Jeep Wrangler V6 out, turbo-petrol four in

JEEP will introduce four-cylinder turbocharged petrol power to the Wrangler off-roader when the updated MY24 range arrives in Australian dealerships from April.

Mildly revised looks, improved safety and new technology items appear alongside the powerplant changes, which will be standard across the line-up, replacing the venerable Pentastar petrol V6.

Jeep has yet to advise pricing details for the MY24 Wrangler portfolio, but it is expected prices will rise once more, taking the once-affordable off-roader beyond the $81,450 (before on-road costs) entry point of the current range. Option pricing is also yet to be announced.

Powering the newly revised Wrangler is an all-aluminium turbocharged inline four-cylinder displacing 1995cc and outputting 200kW at 5250rpm and 400Nm at 3000rpm. The unit delivers 13kW less than the six-cylinder mill it replaces but offers 47Nm more torque.

Jeep says the four-cylinder unit will be more fuel-efficient than the V6 but has yet to detail figures.

Four variants of the four-cylinder, four-wheel drive favourite will be offered locally, the Sport S four-door replacing the Night Eagle four-door as the entry point to the updated Wrangler range.

The MY24 revision is identified by a new-look seven-slot grille, new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheel designs (on Sport S/Rubicon and Overland respectively), an in-glass antenna, and a choice of 11 paint colours – only one of which is a no-cost option.

Available finishes will include Bright White (NCO), Black, Firecracker Red, Sarge (Green), Hydro Blue, High Velocity (Yellow), Silver Zenith, Earl (Aqua), Granite Crystal (Grey), Anvil (Blue-Grey), and Tuscadero (Pink).

A new infotainment array measuring 12.3 inches (+3.9 inches) features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, McKinley cloth upholstery, a fabric dashboard pad, additional soft-touch materials throughout the cabin, revised instrumentation, a heated steering wheel and front seats, LED ambient lighting and side-curtain airbags.

Overland four-door variants add a synthetic leather dashboard upper, Premium McKinley upholstery, a 12-way power adjustable driver’s seats, and hardback front seat covers, while Rubicon two- and four-door variants score Nappa leather upholstery, a 12-way powered passenger seat (four-door only), forward-facing TrailCam and “premium wrapped” dashboard upper.

Importantly, Sport S and Overland variants are differentiated from the more hardcore Rubicon by differing suspension (Normal Duty versus Performance), a heavy-duty Dana 44 full-float rear axle, an electronic sway bar disconnect system, Tru-Lok electronic locking front and rear differentials, and a Rock-Trac four-wheel drive system with ultra-low 4:1 gearing (over the standard Selec-Trac 4x4 system).

“The new 2024 Jeep Wrangler is a testament to timeless design and evolution,” says Jeep Australia of the updated range.

“The sculptural design aesthetic, synonymous with Jeep’s heritage, is accentuated by the updated seven-slot grille. Boasting black textured slots, metallic bezels, and a body-coloured surround, the iconic feature receives a contemporary refresh.

“The slimmer vertical slots are not only a visual update, but they also deliver improved cooling for superior performance.”

By 2028, an all-electric (BEV) and range-extender hybrid (REx) Wrangler and Gladiator range will be introduced, building on the strengths of the electrified Wrangler 4xe already on offer in selected markets.

GoAuto understands the four-cylinder engine offered in the latest update will be the last sole internal combustion offering to power the Wrangler.

It is anticipated the REx system will make its debut in the 2025 Ram 1500 REV, a model that shares its STLA Frame (ladder frame) platform with the future Wrangler range.

“The redesigned Jeep Wrangler interior combines premium features, technology, and Jeep’s renowned versatility,” added Jeep Australia.

“The heritage-inspired centre stack complements the horizontal dashboard, featuring soft-touch surfaces with contrast stitching.”