2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2025 Jeep Wrangler

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its iconic rugged appearance, characterized by a burly, body-on-frame design that was consistent across all models. While the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims featured larger tires, the overall look remained largely unchanged regardless of the powertrain. A notable update for 2024 was the redesigned grille, which was shorter and wider, enhancing airflow to the engine bay. Additionally, the integration of the antenna into the windshield was a clever upgrade, preventing it from snagging on branches during off-road adventures. The Wrangler offered a variety of roof options, including traditional soft-top, full hard top, and power-retractable sunroof configurations, allowing for a customizable open-air experience.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S, encountered during a rental experience in Hawaii, was noted for its less-than-ideal black-on-black color scheme in a tropical climate. Despite this, the Wrangler's appeal remained strong, drawing on its American freedom-inspired design and off-road capabilities. The 2025 model was available in various trims, including the powerful Rubicon 392 with a 470-horsepower 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. The Sport S model, although lacking in luxury, featured a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and a few options, resulting in a nearly $50,000 MSRP. The Wrangler's interior emphasized function over form, with a focus on durability and practicality, making it a popular choice despite its lack of sophistication compared to other vehicles.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 engine producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a robust 6.4-liter V8 engine delivering 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Various transfer cases were available, catering to different off-road capabilities. The Wrangler 392, with its full-time 4WD Selec-Trac system, was noted for its speed, while the 4xe PHEV Wrangler offered 21 miles of all-electric range and matched the 392 in torque. The 2024 model also introduced sound deadening material for a quieter cabin and offered a WARN winch option for Rubicon models.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's standard powertrain was a 3.6-liter V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission, while a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with an eight-speed automatic transmission was also available. The four-cylinder engine produced 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering slightly better fuel efficiency with an EPA rating of 21 mpg in combined driving. During a rental experience in Hawaii, the four-cylinder Wrangler achieved an average fuel economy of 19.2 mpg. The Wrangler's off-road capabilities, including standard four-wheel drive and high ground clearance, made it well-suited for Hawaiian terrain. However, the ride quality remained rough, and the steering was vague, with a three-star rollover resistance rating from the NHTSA.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw an upgrade in towing capacity, with certain models now able to tow up to 5,000 pounds, thanks to a full-float solid rear axle. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with 12-way power adjustable front seats available. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, allowing for the use of various accessories. However, ventilated seats were not available, and the increased towing capacity was limited to specific models.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler presented challenges in entry and exit due to its high ground clearance and narrow door openings. The Sport S trim offered comfortable front seats with cloth upholstery and heated options. Rear-seat legroom was adequate, but taller passengers needed to be cautious of plastic hooks on the front seatbacks. Storage space was limited, with small items often ending up in cupholders. Cargo access was cumbersome, requiring the opening of the tailgate and rear window. The cargo hold offered 31.7 cubic feet of space, expandable to 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The system was faster and more user-friendly, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The Off-Road Pages provided detailed data, and the Trails Offroad feature offered access to over 200 trails, with a subscription option for more. Additional features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store up to five user profiles.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler's Uconnect 5 infotainment system was a highlight, featuring a 12.3-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth connectivity, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sport S model came with an eight-speaker stereo, with a nine-speaker Alpine premium sound system as an option. Jeep Connect offered a Wi-Fi hotspot, Adventure Guides, and GPS Trail Logs. The Convenience Group pack added a 7-inch digital display, passive entry, and remote engine starting. Rear parking sensors were available in the Active Safety Group package.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, with forward collision warning standard on most models. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist. The 2023 Wrangler received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA, with IIHS ratings of "Good" for roof strength and head restraints, and "Moderate" for frontal and side crashes.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler continued with side curtain airbags as standard. Optional safety features included blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and adaptive cruise control. The NHTSA rated the Wrangler with four stars for frontal impact and three stars for rollover resistance. The IIHS gave "Good" ratings for side-impact protection and moderate overlap frontal-impact tests, but a "Marginal" rating for small overlap frontal-impact tests.