Wrangler Drops 6-cyl Engines in 2024 Updates

Jeep's 2024 Wrangler arrives in Australian showrooms in April with more safety, technology and just one petrol engine choice.

The sole power source is a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder mill, replacing previous options available on Wrangler including diesels and a six-cylinder petrol.

Jeep said the new engine has 200 kW of power, down from the outgoing 3.6-litre petrol V6 at 209kW,  and 400 Nm of torque, which is a decent lift on the V6’s 347Nm.

The incoming four-pot also claims to have less thirst than the V6, which has an average of 9.7 L/100km. No fuel test results are available as yet for the incoming engine.

Jeep also pacified prospective buyers by saying the tow rating will be unchanged at 2495kg.

Jeep Australia will launch the automatic-only Wrangler next year in four versions — “S” four-door (replacing the Night Eagle); Overland four-door; and Rubicon in two and four-door versions.

Key updates for next year include the turbo engine, side-curtain airbags, new grille and wheel designs, 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen, and upgrades to reduce noise, vibration and harshness.

The Rubicon versions will add as standard a heavy-duty Dana 44 full-float rear axle, front TrailCam and Nappa leather seats, while the Rubicon and Overland add front electric seat adjustment.

The new model can be identified by the subtle body designs, primarily the new grille with its updated seven-slot design with slimmer, black-textured slots, metallic bezels, and a body-colour surround.

Jeep said that the slimmer vertical slots are not only a visual update but also deliver improved cooling for superior performance.

There’s also a new “trail-ready stealth antenna” integrated into the front “Gorilla Glass” that streamlines the Wrangler’s appearance, and eliminates brush or tree limb snags on the trail.

Inside, the redesigned Jeep Wrangler interior combines premium features and technology.

Enhanced hands-free voice recognition is now standard on all models, using microphone array technology.

Updates include a new gauge cluster, instrument panel bolster bezels, and a polyurethane (Overland, Rubicon) or fabric (Sport S) wrapped instrument panel bolster.

The Uconnect 5 system sits in a new 12.3-inch touchscreen above the centre stack. Among the Uconnect 5’s latest additions are wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a fully customisable home screen for swift access to frequently used features, and one-touch operation.

All variants have an integrated accessory rail on top of the dash for mounting devices like smartphones and action cameras. The entry-level Sport S now includes standard heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, and ambient lighting.

Overland and Rubicon models have standard 12-way electric seating (including four-way lumbar adjust) for the driver and front passenger.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler lineup wears the brand’s ‘Trail Rated’ badge which reflects its off-road capability and its equipment that includes Dana solid front and rear axles, a two-speed transfer case, traction control, and four skid plates.

The Rubicon adds next-generation HD Dana 44 full-float rear axle and a forward-facing TrailCam.

Rubicon’s full-float rear axle design separates the wheel hub assembly from the axle shaft, enhancing weight distribution to the axle tube. This design allows for improved lateral force camber compliance and facilitates easier customisation for tyre upsizing.

The TrailCam eliminates close-proximity blind spots during trail navigation and aids in power delivery on angled bends. Placed atop the Jeep grille, the camera lens remains debris-free, and an automatic washing system ensures clear visibility.

The chassis and body of the 2024 Wrangler has lightweight, high-strength aluminium panels and a body-on-frame design with a five-link front and rear suspension.

The suspension features upper and lower high-strength steel control arms, full-width high-strength steel track bars, and tuned shocks for a balanced on-road and off-road performance.

The Wrangler's capability is further enhanced by 4x4 systems tailored to each model. Sport S and Overland models feature the Selec-Trac 4x4 system, providing automatic 2WD to 4WD transitions based on conditions.

Rubicon models come standard with the Rock-Trac 4x4 System, offering a 4:1 low gear ratio, Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials, and an electronic front sway bar disconnect.

The 2024 Wrangler lineup introduces a standard inclusion of first and second row side curtain airbags across all models, complementing the existing driver and passenger front and side seat-mounted airbags.

Prices and final specifications will be announced closer to the Wrangler’s April launch.

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