Spot the difference: new Jeep Wrangler lands in the UK in 2024
Jeep’s iconic 4x4 gets subtle styling tweaks and bigger touchscreen, with prices now starting from £60,785
It’s hard to tell at first glance – or even after a second or third – but the Jeep Wrangler has been facelifted, and the updated version of the American brand’s legendary 4x4 will arrive on UK shores in the first half of 2024.
Styling tweaks for Jeep’s retro-inspired off-roader are very minimal, which we’re sure will please die-hard Wrangler fans. The iconic seven-slot grille remains, but with a slightly updated look and black textured slots. A new ‘stealth’ antenna has also been integrated into the front windscreen to give the Wrangler a cleaner look, plus it won’t snag on stuff when you’re deep in the brush.
There are four new wheel designs, with sizes ranging from 17 to 20 inches, and there are multiple ‘open air freedom’ roof options including the standard hardtops (black or body-coloured), a manual Sunrider flip-top, one-touch powered top and half doors.
Inside, the Wrangler now features a 12.3-inch central touchscreen – up from the current model’s 8.4-inch display – and runs the latest version of Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both standard, as is Alexa virtual assistant, TomTom navigation and over-the-air (OTA) update capabilities. The instrument dials are still analogue, though, while the rest of the centre stack continues to be littered with physical buttons and dials.
It may have improved on creature comforts, but the Wrangler hasn’t gone soft. It still uses a proven body-on-frame design and five-link coil suspension, with every model featuring Dana solid front and rear axles, a two-speed transfer case and four skid plates to protect vital components off-road. The Wrangler Rubicon goes even further by adding a Dana 44 full-float solid rear axle, Tru-Lok front- and rear-axle lockers and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect to allow the wheels to move independently when off-road.
The facelifted Wrangler is available in Sahara and Rubicon trims, with prices starting from £60,785 and £62,785, respectively. Base Sahara models are equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, 12.3-inch touchscreen, a hardtop, leather upholstery, heated steering wheel, heated 12-way power adjustable front seats, a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, plus safety systems like lane departure warning and drowsy driver alert.
Rubicon-spec adds the extra off-roading goodies, plus 17-inch rims wrapped in BFGoodrich mud-terrain tyres, Nappa leather upholstery, an off-road camera system and auxiliary switches for any accessory you might want to add.
While other markets can have the Wrangler with a V6 or V8 engine, or even a plug-in hybrid powertrain in the Wrangler 4xe, the only option in the UK is a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder. It produces 268bhp and 400Nm of torque, features engine start-stop tech and is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s the same engine as the outgoing Wrangler, which Jeep claims could average 22mpg at best while emitting 242g/km of CO2.
While the Wrangler 4xe won’t be making its way across the pond anytime soon, we have learnt the next-generation Wrangler will be all-electric. It won’t be the only EV in Jeep’s line-up, as the Avenger small SUV landed this year, while the all-new Wagoneer S luxury SUV and Jeep Recon 4x4 are both due to arrive in the UK in 2025.
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