The current generation of the iconic Wrangler, designated JL, has been updated for the 2024 model year and the automaker presented it at the ongoing New York Auto Show.
From the outside, the changes are not big; the most striking is the new, black mask, which, in addition to minor design modifications, is also supposed to improve air access to the radiator, according to the automaker. And instead of the almost historic radio antenna in the form of a rod, the car now has an antenna integrated in the windshield.
Photo: Jeeps
In the interior, the biggest change can be seen at first glance on the dashboard – it is a new 12.3″ display in the middle of the dashboard. It also received the new, fifth generation of Uconnect infotainment, which offers wireless connection with a smartphone.
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The bigger novelty, however, is the off-road driving assistant including maps. It’s called Trails Offroad, and Jeep claims it’s the first to include an offroad guide in a car’s infotainment. It offers the ability to plan off-road trips, including detailed maps of 62 Jeep Badge of Honor off-road trails in the US, including the Rubicon Trail in California, Hell’s Revenge in Utah, and Mount Jericho in New Hampshire.
Photo: Jeeps
There are a total of three thousand trails with difficulty rating, route description, important obstacles, points of interest and precise navigation. In addition to the fact that you probably won’t use this system much in Europe, if it will be available here at all, it has one more catch – it is available for a monthly fee.
In addition, the new Wrangler will offer better both active and passive safety. The former includes an improved stabilization system and a reversing camera as standard for all versions; higher equipment will also receive a warning about an impending accident in front or adaptive cruise control. In terms of passive safety, the Wrangler has been improved with better protection in the event of a side impact, and side airbags for the front and rear seats are now standard.
Photo: Jeeps
Under the hood, the same range of engines remains as before, which in our country will mean a plug-in hybrid 4×eo with a combined power of 380 hp and a torque of 637 Nm. In the US, there is also a two-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 273 hp and 400 Nm, 3.6 l the six-cylinder Pentastar with 288 hp and 352 Nm and the 6.4-liter eight-cylinder Hemi, which offers 476 hp and 638 Nm
Of the individual versions, the Rubicon version is worth mentioning, which, in addition to the reduction gearbox, also retained the locks of both axle differentials and the possibility of disconnecting the front stabilizer from the previous version. However, she received a new Dana 44 rear axle and a Warn winch with a 3.6t capacity will be available straight from the factory – at least in the USA.
The Rubicon X version adds the option of permanent all-wheel drive even on asphalt, two-inch larger off-road tires and a camera system for easier off-road driving.
Photo: Jeeps
The 4xe plug-in hybrid system will also be available in the cheaper Sport S version, while the previous basic version of the Willys 4xe will get a permanent Selec-Trac four-wheel drive with a reduction gear as standard. For all hybrids, four 120V sockets, for example for powering electric hand tools, will also be standard.
Finally, a piece that we don’t get in Europe, a short three-door Willys. Compared to the past, the rear differential lock, towing device, steel thresholds, larger 33″ off-road tires and a reinforced electrical system were added as standard equipment.
Photo: Jeeps
It is not yet known when and at what prices the new Wrangler will be offered in Europe. In accordance with the earlier elimination of all engines except 4× from the Czech offer, we do not expect either a three-door version or a purely internal combustion engine.
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