The Jeep Wrangler is a trail-ready SUV with body-on-frame construction, standard 4-wheel drive (4WD), and rugged styling. It's one of Jeep's most successful models, and the automaker offers it in a staggering number of configurations and with a range of powertrain options. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Wrangler 4xe brings electric power to the line, adding 22 miles of all-electric range and better torque off the line.
Jeep updated the Wrangler for 2024, giving it revised exterior styling, a much better interior, and more off-road goodies. The SUV's iconic 7-slot grille remains, but Jeep massaged it for better airflow and cleaner styling. The automaker offers new wheel designs and color options, and some configurations are available with a winch package. Inside, the 2024 Wrangler gains available power seats for the first time, and each trim level gets unique interior finishes and colors.
The 2024 Wrangler is available in 2- and 4-door configurations with a few powertrain choices. The basic gas-powered 2-door Wrangler Sport starts at $32,095, while the top 4-door Wrangler Rubicon starts at $90,590. Those prices are exclusive of Jeep's surprisingly expensive $1,895 destination charge.
On the 4xe side, pricing starts at $49,995, and the SUV is available only in the 4-door Unlimited configuration. The top Rubicon X 4xe begins at $70,290. Though it's more expensive than its gas-powered counterparts, the 4xe is eligible for up to $3,750 in federal tax credits. It's important to note that they are not instant rebates and do not provide cash back during the sale.
Since last reviewing the Jeep Wrangler 4xe in 2021, the automaker made a few improvements to the SUV prior to the 2024 updates. The 2022 model year brought new safety tech, including automatic high-beam headlights, full-speed forward-collision warning, and more. Jeep also introduced a new Sunrider Flip top, expanding its already broad top offerings. Buyers also gained additional Jeep Performance Parts options and an available Gorilla Glass windshield.
In 2023, Jeep introduced the Willys trim as a new entry-level model. The 4xe powertrain is an expensive add-on, leading Jeep to beef up its low-level offerings to attract buyers at a lower price point. The automaker also released a series of new graphics and decals for the Wrangler and introduced new paint colors in 2023.
Previously, JD Power reviewed the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. This review focuses on the Wrangler 4xe's updates for 2024 and how they potentially impact its overall consumer appeal.
Photo: Chris Teague
The Jeep Wrangler competes in the Compact SUV market segment. According to data collected from verified new-vehicle buyers for the JD Power 2023 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, 59 percent of new Jeep Wrangler buyers are male (vs. 52 percent for the segment), and the median age of a new Jeep Wrangler buyer is 52 years (vs. 58).
As part of the APEAL Study, owners rated the Wrangler in 10 primary categories. Listed below in descending order, you'll find their preferences, from their most favorite thing about the vehicle to their least favorite:
In the 2023 APEAL Study, the Wrangler ranks 23rd out of 23 Compact SUV models.
In the following sections, our independent expert analyzes a 2024 Jeep Wrangler High Altitude 4xe equipped with the following options:
The test vehicle's price was $70,680, including the $1,895 destination charge.
Photo: Chris Teague
While still not a class leader in terms of refinement and luxury, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler's interior takes it closer to that mark than ever before. Power-adjustable front seats are available for the first time, and the SUV's new cabin design makes it feel more premium than before. The 4xe comes exclusively in 4-door format, which yields good head- and legroom in the front row and solid space for back-seat passengers. Nappa leather comes standard in the High Altitude trim, giving the seats an upscale look and feel. My test SUV had heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, which were welcome additions in the cool late-summer Maine mornings.
Back-seat passengers see a slightly less accommodating space, and the bench seat could use more padding and shape. That said, the Wrangler's upright shape and tall roof give it generous headroom and rear legroom good enough to install large rear-facing car seats without a problem. Jeep offers a range of top options, from hard tops to power-sliding tops and everything in between. My test SUV had the power-sliding soft top option, which made opening the roof a breeze (literally). It also allows drivers to open the top without needing to stow heavy roof panels afterward. All Wranglers can go topless, but having the ability to open the roof without moving from the driver's seat is a significant benefit.
Despite being the most comfortable Wrangler ever, the 2024 model is still a rugged off-roader. My High Altitude tester rode higher than most competing SUVs, and it's far from the highest-riding model in the Wrangler line. While that makes off-roading easier and provides fantastic ground clearance, the height can make it challenging to climb in and out. Additionally, some people may find extreme hardship loading kids into car seats.
The Wrangler trades on-road comfort and manageability for off-road prowess, full stop. It's somewhat unruly on pavement and can feel unsettled at high speeds. Even so, the 2024 Wrangler is more agreeable than its predecessors and offers reasonable ride quality in town.
The plug-in hybrid 4xe powertrain delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor provides instant torque that gives the Wrangler a lively feel in all situations. That torque also allows the SUV to claw its way out of mud, loose terrain, and dirt like never before. The PHEV powertrain operates as a regular hybrid once the battery is exhausted, so while it's not as efficient without full use of its electric motors, it won't leave you stranded if you can't find a charge.
Steering is confidence-inspiring, and the brakes don't have the "too-grabby" feel that plagues some hybrid models with regenerative braking. Jeep also gave the 4xe electric drive modes that let the driver select battery conservation, full battery power, and balanced driving settings.
Of course, the tradeoff is why people buy the Jeep in the first place, and you can't ignore its off-road capability. All 2024 Wrangler models come standard with 4WD, and some configurations add locking differentials. My High Altitude test vehicle was more on the luxurious side of the Wrangler catalog, and its 20-inch wheels aren't the best choice for off-road driving.
Though it looks like a rugged off-roader, there's quite a bit of tech underneath the Wrangler's skin. It gets a 400-volt electrical system and a 32-amp onboard charger. According to Jeep, the system can accept up to 7.7 kilowatts, which allows it to fully recharge in a little over two hours on a Level 2 charger. Having said that, Jeep only includes a Level 1 plug and charging cable. At that speed, the Wrangler 4xe takes a whopping 12-plus hours to recharge.
Jeep didn't increase the Wrangler's electric-only range during its update process for 2024, leaving it with around 22 miles per charge. Those numbers only yield about 49 MPGe, making the Wrangler 4xe one of the least efficient plug-in hybrid SUVs. For comparison on the low end, the Lincoln Aviator Grand Touring PHEV offers 21 miles, the Porsche Panamera 4 and 4S E-Hybrid offer 19 miles, and the McLaren Artura supercar delivers 11 miles.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Toyota RAV4 Prime offers 42 miles, the BMW X5 delivers 39 miles, and the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV gets 38 miles. None of those models have the Wrangler's off-road capabilities. Still, all of them make better on-road drivers and offer far better fuel economy.
Photo: Chris Teague
As part of the Stellantis family, Jeep gets the excellent Uconnect 5 infotainment system. It runs on a new 12.3-inch touchscreen—an improvement over the previous year's optional 8.4-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, and the system itself runs on Android, giving it several built-in Google features, including Assistant, Maps, and more.
Uconnect has always been responsive and easy to use, and the fifth-generation system runs flawlessly on the Wrangler's widescreen display. It offers up to five user profiles and a valet mode that lets users select music settings, climate controls, and app configurations. The system also allows you to move apps and customize the home screen, making the interface user-friendly, no matter who is behind the wheel. Jeep added a new Trails Offroad mapping feature that brings off-road navigation functions with waypoints and landmarks to help get back to the pavement.
Other standard tech features include a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot, TomTom navigation with predictive search, SiriusXM satellite radio with traffic and connected features, Alexa home-to-car functionality, over-the-air updates, and more.
The Wrangler has received mixed safety scores for the last few years. However, the 2024 model promises more safety equipment, starting with the Sport S trim. It gets forward-collision warning and adaptive cruise control. The High Altitude trim gets standard blind-spot warning with rear cross-traffic warning, parking sensors, and more. Jeep also equips first- and second-row side-curtain airbags.
At publication time, neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has reported crashworthiness ratings for the new 2024 Wrangler.
Photo: Chris Teague
The 2024 Wrangler 4xe is measurably better than its predecessor in several areas, namely comfort and tech. That said, it's still too rough around the edges for many people, especially buyers with long highway commutes and large families. It's hard to ignore the SUV's virtues, however, and there's nothing like rolling back the top for an open-air drive in nice weather.
For me, the tradeoff in on-road comfort isn't worth the added off-road capability because I rarely have time to wheel. The Ford Bronco is a better choice for my family, as it's more comfortable on the road while bringing a similar experience with the ability to remove the top. Additionally, the 4xe becomes quite expensive in nicer trims, such as the High Altitude I tested, which exceeded $70,000. That's a big ask for a Jeep, especially when there are other (granted, non-hybrid) options with more luxury and features for the price.
Additionally, the 4xe's fuel-economy benefit and electric range are not compelling enough to justify the price. A PHEV powertrain is a great addition, but the Wrangler's range is at the bottom of the list, and its fuel-economy estimates could be more impressive. There's also an argument for adding complexity to what was previously a simple Wrangler powertrain, which can lead to problems down the road and more components to break on the trail.
Chris Teague is an experienced writer in the automotive and technology fields. In addition to JDPower.com, his work appears at Forbes, The Drive, Your Test Driver, and others.
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