The Willys name is resurrected as a variant for some throwback feels
The 2024 Wrangler looks familiar, but is infinitely better than the one it replaces. PHOTO FROM JEEP
The Jeep brand is iconic as it had been the first-ever SUV before the term was even coined. It also banks on its history of very capable vehicles that have proven their mettle on the trail.
In fact, the most daring trail stunts were usually done with a Wrangler model. But the brand believes we have seen nothing yet as it launches its safest, most tech-laden, and most capable Wrangler model ever—some of which are even electrified.
The exterior looks very similar to the one it replaces. But a closer look reveals several new details that make it entirely different. There are four different body styles: three- and five-door configurations, with the latter available in soft and hardtop versions. A new Anvil finish is one of the 10 available colors. New 17- to 20-inch rims are available depending on the variant. These update the look of the SUV, while still staying true to its design ethos.
You have to squint to see what has changed on the exterior. PHOTOS FROM JEEP
The same goes for the interior. The dash is now wrapped in soft-touch materials, and several charge points (including USB-C, USB-A, 12V accessory ports, and 115V AC outlet) are available.
Front and center is a huge 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, the biggest ever fitted to the Wrangler. Powered by the Uconnect 5 system, it is said to be five times faster than the previous ones. It has a customizable home screen and five user profiles available. The latter saves personalized music preferences, apps, seat position, mirror angles, and climate control settings. This is wireless CarPlay- and wireless Android Auto-capable with added Alexa Home to Car functionalities.
Nothing much has changed inside, save for that huge infotainment screen. PHOTOS FROM JEEP
But the best updates are with the mechanicals. There are four propulsion choices: two 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder (for the regular and electrified 4xe models), a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, and a 6.4-liter Hemi V8. Power figures range from 270hp to 470hp, and 400Nm to 637Nm.
Transmission options include a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic, while the 4xe plug-in hybrid gets a 400V motor generator powered by a 17kWh battery pack.
There are also several 4×4 systems available. This includes the Command-Trac (part-time), the Rock-Trac (part-time and full-time), and the Selec-Trac (full-time) systems. These have crawl ratios of up to 100:1, enabling them to conquer the trickiest of trails.
With a ground clearance of 327mm, this has a 47.4° approach, 27.8° break-over, and 40.4° departure angles. Completing the list of off-roading goodies are Dana solid front and rear axles, traction control, two front and one rear tow hooks, four skid plates, and a minimum tire size of 32 inches. The 2024 Wranglers also get a Warn winch and 2,268kg towing capability.
The upgraded mechanicals make this the most capable Wrangler yet. PHOTOS FROM JEEP
Several variants also receive special off-road toys.
Rubicon models get a next-generation Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle. The Willys has a standard rear locking diff and 33-inch tires. Finally, the Rubicon X gets standard 35-inch tires, an integrated off-road camera, and steel bumpers. To make use of all the capabilities, there are built-in off-road adventure trail guides available on the Uconnect system.
This is also the safest Wrangler yet. It has several new features like standard side curtain airbags for both the first and second rows, front seat-mounted driver- and passenger-side airbags, outboard seatbelts with pre-tensioners on the second row, and improved side-impact protection.
Additionally, there’s a backup camera, traction and stability control, and roll mitigation system across all variants. Some higher models also get a host of other advanced driver-assist systems.
The 2024 Wrangler range is ready for your next adventure. PHOTOS FROM JEEP
There are plenty of features, options, and accessories available across all Wrangler variants. The SUV will be offered in these variants: Sport, Sport S, Willys, High Altitude, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and 4xe.
Jeep plans to electrify its entire North American lineup by 2025. By then, half of its sales in the US will be fully electric. Customers in the US can now order, with units hitting dealerships later this year.
After which, Jeep will take the 2024 Wrangler to the rest of the world. So, the question: When will our market receive this monster of an SUV?
Keyword: 2024 Jeep Wrangler is the safest, feature-packed and most capable ever