavy-duty trucks and heavy equipment, while fullsize trucks and SUVs typically have semi-float axles. This axle will be standard on the Rubicon models only, the others have a semi-floating rear axle.

Exterior and interior changes

The short list includes a new seven-slot grille design, standard side curtain airbags and standard 12.3-inch Uconnect touchscreen radio. No more smaller screen for lower trim levels.

Jeep also changed the antennae to integrate into the windshield (goodbye antennae rod), plus there are 10 all-new wheel designs and multiple new ways to drop the top like the Sky One-Touch power top.

Jeep refreshed the interior with new materials, available 12-way power adjustable front seats and an all-new instrument panel with the Uconnect 5 system. Additionally, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto are standard. The brand also worked on improving the Bluetooth phone call feature to be much more useful with the top and doors removed.

Finally, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler now has standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard forward collision warning and standard advanced cruise control going to a full stop.

New Willys model and more

There will be some new models to choose from for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler, including a more capable Willys model. For this trim, Jeep has added larger tires, more ground clearance, high fender flares and improved traction. Plus, it just look better.

Then, there is a Sport 4xe model with a lower price point to drive more people to electric off-road adventures with its PHEV powertrain.

The Rubicon X is aimed directly at the Ford Bronco Sasquatch with standard 35-inch tires (not 37 inches, but close), integrated off-road camera and steel bumpers.

Trails Offroad tech and a Warn Winch

Sure to be fan favorite is a new Trails Offroad system with a comprehensive off-road trail guides as well as a new factory Warn Winch.

The Trails Offroad system is loaded right into the Uconnect system and includes 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails. You can upgrade the system to unlock 3,000-plus trails. This system has expert rating of the trails with route description and key waypoints for turns, obstacles and points of interest built in. It is like riding with a trail guide.

In case you ignore the trail guide, the 8,000 pound-capacity Warn winch available on Rubicon models can get you back on the right side of the dirt. Plus, the Rubicon has a 100:1 crawl ratio. Good luck getting stuck, pal.

Jeep 4xe Power Box

The Jeep 4xe powertrain doesn’t get any horsepower or torque increases, but it just might have the most important update of all this year: It is going to offer a Power Box. This features four 120-volt outlets with 30 amps of total output allowing the battery pack to charge external devices like cell phones or tablets.

This means you’ll be able to tap into the battery to get even more out of it — aside from the 21 miles of pure electric range and whisper quiet operation.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will be available in Sport, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon and Rubicon 392 models. Ordering is open now and vehicles will start to arrive in U.S. Jeep dealerships later in 2023. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will also be available in markets around the world.

The bottom line

The many 2024 Jeep Wrangler changes seem like small potatoes compared to the splash the Ford Bronco created when it hit the scene, yet for Jeep enthusiasts they get some much needed upgrades especially for the Rubicon model. Sure, the Rubicon is the most expensive Wrangler, but hey, go big or go home.