Rebels, freedom seekers, and adventurers, here’s some good news: the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is here. This off-road SUV has been empowering people to break free from the grid since 1987. Wherever there are sand dunes to be tackled and mud paths to be explored, there’s usually a Wrangler or two to be found. Its open-air configuration options, great ground clearance, and 4X4 capabilities make the Wrangler a vehicle that puts thrillseekers in close contact with the wild environments they crave. Of course, not everyone enjoys Wrangler life in the exact same way. That’s why Jeep smartly offers so many ways to customize your four-wheel drive beast.
If you’re headed to a Jeep Wrangler dealer soon, you might want to clarify some of the important choices this year. In addition to the generous lineup of trims, you’ll also have different roof, powertrain, and size options to consider. We’re going to break down the choices you’ll have for each of these models to help you design your ideal Wrangler.
Two-Door or Four-Door?
Since 2007, Jeep has offered the Wrangler in a two and four-door variant, creating a new world of possibilities for drivers wanting some extra rear seat room and cargo volume. So, which is right for you? The traditional two-door or the four-door variant? Here’s a look at the pros/cons of each.
The Pros of a Two-Door Wrangler
The two-door variant of any trim will cost approximately $4,000 or $5,000 less than the four-door. Due to its shorter dimensions, the two-door Wrangler has a tighter turning radius than the four-door. You might also see slightly better fuel economy out of the two-door variants.
The Cons of a Two-Door Wrangler
In regards to rear-seat accessibility, second-row passengers have to crawl past first-row seats to access their seats. The back seat of the two-door can also feel a little compressed when it’s at capacity. The interior cargo volume of the two-door is not particularly generous, offering 12.9 cu.ft. of space behind the backseats and 31.7 cu.ft. of space when they are put down; in other words, be prepared to travel light.
The Pros of a Four-Door Wrangler
With four doors, this model gives everyone easy access to their seats, as well as much more rear leg and hip room than the two-door, 38.2 cu.ft. and 55.9 cu.ft., respectively. The interior cargo room more than doubles for the four-door variant, with 31.7 cu.ft. behind the backseats and 72.4 cu.ft. with them down. The four-door can also tow up to 3,500 lbs.
The Cons of a Four-Door Wrangler
There are not too many cons with the four-door model; it really depends on what you’re looking to do with the Wrangler. If you’re prioritizing tight handling, fuel economy, and cost, opt for the two-door. If you’re prioritizing backseat comfort, towing, and cargo, opt for the four-door.
A Look at the Wrangler’s Various Tops
The Wrangler’s many rooftop options might be one of its most iconic qualities. It offers drivers with different styles and driving preferences some really excellent options.
Freedom Top Three-Piece HardTop
This three-panel hard top is durable, weather-proof, and a great off-road option because it can take a beating. Hard tops don’t offer much flexibility. Removing the panels is cumbersome, and you cannot store them in your Wrangler. You’ll need to decide if you want to enjoy an open-air day or a closed-top day before heading out and then commit for the duration of your ride.
Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top
The soft top is easy to put on and take off. One person can easily do so on their own. Once it’s off, you can stash this top in your Wrangler, so you have the freedom to remove it while you’re out and about. Soft tops don’t offer the same level of security as a hardtop because someone could cut through them with a knife. The Wrangler community debates the weather-readiness of soft tops, too. Some say these tops can suffer more wear and tear with time than a hard top.
Black Sunrider for Hardtop
This unique option has a folding design that lets you flip it back when you want some more fresh air and sunlight. It’s a nice hybrid option of a hard and soft top. Some Wrangler drivers say that the hardtop Sunrider produces a lot of wind noise. The three-piece hardtop and sunrider can both be ordered in body-colored designs to create a cool and uniform aesthetic.
Sky One-Touch Power Top
Think of the power top as a convertible top for your Wrangler. With a push of a button, you can put it up or take it down while driving. It’s great for those looking for the ultimate in versatility and who don’t want to find a place to stash their roof when they enjoy open-air driving. This will be the highest-priced top of all the options.
The Jeep Wrangler’s Engine Lineup
Wrangler drivers have access to a dynamic lineup of powertrains, giving them the freedom to prioritize power, performance, fuel economy, or all three.
The 2.0L Turbo Engine
The 2.0L Turbo Engine delivers a good mix of power and fuel economy. It achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in the city and 21 MPG on the highway and can tow up to 5,000 lbs.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 combines efficiency and performance in a powertrain that can keep different drivers content, offering 285 hp and 260 lb-ft. It achieves solid fuel economy, with EPA figures of 17 MPG in the city and 23 MPG on the highway. The V6 can be paired with either an automatic or a manual transmission, giving drivers who want a more hands-on experience the option to have it. It can also tow 5,000 lbs, like the turbo engine.
The 6.4L Hemi V8
For those wanting optimal horsepower, torque, and acceleration, there’s the HEMI V8. It gets 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Plus, it goes from zero to 60 in a matter of seconds. You’ll see a slight towing capacity drop in the V8, down to 3,500 lbs. You’ll also see a significant fuel economy drop, so it’s not made for long commutes.
The PHEV With 2.0L I-4
Drivers looking for a plug-in hybrid variant can have it without sacrificing power or performance. The PHEV Wrangler gets an incredible EPA estimated gas and electric combined range of 49 MPGe. So, it can travel long distances from the inner city to your wilderness destinations. Then, once you arrive in the wild, switch to electric mode to cut emissions and keep the air clean.
Design Your Freedom With the 2024 Jeep Wrangler
When you want to feel uninhibited and connect with the outdoors, there’s no better vehicle than the Wrangler to do it in. For decades, the most spirited of adventurers have relied on the Wrangler to take them to far-off destinations and tackle the roughest of terrain with ease. With its many roof styles and the option to remove the roof and doors, the Wrangler is probably the best vehicle for anyone wanting to experience pure freedom. If you don’t just want to visit off-road destinations but also want to feel like you’re one with them, you’ll love tearing the panels off of your Wrangler.
There are many ways to design your Wrangler and be the architect of your off-road experience. Hopefully, you now have a good grasp on the major decisions you’ll be making at the dealership. With the perfect powertrain, roof, and dimensions, you’ll be ready to go wherever your pioneer heart takes you.
