Jeep Wrangler

FIRST DRIVE Revised SUV icon gets enhanced interior tech

- Ellis Hyde

IF there's one model that encapsulates everything Jeep fans love, it's the Wrangler 4x4. The fifth generation of the off-road icon arrived in 2018, was given some improvements three years later, and has now received another round of upgrades for 2024, to keep things fresh.

The Wrangler has never struggled in the looks department, so the styling changes are minimal. The signature seven-slot grille has new textured black patterns, while a 'stealth' antenna is integrated into the windscreen so it won't break off on the trail. There are four new wheel designs, from 17 to 20 inches in diameter.

The most noticeable change is inside, where the Wrangler has a new 12.3-inch touchscreen that dominates the dashboard. Significantly bigger than the 8.4-inch display fitted before, it's an improvement in terms of size and resolution; it's quick to respond and runs the latest version of Jeep's Uconnect infotainment system, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Amazon's Alexa virtual assistant.

The old analogue instruments remain, and the centre console is still covered in a multitude of buttons, dials and switches, plus levers for the transmission. You feel like you're in mission control.

Safety kit has received a boost; the new Wrangler gets more side airbags and rock rails to help side-impact performance, plus drowsy-driver detection, lane-departure warning and speed-sign recognition.