The facelifted Wrangler brought a surprise to European buyers with a pure ICE option next to the PHEV
September 12, 2023 at 07:15
Stellantis unveiled the EU-spec version of the updated 2024 Jeep Wrangler, which gets slightly tweaked styling, more technology inside the cabin, greater off-road capability, and a surprise return of the non-electrified 2.0-liter engine in select markets next to the 4xe plug-in hybrid.
The European 2024 Jeep Wrangler is available in Sahara and Rubicon trims. Both benefit from the redesigned seven-slot grille that debuted in the US-spec model earlier this year, with different accents for each trim. Other new features include a “trail-ready stealth antenna” integrated into the front windshield, 5 new wheel designs from 17 to 20 inches, and a new Anvil shade for the exterior. The standard hardtop is body-colored in the Sahara and black-painted in the Rubicon, with the Sky One-Touch power top being optional.
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The big news inside the cabin is the adoption of the 12.3-inch touchscreen for the Uconnect 5 infotainment, replacing the previous 8.4-inch unit and adding more features. The dual USB Type C ports on the front row offer faster charging, with up to 7 USB (Type A and Type C) ports for all passengers. The acoustic front glass, thicker carpets, and extra sound-deadening foam provide a quieter ride, with a standard 9-speaker Alpine Premium Audio system being responsible for entertainment.
Jeep claims that the Wrangler comes with more than 85 available active and passive safety features. New for 2024 are the upgraded second-row seatbelts, structural improvements for the side impact, standard side curtain airbags for both rows, and more ADAS including the new Drowsy Driver Alert, Lane Departure Warning, and Traffic Sign Information.
PHEV And ICE Options
Despite the fact that the previous EU-spec Wrangler debuted in 2022 as a PHEV-only 4xe and Jeep wanted to discontinue all pure-ICE models from its range in the Old Continent (aside from Italy), plans have changed. For 2024, the company decided to bring back the non-electrified turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in a limited batch of models for selected markets including Germany, Italy, Poland, and Spain. The unit, which is compatible with Euro 6D-Final emission regulations, produces 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque and is exclusively mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission.
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The Jeep Wrangler 4xe remains widely available all around Europe combining the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor and a 17 kWh battery. This setup offers a combined output of 375 hp (280 kW / 380 PS) and 637 Nm (470 lb-ft) of torque and a WLTP range of up to 51 km (32 miles) in an urban environment. For 2024, Jeep equipped the PHEV model with a Power Box including 4 x 230 Volt outlets that can power and charge external devices.
In the off-road department, the Sahara comes standard with Dana solid axles, the Selec-Trac 4WD system, and a two-speed transfer case. The Rubicon adds the next-generation Dana 44 HD full-float solid rear axle in combination with the Rock-Track part-time transfer case, electronic front sway-bar disconnect, Tru-Lok front and rear axle lockers, and grippier BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires further improving its signature off-road capability.
The first examples of the 2024 Wrangler are expected to arrive in European dealers in the first half of 2024. Pricing will be announced closer to the market launch. Jeep said that all of its models will offer an electrified variant by 2025, before it becomes an EV-only brand in Europe by 2030.
