Think I’m exaggerating when I say it’s impossible not to love the 2024 Jeep Wrangler? You are probably right. There must be some motorists out there who don’t enjoy driving and don’t enjoy the prospect of getting lost on the trails behind the wheel of their vehicle, sometimes even in electric mode.
Assistance Marc Bouchard, automobile journalist
I set up an appointment for these people directly in our podcast, where we talk about electric cars and new products. For others, this is where the adventure begins. Because while attending the launch of the Jeep Wrangler 2024 in North America, I rediscovered the joy of driving this type of vehicle.
Physically, little changes to the 2024 version of the Jeep. The grille has been made a little bit smaller at most while keeping the 7-slot grille that is part of the Jeep family personality. By reducing the lattice height, there is an opportunity to install a more efficient winch. It is even offered directly by the manufacturer now. So if you tick the right box, your Wrangler will be fitted with a high capacity Warn winch.
More indoors
The Jeep Wrangler offers innovations, especially in the passenger compartment. For example, its 12-inch screen automatically houses the Uconnect 5 system, one of the most powerful multimedia systems in the sector. Especially since the new version is faster and much more responsive.
Good news: you can also opt for a version with built-in navigation, although all versions also have Apple Car Play and Android Auto for the GPS. The reality is that navigation is complemented by the Adventure Guide, a directory of more than 200 (2,000 if you pay the subscription) North American trails but only two in Canada, detailing the obstacles, elevations and difficulty levels necessary for off-roading -Use required, accurately describes adventure.
If it’s true that the disappointment of only seeing two Canadian trails is great, know that the system allows you to record your own adventures for future consultation.
Otherwise there are only a few changes
For the rest, the Jeep Wrangler remains true to itself. On the engine side, nothing has changed, the 2.0-liter four-cylinder, 3.6 V6 and the amazing 392 version with a 4.4-liter V8 engine and its 470 hp remain. I still find it difficult to understand the presence of such a powerful vehicle in the range, especially since its handling still requires a lot of attention as torque is very present there. But the fans seem to find their destination
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The real find, however, is the 4Xe, a 4-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor that transforms it into a plug-in hybrid with 35 kilometers of autonomy. The electric presence allows for livelier acceleration and the Jeep is arguably the most balanced of any model.
But make no mistake, the variations are huge. Because beyond the engines, the Wrangler also offers 2- or 4-door versions and other variants. The 2024 offering starts at $43,770 with the 2-door Sport model and ends at $114,270 with the 392. A total of eight trim levels are offered (Sport, Sport S, Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 ). as well as two bodies (2 and 4 doors).
on the go and elsewhere
The launch of this new Wrangler took place in Utah, USA. Utah because it’s the Jeep test site, but also because it’s the off-road capital. The landscape is breathtaking and the hiking trails more than numerous.
Our short trek allowed us to combine spaces on back roads and highways, and particularly appreciate the vehicle’s improved soundproofing. But off-road, in the sand and on rocky slopes, the Wrangler has proven its worth.
With its 4WD drivetrain, low range and BF Goodrich KO2 off-road tires, the Wrangler follows the trail no matter how rough it gets. The suspension tries to maintain balance, and the Wrangler’s exceptional climbing abilities allow it to conquer anything.
Even waterholes with a height of 34 inches will survive and the completely new electric seat mechanism, which was specially developed for this, will not suffer. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler uses new technologies to differentiate itself. But let’s be honest: driving with the wind, with the roof open and the doors off, makes us forget all the shortcomings of this vehicle, which retains its aura of success and driving pleasure year after year.
In the podcast
Obviously the podcast is about this test in the footsteps of Utah. We also talk about the test of the Hyundai Ioniq6, the 100% electric vehicle.
The Gars de Char team was also able to attend the presentation of the brand new Cadillac XT4 and traveled to Detroit to also discover extraordinary technologies there. It was even possible to visit the secret location of the GM design studio.
A test of the Nissan Versa, the cheapest Nissan, and a short presentation of the Lexus TX complete this busy show!