Video: Updated 2024 Jeep Wrangler Has Welcome, and Meaningful, Changes

Jeep debuted the 2024 Wrangler here at the 2023 New York Auto Show and it's got those updates we were looking for. There's some refreshed looks upgraded off-roading equipment, especially for the Rubicon Trim levels. There's also better safety tech and improved interior tech as well across the lineup. So let's check it out and see what makes it new. Part of the visual changes are new wheel designs across the Wrangler lineup but the big change is in the grill design. You get the same iconic seven slot grill theme but the pieces are a little bit better defined. The grill mesh looks a little different. The headlight assembly is a little different. I thought in photos it looked a little bit like the "Speed Buggy" cartoon, and I was a little wary of it but in person looks fine, still looks like a Wrangler, Jeep didn't screw up anything here. One of the biggest upgrades for Rubicon models is the factory available 8,000 pound worn winch which will help you out in case you get in trouble or any of your buddies get in trouble. The most significant upgrade for the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon however, is the new Dana 44 full float rear axle far more robust than previous model years rear axles. And in addition to that it is also upgrading the towing capability of 2 liter 4-cylinder and 3.6 liter V6 equipped Rubicons to 5,000 pounds from 3,500. Now, I'm not sure I'd want to tow 5,000 pounds with a Wrangler Rubicon, but hey, you can now. There's also a new in-between Rubicon trim. It's right over there. It's the Rubicon X. It makes the extreme 35 package, which is basically Jeep's answer to the Bronco Sasquatch package, standard on the Rubicon that adds 35 inch tires and beadlock capable wheels. The Willys trim level also gets some off-road upgrades of its own, including new, larger 33 inch tires instead of 32 inches, standard rock rails, standard heavy duty electrical and tow packages, a true lock rear locker and select track full-time transfer case. A more welcome upgrade for us, especially after our investigation a few years ago, is the addition of standard first and second row side curtain airbags to the Wrangler. It didn't used to have them and was in fact exempt from federal law requiring them, but the Bronco has them and that was always a point of pride for the Bronco. So now they're here, but overall doesn't look that different and adds a lot of welcome safety protection, which hopefully we'll never have to test. Jeep is also updating some safety tech in the Wrangler with forward collision warning and adaptive cruise control now standard in the Sport S and above. Blind spot warning is also more widespread in the Wrangler lineup. It's standard on some higher trims and then available on the Sport S and above. And speaking of the Sport S that's now the lowest trim level where you can get the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain making that a little bit more affordable and generally accessible. And the 4xe now includes a power box feature which has four 120 volt outlets to use the battery pack to charge external devices. The biggest news inside the Wrangler from a tech perspective is the new 12.3 inch touchscreen display running Uconnect five. It's standard across the Wrangler lineup so regardless of which trim level you get you're gonna get a nice big screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. Otherwise, there's a new look to the instrument panel. But the interior layout is broadly the same. Still get your window controls here just in case you remove the doors. This is a high altitude model which adds some nicer materials, extra sound deadening, things like that, that would matter more if the roof were closed and the windows were up, but it's nice to have. But overall feels a lot like a Wrangler interior always has. I always feel a little bit cramped in a Wrangler. It just feels very narrow. But again, overall good updates. Jeep didn't screw this part up either. You still get the same powertrain choices with the 2024 Wrangler so that means a 2 liter 4-cylinder engine, a 3.6 liter V6, the plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain or the gigantic 6.4 liter V8 in the Rubicon 392 with the 2 liter and the 3.6 you can get a six speed manual or an eight speed automatic. But if you get the 4xe or the Rubicon 392, it's eight speed auto only. Overall, the upgrades to the 2024 Jeep Wrangler are very welcome, the segment now has some competition and Jeep needed to step their game up and it looks like they did. We're looking forward to driving it and testing out all those upgrades except for those side curtain airbags, we really don't ever want to see those. For more on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler and all the latest here from the 2023 New York Auto Show be sure to head to cars.com.