New model year brings more equipment, safety and variants for hard-core off-roader; local release timing TBC
The Jeep Wrangler has been given an overhaul for the 2024 model year, bringing several design and technology enhancements.
The updated version of the American off-road brand’s most famous and capable off-roader was revealed at the New York motor show overnight, but details around its Australian release are yet to be announced.
The most obvious change for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler line-up is cosmetic, including a reworked grille design, a ‘stealth’ antenna integrated into the windscreen and a bunch of new alloy wheels designs.
The new look continues inside the cabin too, primarily via a new 12.3-inch UConnect5 infotainment screen that has forced a redesign of the central air-vents; the familiar round units have been replaced by a pair of thin rectangular vents.
While you can’t necessarily see all of them, there have also been a couple of key multimedia upgrades beyond the bigger screen, including more processing power, an improved voice recognition system, dual-device Bluetooth capability, OTA updates, five user profiles, wireless smartphone mirroring, a fully configurable home screen and the Trails Offroad guidance system.
Changes have also been made to the Wrangler’s passive and active safety suites, with all variants scoring first- and second-row side-curtain airbags as standard, plus structural upgrades to improve side impact protection, while the Sport S (and all variants above) nabs adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
The Rubicon off-road hero has also been treated to a new Dana 44 HD fully-floating rear axle in the name of toughness, versatility and enhanced towing capability (up to 2267kg braked).
Slotting in between the upgraded Rubicon and its V8-powered Rubicon 392 superior is the new Rubicon X variant, which ups the standard model’s already market-leading capability further with a full-time 4×4 system, integrated off-road camera, steel bumpers and standard fitment of the Xtreme 35 Package comprising with beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.
A second new variant has been added to the mix for 2024 in the form of the new Sport S-based Willys, a nameplate which continues to honour the heritage of the Jeep name with a series of unique cosmetic touches and paint finishes.
Compared to its second-tier donor vehicle, the newcomer adds 33-inch tyres, steel rock rails and a locking rear differential to create a somewhat traditional blend of modest equipment and enhanced capability.
No changes have been made to the Wrangler’s US powertrain line-up, which continues to comprise a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder, a 3.6-litre petrol V6, a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol plug-in hybrid system and a 6.4-litre V8, hooked up to either six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmissions.
Jeep Australia is yet to confirm local availability for the updated Wrangler, but odds are we won’t see the facelifted range Down Under until the first half of 2024.
Previous model updates in our market suggest the current Wrangler range will probably be maintained in terms of variant composition, albeit with the temporary presence of the Willys and permanent introduction of the Rubicon X and 4xe plug-in powertrain.
Those longing for the Hemi V8 will be bitterly disappointed to hear the 6.4-litre rock-crusher is unlikely to be offered here at any stage /official-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-392-ruled-out-for-oz-135084/ >>>.
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Keyword: Upgraded 2024 Jeep Wrangler revealed