Jeep Wrangler 2024 Road Test: Is It The Ultimate Luxury SUV Now?
As expected, the new Wrangler sailed it through all but at Rs 67.6 lakh starting, the Wrangler has to play the role of a luxury SUV too and here, Jeep claims to have made some changes
We drove the Wrangler sometime back but it was in its natural habitat where we indulged in some off-roading. As expected, the new Wrangler sailed it through all but at Rs 67.6 lakh starting, the Wrangler has to play the role of a luxury SUV too and here, Jeep claims to have made some changes.
Hence, we drove the SUV again but this time for a few days around the concrete jungle to see what the changes have done. More than the exterior, the interior has more change with a much larger 12.3-inch touchscreen using the latest OS. It is now much crisper to use and more detailed while there is not lag.
The front/rear cameras also make it much easier to park while you can also clean them after going through slush or in this case, a cratered up road during monsoons. Plus you also get powered seats while these switches are also water proof-perfect to wade through deep water when it rains in Delhi- although we do not recommend that you do drive through heavily flooded roads, no matter what car.
In terms of driving, we were keen to see what changes were done by Jeep. First of all, in-cabin noise has been reduced with laminated windows, more sound deadening plus noise cancellation tech. It works and yes, it is much less noisy now especially unlike the earlier one where the tyres did kick up a racket.
There is ADAS which works quite well on our roads while not being too intrusive. The engine is the same 2.0l turbo petrol with 272 bhp. The Wrangler is not your average luxury SUV and getting in/out requires some effort. However, it does feel 'different' from others while having charm. The engine is pretty responsive and the view out is perfect for city driving.
The Wrangler is indeed very big but you get used to the size while its tough suspension means you can sail over bad roads easily. That said, taking narrow u-turns or driving through tight traffic requires caution. For everyday driving, the engine is more than competent and it is actually fun to push the accelerator with the car lunging forward. Fuel efficiency is not its strong point though but you will get 8 kmpl in the city.
The Wrangler is not the most comfortable luxury SUV around but it does get more practical/quieter and easier to live with on a daily basis now. Compared to the changes, the prices have not crept up so much and its nearest rival, the Land Rover Defender is now priced much higher than this, hence, the Wrangler is now a much better option for an off-road oriented SUV.
What we like: Much more quieter, more features, performance, suspension, looks
What we do not like: still missing some features, seats are not comfortable