Gather ’round y’all! It’s time to talk about the “the most capable and recognized vehicle in the world” – the 2024 Jeep Wrangler. With a controversial facelift, more off-road tech, and the all-new Rubicon X trim, the 2024 Wrangler is here to impress. So grab a bevy, buckle up, and let’s dive into everything we know about the newest Wrangler.
The Controversial Facelift: Love It or Hate It
First, things first. We need to talk about the plot twist in our group chat – the facelift.
The Grille
Let’s start with the new grille – or as some have called it, the “Kia-fication” of the Jeep Wrangler. The downsized grille and slimmer LED headlights have certainly stirred up the comments section online. The 2024 Wrangler now sports a smaller, “sleeker” grille, breaking away from the traditional (beefier?) seven-slot design that has become a cornerstone of our off-road culture. While some suggest that the narrower grille adds a touch of modernity to the Wrangler’s look, purists can’t help but morn the loss of the classic design. One positive side-note of the new grille is that it features a slightly more angular shape, lending to a more aggressive appearance, and is likely to contribute to improved gas mileage – a change that anyone who has driven on 40s straight into the wind can definitely appreciate.
Headlights
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler’s headlight changes are a significant departure from the traditional round headlights that have long been associated with the Wrangler lineup. Here’s a more detailed look at the updates:
Slimmer LED Headlights
The 2024 Wrangler now features slimmer LED headlights, and has thoughtfully increased the angle to avoid blinding oncoming traffic, especially when your Jeep is lifted – apologies, folks, it seems we’re bidding farewell to yet another beloved tradition. These headlights not only give the vehicle a modern and “edgy” appearance but also provide better illumination and energy efficiency compared to the older halogen counterparts. The new design aligns with the updated grille and complements the overall facelift of the vehicle.
Improved Visibility
The LED technology used in the new headlights offers a brighter, whiter light output, resulting in improved visibility during nighttime driving and off-road adventures. The light produced by LEDs tends to mimic daylight more closely, reducing eye strain and providing better contrast when driving in low-light conditions.
Enhanced Durability
LED headlights are known for their durability and long-lasting performance. Unlike halogen bulbs, LEDs don’t have filaments that can break or burn out over time. This means that the 2024 Wrangler’s LED headlights require less maintenance and are less likely to need replacements, ultimately saving drivers both time and money.
Adaptive Headlight Technology (Optional)
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler may also offer optional adaptive headlight technology, which adjusts the direction and intensity of the headlights based on factors like vehicle speed, steering angle, and road conditions. For those who daily their Jeep, this feature can help enhance visibility during cornering or when driving on winding roads for extra safety.
Fenders and Bumpers
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler also sees some subtle changes to its fenders and bumpers. The fenders have been slightly reshaped to better integrate with the new grille and headlight design, offering a more streamlined look. The bumpers have also undergone a minor makeover, with new contouring and styling cues that provide a more cohesive appearance with the rest of the vehicle’s updated design language.
Rear Taillights
Not to be left out, the taillights got a small refresh. The 2024 Wrangler now rocks squared-off LED taillights for that extra modern, attention-grabbing flair. Although, if you ask this writer, they still look pretty much the same. Don’t be fooled – you’ll still need to keep an eye out when wheeling or risk knocking them off on a tree or rock. Might as well level up to Combat Off-Road’s all-aluminum Tailgunner tail lights; they’re not only tough as nails but they hug your Jeep to help you squeak through the narrowest of obstacles.
Bigger is Better: A Massive Touchscreen Upgrade
Now that we’ve got the aesthetics out of the way, let’s talk tech. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler boasts an absolutely massive 12-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen. That’s right, folks – it’s time to bid farewell to the days of hearing everyone rave about the modern, ginormous displays while we were stuck with a puny 5-inch screen in our $60k vehicle. With this upgrade, you’ll have no problem plotting your off-road adventures, finding the nearest gas station, or even keeping up with the latest Matt’s Off-Road Recovery in high definition.
New Rubicon X Trim: The Off-Road Warrior
Get ready to meet the Beefiest wrangler yet, the Rubicon X trim. Rumor has it that the Rubicon X is Jeep’s not-so-subtle attempt to compete with the Sasquatch edition of the Ford Bronco. If that’s the case, the Rubicon X has definitely risen to the challenge. Fully equipped to tackle the roughest terrain and prove that the Wrangler is still the king of any off-road park.
The new Rubicon X takes stock off-roading experience to new heights. This premium take on the classic Rubicon comes with a number of new/improved features:
- Rock-Trac full-time transfer case
- Integrated off-road camera
- Steel bumpers
- Xtreme 35 Package with beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires (available for 2.0-liter and 3.6-liter automatic powertrains)
But that’s not all! The 470-horsepower Wrangler Rubicon 392 makes a triumphant return for 2024, sporting the standard Xtreme 35 Package, a 4.56 axle ratio, and the Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with a 4LO ratio of 2.72:1.
And if you thought that was impressive, there’s more: the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon models now offer a factory-installed 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch, perfectly nestled in a steel front bumper with removable end caps. With the Rubicon X, you’ll have all the tools you need to tackle any obstacle — on the trail, or at the mall.
The Rubicon X is like that cool kid who shows up fashionably late to the party and immediately steals the spotlight. It’s a not-so-gentle reminder that while the Bronco Sasquatch edition may be big on social media, the 2024 Rubicon X is here to make sure the Jeep Wrangler’s legendary status as the world’s most capable off-road vehicle remains firmly intact.
Key Features and Differences: 2024 Wrangler vs. 2023 Wrangler JL
| Feature/Difference | 2024 Jeep Wrangler | 2023 Jeep Wrangler JL |
|---|---|---|
| Grille and Headlights | Smaller grille, slimmer LED headlights | Iconic seven-slot grille, round headlights |
| Touchscreen | 12-inch Uconnect 5 | 5-inch or 8.4-inch Uconnect 4 (depending on the trim) |
| Off-Road Camera | Available on Rubicon X | Not available (aftermarket at Z Automotive) |
| Axles | Dana 44 axles on Rubicon X | Dana 30 or Dana 44 (depending on the trim) |
| Transfer Case | Rock-Trac 4:1 on Rubicon X | Command-Trac or Rock-Trac (depending on the trim) |
| Trim Options | Sport, Sahara, Rubicon, Rubicon X | Sport, Sahara, Rubicon |
So whether you’re a die-hard Jeep owner or simply seeking a rugged ride to conquer gnarly obsticals, the 2024 Wrangler is one fierce contender. Sure, the new grille might be causing some noise online, but once you’ve tasted the performance and cutting-edge tech this Wrangler has on tap, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it. While it’s probably not worth trading in your existing (2018-2023) JL Wrangler, if you’re considering an upgrade from a JK/TJ or are looking to swap your Bronco for a truly capable off-road vehicle, the all-new Wrangler is a fantastic choice. So, buckle up, embrace the adventure, and get ready to live the off-road lifestyle, in style.
