2024 Jeep Wrangler: Everything You Need to Know

Jeep JL History 101

The Jeep JL debuted all the way back in 2018 after an 11-year-long run of the acclaimed Jeep JK. Jeep completely redesigned the Wrangler for the new generation, adopting a longer chassis, new tub, aluminum doors, hood, fenders, and modernized body/interior. The 2018 redesign also brought several new powertrain offerings, which currently stand at four, including the carryover 3.6L Pentastar V6, the 2.0L Hurricane I4 (first offered in 2021), the 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (offered from 2020-2023), and the 6.4L HEMI (first available in 2021).

After five years with minimal changes, the JL is due for its mid-generation refresh!

2024 Wrangler JL Updates

Considering the 2024 Wrangler is merely a facelift of the already-in-production model, there aren’t any significant updates. The chassis remains the same, as do most drivetrains and the body, so what’s different?

Adios EcoDiesel

While not necessarily an update, 2023 does mark the final year of MOPAR’s 3.0L EcoDiesel powerplant, an engine found in everything from Jeeps to RAM pickups. After nearly ten years in service, the torquey yet efficient small-displacement diesel received the ax to make way for renewable energy and electrification. The remaining engine options carry through to the 2024 refresh, including the 3.6L, 2.0L (MHEV and PHEV), and 6.4L HEMI.

Redesigned Grille

Don’t worry, the Wrangler’s iconic seven-bar grille remains; however, all 2024 models feature a shorter front fascia, originally debuted on the 2023 Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary Edition. This reduced profile makes room for factory winches and other accessories; it'll also be useful for cramming in aftermarket winches, lights, and other gear.

As a bonus front-end upgrade, Jeep is also ditching the Wrangler’s standard antenna for an in-windshield unit; say goodbye to ripping your antenna off on the trail. 

New Rear Axle (Rubicon)

2024 sees an upgrade from the Wrangler Rubicon’s Dana 44 semi-floating rear axle, installing a heavy-duty full floater in its place. This new axle helps to distribute the load from your Jeep’s axle shafts to the tubes, increasing payload and weight capacities. 

Interior

Arguably the most significant update to the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is the interior, featuring a slew of new tech and gadgets to bring the Wrangler's semi-dated guts up to modern-day standards. These updates include: 

• 12.3” U-Connect 5 infotainment system

• 7.0” digital instrument cluster

• Updated dash with integrated passenger grab handle and slim center A/C vent

• Improved sound deadening and increased speaker count

• 12-way power-adjustable seats (optional)

• Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

• Standard side-curtain airbags

The 2024 model also adds new trim packages to the Wrangler lineup, which we’ll get into shortly.

2024 Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler is offered in various trim levels, with two new introductions for the new model year: The Wrangler S 4xe and the Wrangler Rubicon X. The remaining trims all carryover from the previous year, including the: 

• Sport

• Sport S

• Willys

• Sahara

• High Altitude

• Rubicon

• Rubicon 392

So what do all of these names mean anyways?

Jeep Wrangler Sport

The Wrangler Sport is your classic, base-level, spec’d-down variant of the Jeep Wrangler. This model features the 3.6L Pentastar V6 and AL6 manual transmission, manual windows, and no A/C, making it about as technologically-advanced as an MB.

Jeep Wrangler Sport S

Like the Sport, the Sport S is relatively spec’d down; however, it adds some much-needed creature comforts to make the Jeep compete with other modern-day vehicles. The Sport S adds a leather-wrapped steering wheel, power windows and locks, air conditioning, heated mirrors, automatic headlights, and more. Additionally, the Sport S is optionable with the 2.0L Hurricane I4 turbo.

Jeep Wrangler Sport S 4xe

Ever since the release of the Wrangler 4xe in 2021, consumers have been hounding Jeep to offer an entry-level Wrangler with the PHEV powerplant; for the first time, Jeep delivers. The 2024 Wrangler Sport S 4xe is the same entry-level Sport S, just packing the 2.0L turbocharged I4 PHEV powertrain. With a (claimed) impressive 49 MPGe and a whopping 375 horsepower and 470 lb/ft of torque, the Sport S 4xe is the ultimate entry-level plug-in hybrid.

Jeep Wrangler Willys

The Wrangler Willys pays homage to the original Jeeps that trekked across the Western Front in WWII. This upgraded Sport S features a sleek blacked-out appearance package, “Willys” graphics on either side of the hood, 33-inch tires, steel rock rails, and a rear-locking differential, making the Willys the perfect middle ground between the mild Sport S and the wild Rubicon.

Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Those familiar with the Wrangler know that the Sahara trim package has existed since the days of Jeep’s first-ever Wrangler: the YJ. This trim package, like the Willys, is essentially a spec’d-up Sport S, featuring all of the Sport S standard features and adding LED headlights, tail lights, fog lights, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel.

Jeep Wrangler High Altitude

The 2024 Wrangler High Altitude begins to tip the scales away from an off-road rig and towards a luxury SUV. Though still a Wrangler at heart, the High Altitude package adds body-colored bumpers, fender flares, and a hard top for a sleek appearance. On top of the standard Sahara features, the High Altitude includes: 

• 12-way power-adjustable front seats

• A 12.3-inch infotainment system

• Acoustic front glass, thicker carpet, and additional sound-deadening foam

• Sky One-touch powertop

• Integrated front off-road camera
  

  And more.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon

Ever since the release of the Wrangler Rubicon in 2003, the off-road-centric model has taken the Jeep community by storm. Amenities-wise, the base Rubicon is essentially a spec’d-up Sport S; however, under the body is where the significant differences begin. The Rubicon’s chassis gets bolstered with a:

• Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle

• Dana 44 solid front axle

• Rock-Trac part-time transfer case with 4:1 4LO ratio

• Electronic front sway-bar disconnect

• Tru-Lok front and rear lockers 

• 17-inch aluminum wheels with 33-inch tires (35-inch optional)

Other notable features include:

• Warn 8,000 lb. winch

• LED lighting

• Pre-installed auxiliary switches

• Trailer tow package

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is Jeep’s first-ever V8 Wrangler unless you’re counting the 5.0L-equipped CJ-7 (we aren’t). The 392 is the ultimate Wrangler experience, sporting the full Rubicon package with the addition of a fire-breathing, 470 HP 6.4L HEMI V8 as well as:

• The Extreme 35 Package (Beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch tires) 

• Acoustic front glass, thicker carpet, and additional sound-deadening foam

• Heated seats and steering wheel 

• Front off-road camera

• 12-way power-adjustable front seats

• 4.56 axle ratio 

• Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with 4LO ratio of 2.72:1
  
  

VIDEO: Jeep Wrangler 392 Build | SEMA 2022