2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon review

The Jeep Wrangler is the one model in the Jeep range that pays true homage to its WW2 ancestor, the original Jeep.

With eight decades of evolution behind it, it has been a slow progression, but the Wrangler has stuck to its roots as a proper, go-anywhere 4x4 vehicle. So much so that it remains the most capable off-road vehicle you can drive off the showroom floor.

2024 brings some significant upgrades to the JL model Wrangler, which was originally launched back in 2018. The big change is the switch from a naturally aspirated V6 engine to a turbocharged four-cylinder, but there’s also some new safety and infotainment tech amid a model range refresh.

The Wrangler range in Australia now starts with the Sport S model (replacing the Night Eagle variant), followed by the high-spec Overland model and the off-road-champion Rubicon at the head of the pack. All three models are available as four-door vehicles, with only the Rubicon offering both two- and four-door bodies. As always, all Wranglers have a removable roof, with multiple options for soft and hard tops and even a powered soft top.

The new 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder petrol engine backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission is the only powertrain offered, while the Pentastar V6 is on its way out altogether. For off-road use, Sport S and Overland models retain the Selec-Trac 4x4 System which gives part-time; dual-range; and high-range, full-time, on-demand 4WD.

The hardcore Rubicon models come standard with the unrivalled Rock-Trac System, offering a 4:1 low range ratio and 4.11:1 diffs that results in a 77.2:1 crawl ratio. Front and rear locking differentials and an electronic front sway bar disconnect combine with the Rubi’s standard BFGoodrich KO2 mud terrain tyres to give it the off-road edge over any other standard passenger car or truck.

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Still disappointing and frustrating for Australian Jeepers is that our Rubicons don’t get the standard 33-inch tyres that the same cars are fitted with in the USA, let alone the 35s that are offered as an option there. At least if we got the 33s you could legally step up to the 35s if you wanted to. The 255/75-17 tyres fitted to international-spec Rubicons are equivalent to around 32 inches in diameter. There was one spot on the test drive where the Rubicon scraped its front diff on a rut where you wouldn’t expect it to, and the added clearance that 35s would afford would certainly fix this.

The Rubicon models also get a new, heavier duty, full-floating Dana 44 rear axle containing its 4.11:1-equipped locking diff. The heavier duty rear axle has helped to increase the payload of the Rubicon to 620kg, an increase of more than 200kg that will be much appreciated by users.

The Wrangler’s new GME T4 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine produces 200kW and 400Nm compared to the 209kW and 347Nm of the previous V6 engine. It’s that extra torque of the turbo four that makes all the difference in the upgraded model, not only for its peak output but more for its broader spread of torque throughout the engine’s rev range.

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Where the Pentastar V6 needed to be revved hard to get the most out of it (and it loved a rev), the turbocharged engine delivers its grunt from lower revs to make the new JL a nicer car to drive both on- and off-road. The ZF-derived eight-speed TorqueFlite transmission works well to make the most of the broader spread of torque and deliver acceleration that is both smooth and swift.

Our drive was in the four-door Rubicon model, and you certainly feel the sprightlier performance of the new engine, especially with the Rubi’s shorter gearing and even with the mud-terrain tyres. Jeep has made some improvements to the Wrangler's body to better insulate the cabin from road noise and, while it's noticeably quieter, you still hear and feel the humm of the BFGs.

Part of the changes to quieten the cabin is the inclusion of acoustic laminated in the front doors of the Rubicon models. In addition, the Wrangler’s front windscreen is now made of Gorilla glass, which is the same heavy-duty glass used on Apple iPhones and it’s said to be tougher than regular glass. The radio antennae has now moved into the windscreen glass, removing the whip from the front guard.

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Also inside you notice the new dash pad that is no longer red but a soft-touch black material, while the big addition is the 12.3-inch panoramic multimedia touchscreen. As well as being bigger than before it includes the latest Uconnect 5 system with wireless Apple and Android phone mirroring. The four-door Rubicon now gets 12-way power adjustable, heated front seats, while the two-door Rubi only gets the powered seat on the driver’s side.

The old-school off-road design and construction of the Wrangler has never leant itself to making it the safest car, and it still only achieves a three-star safety rating despite the addition of new side curtain airbags for both front and rear passengers. Other standard safety kit includes rear cross traffic alert, front and rear cameras, forward collision warning, six airbags, and a TPMS.

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While many buyers will still purchase a Wrangler for its iconic style, it remains a specialised off-roader. The Wrangler is far from the best on-road drive, its ergonomics are best described as odd, and its safety rating will scare off many a helicopter parent. Its price is up there as well at more than $90K for the four-door Rubicon.

However, it’s a fun car that offers so many options for driving with the roof on or off, on the road or in the roughest terrain. The Rubicon will leave any other stock 4x4 behind in the rough stuff and we’re glad it’s still here.

Specs

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