The most significant changes to the updated Jeep Wrangler for 2024, like a much better interior and new side curtain airbags, are hidden by a slight difference: a redesigned pair of round headlights and a seven-slat grille. When the ’24 Wrangler came out, we made fun of how similar the new and old faces of the 4×4 were, saying that it would take a careful look to tell a ’24 model from a ’23 model stopped next to each other. But there’s no need to look so closely at the least expensive 2024 Wranglers because, as it turns out, they don’t get any new looks and are almost the same as those from the year before. As part of our routine research for another story, we were trying Jeep’s online Wrangler configurator when we noticed this strange change. Except for the cheapest gas-powered Wrangler Sport and Sport S models, all Wranglers in 2024 will look flatter and thinner. (The redesigned grille is on all 2024 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid cars, including the new Sport S and Willys trims.) A quick look at 2024 Wrangler Sports dealer listings on the internet showed that this was more than just a graphics error on Jeep’s website. When we asked Jeep why, they said that the change helped keep the prices of the Sports low and set them apart from higher-end models. Jeep and other Stellantis brands, like Ram, have a history of selling older versions of their products alongside newer ones to save customers money. Consider the Ram 1500 Classic, a full-size Ram pickup from the last version that has been sold alongside the current one for a long time. Or the older Jeep Wrangler JK was sold simultaneously as the more modern JL when the JL first came out in 2018. On the other hand, the 2024 Wrangler Sport models changed the idea by having many of the same features as the rest of the range. Again, this is a current JL-generation Wrangler, not a new car like the JK or Ram Classic that came before it. All 2024 Wrangler Sport models come with new front and second-row side curtain airbags, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, and a redesigned dashboard as standard features. The two-door model starts at $33,690, and the four-door model starts at $37,690. You can see the prices for the whole 2024 range here. The step-up Sport S costs $4,095 more and keeps the old-looking front end. It comes with a Gorilla Glass windshield, which used to be an option on some Wranglers, standard power door locks and windows, and new 17-inch metal wheels. Wrangler buyers must upgrade to at least the full Willys specification to get the new nose. The less expensive Willys Sport version is available for ’24. A two-door Wrangler starts at $41,190, while a four-door Wrangler starts at $45,190. The 2024 Wrangler Rubicon, Sahara, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 all have the exact new look.
