Jeep Wrangler 2024: Australian release date confirmed for facelifted Ford Bronco rival 

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Now in its fourth-generation, Jeep’s iconic Wrangler has been given a mid-cycle facelift for 2024, bringing with it fresh tech and subtle styling changes. 

It’s likely that Jeep is feeling the heat more than ever in its North American home market with Ford’s revived Bronco now a direct competitor in the off-road SUV segment. 

Jeep Australia has confirmed that the updated Wrangler is expected to land late in the fourth quarter of 2023, with pricing and specifications confirmed closer to the launch date. 

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it 

This seems to be the mantra that Jeep has run with over the last decade or so with the Wrangler, and this new update is no different. 

Styling wise, the facelift is a very minimal departure from the last model, with a slimmer seven-slot front grille representing the biggest exterior change. 

Jeep has also introduced a “Stealth Antenna” which integrates the aerial into the windscreen, meaning there’s no risk of it getting snagged in trees and such off-road. 

Uconnect 5 comes to Wrangler

On the inside, the styling changes are just as subtle, but the introduction of Stellantis’ Uconnect 5 infotainment system represents the biggest change. 

As standard, this Android-based system is displayed on a 12.3-inch infotainment cluster, and gets wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto connectivity. 

It’s also capable of over the air updates, and offers Jeep’s Trails Off-road app which provides guides of the 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails around North America. 

First and second-row side curtain airbags are another addition to this new model, and will likely increase occupant safety. 

Engine options remain

In North America, buyers have the choice of four different engine options in the Wrangler, whereas local buyers are limited to just the 3.6-litre petrol V6 making 212kW and 352Nm. 

As expected, the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain has also been continued in the Wrangler, though it isn’t expected to be offered locally, with the brand previously shutting down the possibility. 

In saying this, the 4xe plug-in hybrid system is also available on the Grand Cherokee, and Jeep Australia has confirmed that this will be landing locally. 

To improve off-road ability, Rubicon models can be factory-fitted with a Warn winch that has a capacity of 3628kg. This model also gets a Dana 44 HD Full Float solid rear axle that accepts larger tyres, and provides a towing capacity of up to 2268kg.