Jeep updates the Wrangler for 2024

Everyone’s favourite back-to-basics offroader, the Jeep Wrangler, has been updated for 2024, bringing with it (very) slightly revised looks, more goodies and – more importantly – new off-road kit.

As the press release readily admits, the new Jeep Wrangler looks like the old one, which is to say you get the boxy shape and huge ride height that are standard features of any capable offroader. Fix a laser-like gaze of the front of the car, and you’ll spot a lighty, restyled grille with slimmer slots that are said to improve engine cooling. 

The rest of the changes are limited to a “trail-ready stealth antenna” (a windscreen integrated aerial) and five new alloy wheel designs. You can choose between full and half-length folding fabric roofs and half doors. 

Inside, this is the most livable Wrangler yet. All models now have an improved hands-free phone connection, while Rubicon and Sahara models get acoustic glass, sound deadening, and thicker carpets for improved cruising refinement. 

All models now come with a 12.3-inch centre touchscreen display powered by Jeep’s Uconnect 5 Android-based operating system, which has wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, two USB phone connections and a WiFi hotspot that can connect to up to eight devices. 

While you can have the Wrangler as a traditional 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo in countries like Spain and Poland, the UK only gets the 380P (280kW) 4xe petrol-electric hybrid, which has a pure-electric range of just over 30 miles. The 2024 model adds a Power Box with four 230 Volt outlets, which can power external devices such as phones and tablets.

Side airbags and seatbelt pre-tensioners in the back also improve safety; however, don’t expect much change on the dismal one-star NCAP safety rating the Wrangler scored back in 2018. 

What hasn’t changed is the Jeep’s superb off-road ability, with approach, departure and break-over angles that would keep a tractor honest and an ability to wade through water up to 760mm deep. 

For 2024, Rubicon models now get Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axles, commonly found on heavy-duty commercial trucks. That joins a list of kit that includes a Rock-Trac low-ratio transfer case, electronic anti-roll-bar disconnect, Tru-Loc front and rear locking differentials and 17-inch alloy wheels with BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires.

The new Wrangler goes on sale at the start of next year starting from around £60,000.