The rock staircase ascended sharply from the sandy ground, flanked by a dense growth of chaparral and sagebrush. The steep, red sandstone terrain looked fragile, resembling the inside of a Butterfinger candy bar. However, this was no sweet treat. In the midst of navigating this treacherous slope, a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys slipped on loose rocks, causing the wheels to veer left. The guides shouted instructions, and the driver managed to prevent the vehicle from sliding further. Unfortunately, the Jeep was now stuck in a precarious position. Going back down the slope would be too risky, as it required tricky maneuvering. Turning the wheel right and going up the slope would have resulted in the Jeep rolling over. On the other hand, turning the wheel left would have led to a 20-foot dive into the sand, propelled by the new steel bumper and factory-installed Warn winch. Fortunately, the guides had recovery Rubicons equipped with a Warn winch that could handle up to 8,000 pounds. In a matter of minutes, they unspooled the power winch from the recovery Rubicon, attached it to the stranded Jeep’s tow hook, and pulled it into a safer position. The smooth operation was almost too perfect, except for the embarrassed expression on the driver’s face.
In the challenging terrain of Sand Hollow State Park in southwestern Utah, Wranglers are regularly put to the test. This area, with its deep sand, slick sandstone, and unique rock formations, is the ideal location for Jeep to validate their vehicles. The redesigned 2024 Jeep Wrangler has received some simple updates that make a significant difference in its performance in such demanding conditions.
Jeep has not deviated too far from the iconic design that has made the Wrangler a legend in the automotive world. With ten wheel designs, ten body color choices, two-door and four-door options, and four different convertible rooftops, there is no shortage of customization options for Wrangler enthusiasts. The most noticeable change to the exterior is the shorter seven slot grille, which now features different color trim rings to indicate the different grades of Wrangler. This sturdier grille design allows for better engine cooling, compensating for the shorter slots. These updates were made to accommodate the available Warn winch and the steel bumper featured on the Rubicon X models.
Underneath the grille, customers have a choice of four engine options. While there haven’t been any changes to the engines from the previous year, the turbodiesel option has been discontinued. The base 285-horsepower 3.6-liter V-6 comes with a 6-speed manual transmission, which many buyers will upgrade to the 8-speed automatic transmission for a smoother driving experience. The 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine is a more powerful option, generating 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. With its earlier torque peak and refined performance, this engine provides a quieter, quicker, and more enjoyable daily driving experience.
The Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid model is gaining popularity among buyers, accounting for 38% of sales in the first quarter of 2023, and Jeep expects that number to rise to 50% by the following year. This model features a 100-kw traction motor and a 17.3-kwh battery pack, working alongside the turbo-4 engine to produce 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. With 22 miles of all-electric range, the Wrangler 4xe offers a powerful and fuel-efficient driving experience.
In terms of towing capacity, the Rubicon models come equipped with a Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle, which provides increased structural rigidity and simplifies the process of replacing a wheel or axle shaft if necessary. This upgrade allows the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon to tow up to 5,000 pounds when equipped with either the 2.0-liter turbo-4 or the V-6 engine. Other models with the semi-float rear axle have a towing capacity of 3,500 pounds, while the two-door models can tow up to 2,000 pounds.
During a test drive with a 4,300-pound Airstream camper in tow, the V-6 engine paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission demonstrated its capability. While it struggled slightly uphill at 55 mph, the Wrangler maintained its balance, and there was no sagging on the rear axle. Although the V-6 engine required more RPM to handle the weight, it did not feel overwhelmed. However, it would have been interesting to see how the discontinued turbodiesel engine or the Rubicon 392 with its V-8 engine would perform in such a scenario. The 4xe, in particular, presents a more fuel-efficient option for towing, which might appeal to Wrangler enthusiasts who prioritize the vehicle’s convertibility over off-road capabilities.
The addition of a full-float rear axle to the Rubicon models improves towing capacity and structural rigidity. This axle design splits the load-bearing and torque-transfer functions, allowing for increased towing capacity and facilitating easier maintenance in case of any trail mishaps. Although the average Wrangler driver might not notice the increased rigidity during regular driving, it provides a sense of security and confidence when towing heavy loads.
With its impressive towing capabilities and enhanced features, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is a versatile and capable vehicle that can handle a variety of terrains and challenges. Whether it’s navigating treacherous slopes or towing heavy loads, this iconic SUV continues to prove its worth among both experienced and novice drivers. With its timeless design and functional updates, the 2024 Wrangler remains a top choice for adventure enthusiasts and off-road aficionados.
