AutoTrader SCORE
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STYLING10/10
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Safety7/10
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PRACTICALITY8/10
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USER-FRIENDLINESS8/10
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FEATURES7/10
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POWER8/10
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COMFORT7/10
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DRIVING FEEL7/10
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FUEL ECONOMY8/10
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VALUE7/10
New and improved, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler continues to enjoy a loyal following with those who can appreciate its abilities, as well as its shortcomings.
Too rugged for some, too loud for others – and too perfect for those who love it can’t see themselves driving anything else. While it’s still offered the way it started, the Wrangler has evolved into something with more enchantment than the two doors, manual folding soft top, and manual transmission that kicked off this craze.
Broadening the appeal of the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, the powertrain is now available with more trims, including the most affordable to date: the Sport S. That brings the total number of 4xe offerings to five, including the Willys, Sahara, High Altitude, and Rubicon.
Regardless of trim, the 4xe features the same 375-hp powertrain and 35 km of electric-only range. This being a Jeep – and a Wrangler at that – each version is as capable as its non-electrified sibling, right up to the hardcore Rubicon.
Styling: 10/10
The iconic rugged looks of the Wrangler have been updated for 2024, with a new seven-slot grille, new wheel designs, and other cosmetic touches that breathe new life into this timeless design. Jeep’s engineers even ditched the fender-mounted antenna this time. The interior has also been updated and upgraded with a new look, soft-touch surfaces, and an impressive 12.3-inch touchscreen. Meanwhile, PHEV versions feature a 4xe logo, as well as a discreet charging port located on the side of the engine bay, just ahead of the driver’s door.
Safety: 7/10
While all Wrangler 4xe models coms with safety must-haves like airbags, a government-mandated back-up camera, forward collision warning, electronic stability control, and electronic roll mitigation, other safety systems, like blind-spot monitoring and parking sensors, are only available as part of a package. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) hadn’t crash-tested the 2024 model at the time of this writing, but the 2023 Wrangler had a mixed bag of results, including “Good,” “Marginal,” and “Poor” scores.
Features: 7/10
Standard equipment for all Wrangler 4xe models includes skid plates (fuel tank and transfer case), tow hooks (front and rear), dual-zone climate control, interior LED lighting, push-button start, remote keyless entry, conventional cruise control, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, power heated mirrors, and power windows. However, creature comforts like heated seats are extra across the lineup, a heated steering wheel is only available as a package in all but Sahara and High Altitude models (where they’re standard equipment), and leather upholstery is only available in the top trims. LED head-lights and fog lights are optional on the Sport S and standard on all the higher trims. In short, if you want some of the nicer features, you’ll have to spend a bit more to get them.
User-Friendliness: 8/10
The Wrangler falls into the “love it or leave it” category of vehicles. Some people don’t see why anyone would want one, while others don’t see themselves driving anything but a Wrangler. Included in the love-hate debate is getting in and out of the Wrangler, which can be a chore because it’s so high off the ground. Getting out of the back seats is further hampered by narrow door openings.
Inside, all controls are well organized – once you get used to the Wrangler way of doing things, of course. That includes window switches on the centre stack, a necessity created by the removable doors. The new 12.3-inch touchscreen works well and is easy to see, with none of the earlier issues of the display being washed out by the sun. Cargo access is effortless, and the cargo door swings well out of the way to make room for larger packages. Charging the Wrangler 4xe is simple and intuitive. Just plug it in and walk away.
Practicality: 8/10
Here again we find ourselves in ‘love it or leave it” territory. If you enjoy the great outdoors, plan to take your Wrangler off-road, or simply enjoy open-air motoring sans roof and doors, you’ll find this Jeep supremely practical. With room for five, more headroom than most other vehicles on the market (especially with the roof removed), and ample cargo space, it’s ready for pretty much any adventure. The Wrangler offers between 256 and 274 mm (10.0 and 10.8 in) of ground clearance, depending on trim, and you can ford as much as 800 mm (31.5 in) of water. Towing capacity is 1,587 kg (3,500 lb) for all 4xe models – less than the 2,267 kg (5,000 lb) the conventionally powered 2024 Wrangler Rubicon can tow thanks to its new axles.
Comfort: 7/10
Although the Wrangler wasn’t built for comfort, the interior is enjoyable enough for shorter trips. Road and wind noise are a given, even with the hardtop on and the windows closed, because there’s very little sound insulation. Add aggressive tires to the mix, and the interior gets even louder.
The Wrangler 4xe can be driven up to 35 km in electric-only mode, which makes it almost silent on city streets – except for tire noise, of course. On the highway, however, even in electric mode, road and wind noise make up for the lack of engine noise. To be fair, this latest iteration of the Wrangler is more civilized than previous generations, and it’s possible to have a conversation inside without shouting, even at highway speeds.
Power: 8/10
The Wrangler 4xe uses a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder. Combined output is 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Acceleration is brisk, and the powertrain can be set to run in one of three modes: hybrid, electric, or a setting that prioritizes the gas engine and saves the battery’s charge for later. In hybrid mode, the onboard computer decides how best to combine engine and electric power, while the Wrangler relies on the battery until it’s depleted in electric mode – unless the driver mashes the gas pedal.
Driving Feel: 7/10
In a word, driving the Wrangler 4xe is fun. While the road and wind noise is hard to ignore, especially on the highway, the Wrangler 4xe is easy to manoeuvre and responsive to driver input. The electrified powertrain adds to the pleasure of driving, and delivers a delightful kick, especially when accelerating from a dead stop. Body roll is minimal, and the ride is rather firm; but then again it’s a Wrangler, designed to perform both on- and off-road, so there has to be some compromise.
Fuel Economy: 8/10
According to Natural Resources Canada (NRCan), the Wrangler 4xe is rated to burn 11.7 L/100 km combined, or 4.8 Le/100 km, with a 35 km electric range. This tester consumed an average of 7.8 L/100 km, but results will vary dramatically.
With 35 km of electric range, it’s very possible to commute to and from work without ever using a drop of fuel. Conversely, those travelling longer distances would do best to use that eSave mode to hold the battery’s charge until reaching city streets, where it will last longer than it will on the highway.
Value: 7/10
For the 2024 model year, 4xe versions of the Wrangler are available starting at $62,190 for the base Sport S model (includes $2,095 for freight). This buys the basics of Wrangler and PHEV capabilities, but not the amenities that would make it pleasant to drive during a Canadian winter. If you want a hard top, a heated steering wheel and seats, opt for an add-on package or a pricier trim.
This tester was nicely equipped, but it came with about $13,000 worth of extra equipment. A well-equipped Toyota 4Runner starts at $56,234, while a Ford Bronco starts at $51,460 (all prices include freight). Both offer similar ground clearance for off-roading, and the Bronco can safely drive through deeper water than the Wrangler. But then neither is offered with plug-in power.
The Verdict
The plug-in version of this classic just makes the Wrangler that much better. With an electric range of 35 km, not only can you go off-roading in full electric mode, but you can run errands around town, as well as commute to and from work without ever consuming a drop of gasoline. Better still, you’re not sacrificing performance or the fun factor, because the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe is a pleasure to drive, and it offers plenty of power and torque. However, you’ll have to spend a pretty penny to get the kind of creature comforts you might expect in a modern vehicle that starts at nearly $60,000.
| Engine Displacement | 2.0L |
|---|---|
| Engine Cylinders | Turbo I4 |
| Peak Horsepower | 375 hp @ 5,250 rpm |
| Peak Torque | 470 lb-ft @ 3,000 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 11.6 / 11.9 / 11.7 L/100 km cty/hwy/cmb, 4.8 Le/100 km; 35 km est. range |
| Cargo Space | 784 / 1,908 L seats up/down |
| Model Tested | 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe |
| Base Price | $59,995 |
| A/C Tax | $100 |
| Destination Fee | $2,095 |
| Price as Tested | $75,740 |
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Optional Equipment
$13,550 – Customer Preferred Package, $5,000; Convenience Group, $2,495; Three-piece modular hardtop, $1,895; Safety Group, $1,195; Mopar Sunrider Hardtop, $1,125; Technology Group, $995; Mopar Hardtop Headliner, $650; High Velocity Paint, $195
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