There’s no question that the Jeep Wrangler takes the top spot for fan favorite when it comes to off-roading. And with its rugged exterior design, best-in-class engine, and off-roading capabilities, it’s easy to see how and why it has stood the test of time. Recently, Jeep debuted some new updates to our off-road favorite at the 2023 New York Auto Show, and we’re here to break down those changes for you, plus let you know what Jeep fans (and we) are most excited about.

What’s New for the 2024 Wrangler?

With more off-road vehicles that have started treading into the luxury territory, it’s safe to say that adventure and comfort are no longer mutually exclusive, and the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is no exception. A lot of the upgrades we’re seeing in Jeep’s latest flagship vehicle have a lot of the same “comfort” features that vehicles like the latest Bronco have.  

Improved 4x4 Capabilities and Updated Safety Features

Now, Wrangler Rubicon models have additional legendary 4x4 capability. Not only that but along with this boosted capability, this model now has factory-installed 8,000-lb.-capacity Warn winch, and up to 100:1 crawl ratio. If that’s not enough to get one racing to the wheel, there’s a new Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle that permits tire upsizing. Because on these models you can never have big enough tires! And, thanks to the axle, owners can make the most of 5,000-lb maximum towing and finally get to tow that monster of a yacht that’s had to be out on a tow bed previously. Why? Well, these axles are generally found on heavy-duty commercial trucks. And now, drivers have what truck drivers do - a wheel hub assembly separate from the axle shaft and a spindle bolted to the axle tube that supports the wheel hub via a pair of wheel bearings. This is deserved, with the Wrangler Rubicon having the mechanical superpowers of a truck in Jeep’s clothing. Now this model has the parts to prove it!

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With bigger towing and strength comes greater responsibility. So, this model has been improved in terms of its on-board safety features. Making mechanical advancements are the standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, standard forward collision warning (Sport S and above) and standard advanced cruise control with stop (Sport S and above). 

New Grille Design

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Probably the first thing that die-hard Jeep lovers will notice is the updated grille design on the 2024 model that was first introduced on the 2023 Wrangler’s 20th Anniversary. Although slimmer than the design we’re used to seeing on the Wrangler, Jeep has assured fans that the cooling is actually improved. Not to mention they’ve made room for a new factory-available Warn winch. 

Power-Adjustable Seats (yes, you read that right)

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Jeeps are different from any other vehicle in that they are made for off-road performance, often at the sacrifice of the everyday comforts you might find in other SUVs in this price range. That being said, Jeep has done what we all thought would never be possible and given us power-adjusted front seats. While this seems like a small feat, when you consider that the Wrangler is designed for wading through as much as 34 inches of water where the seats are submerged, it’s pretty obvious why this feature took so long to get right.

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Whether or not there are issues with the electronics down the line is hard to say, but we have to appreciate the work Jeep is putting into making the Wrangler something that’s enjoyable every day. 

Updated 12.3-Inch Media Touchscreen

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Like it or not, the classic Wrangler is consistently compared to the newest generation Ford Bronco. While Jeep lovers were more than happy to stay true to the original off-road warrior, the interior upgrades make that decision even easier. A 12.3-inch center touchscreen is now standard for all trim levels and offers a factory-available Trails Off-road digital guide to help Jeepers do what they love most. Through the Uconnect interface, the driver can access over 3,000 trail routes with a subscription to the Trails Outdoors platform. And for those of us who don’t want to go full Tesla and do away with all physical buttons, it’s good news. The remainder of the interior still has all the physical buttons and features that will guarantee as reliable a driving experience as possible. 

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Our Opinion

We believe the new Jeep Wrangler has almost everything going for it and more. The exterior of the car maintains its iconic look though in a more refined and smoothed-out layout, and the interior makes for a driving experience that is similar to a high-end car and not an off-roader, making for a unique and powerful Jeep. We believe that the Jeep brand is moving in the right direction, and we can’t wait to see what else they do to this off-road hall-of-famer. And while we suspect whether or not Jeep lovers view this as an upgrade will come down to personal preference, we love the new look of the iconic grille. 

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What’s Not Changing

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler will come with the same range of powertrain options, but given the number of available options already, we’re certainly not mad about it.

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We’re also happy to see that Jeep has, for the most part, stuck with the same classic design that has truly stood the test of time. Outside of a few minor cosmetic changes, it still very much feels like the Wrangler we know and love. 

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One major thing that’s not changing in the 2024 upgrades to this off-road classic is that flat, vertical windshield. Sorry Jeep owners, it looks like it’s still being left up to you to face all those broken windshields on your own! Luckily, there are more options available now than ever before - whether it’s opting for Gorilla Glass, or a Jeep windshield protection film like ExoShield, windshield replacements shouldn’t be a reason to hate your Jeep anymore.

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What Jeep Fans Think of the 2024 Wrangler

From what we can see, the off-road community is overall pretty excited about the 2024 model, with many praising the new updates and improvements made to this icon of a vehicle. From the improved comfort of the cabin to the powerful new engine options, the 2024 Wrangler promises to deliver a world-class driving experience that’s better than its previous models. Fans are also excited about the new tech, including its safety and connectivity options, which will help keep drivers and passengers connected and protected while on the road. A few fans feel that the Jeep brand could have done more, such as improving the EV range of the car. However, the overall feeling is that the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is one to be excited about.

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Overall we’re a big fan of the 2024 updates. Jeep has done a great job of staying true to the things we all know and love about the Wrangler while making a few key upgrades that help it compete with some of the other vehicles in this category. 

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While there’s definitely some debate from die-hard Jeep fans—the EV range is not good enough, or we shouldn’t have an EV Wrangler in the first place—overall, people seem to be happy about the upgrades we’ll be seeing on the road in the next year.