in News, SUV
Significant Tire And Tech Upgrades Highlight The ‘Sweet Spot’ Wrangler
by Manoli Katakis
The annual Easter Jeep Safari is in full swing over at Moab, Utah. And while America’s original SUV brand has already pulled the covers off of its unique concepts (our favorite being the Srambler), there’s bigger news. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler lineup has been fully revealed, and it’s responding to the Ford Bronco in several ways. Take the updated JL Wrangler Willys, for example.
Now, the Willys isn’t a trim level. Rather, it’s a comprehensive package available exclusively on the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport S. And if your budget isn’t quite within the range of a Wrangler Rubicon, with its locking front axle and detachable sway bar, this is the Jeep you want.
For 2024, the Wrangler Willys shares the Rubicon’s Tru-Lok rear locker as standard, as well as standard steel rock sliders, trailer tow and heavy-duty electrical group. Perhaps more importantly for off-roading, larger 33-inch BFG KO2 tires are now standard on the Wrangler Willys, replacing the 32-inch set from before. Furthermore, all-new next-generation Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle – standard on Rubicon – is available on Willys.
Further, an Xtreme 35 Package is also available for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys. This upgrades the tires further to 35-inch KO2 tires, while adding 17-inch beadlock capable wheels, a 4.56:1 axle ratio, a swing gate reinforcement to support the extra weight of the bigger tire, and a 1.5-in. factory suspension lift with uniquely tuned shocks. Now we’re talking.
For those going the more efficient route, the Jeep Wrangler Willys 4xe adds the Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with a 4LO ratio of 2.72:1 for the 2024 model year.
Underneath, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys features four skid plates. They protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and transmission oil pan.
Chassis-wise, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler continues to use a body-on-frame architecture with a proven five-link rear coil suspension setup, accompanied by two upper and two lower high-strength steel control arms for longitudinal axle control, and a track bar for lateral axle control. The front suspension also features two upper and two lower high-strength steel control arms for longitudinal control and a cross car track bar for lateral axle control.
Safety-wise, forward collision warning and advanced cruise control with stop now come standard on 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport S and above, while blind-spot and cross-path detection and ParkSense rear park-assist system are optional on Sport S, Willys, Sahara and Rubicon. A ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines, traction control and electronic stability control (ESC) with electronic roll mitigation are standard on all models.
Pricing and availability for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler lineup will be announced at a later date.
Written by Manoli Katakis
Muscle Cars & Trucks was founded by Manoli Katakis - an automotive media veteran that has been covering the latest car news since 2009. His journalism has uncovered dozens of major product changes, updates, plans, and cancellations long before automakers were ready to make things official.
Some highlights over the years of his reporting include the uncovering of the Zora trademark before anybody else reported on the coming of a mid-engine Corvette, as well as the dead-accurate reporting of the coming of the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2, two years before it hit the market, and even before the debut of the concept vehicle. This type of reporting has immediately continued here, with reports of the original seventh-generation Camaro plans being shelved, as well as what's in store for the Chevrolet Silverado.
Some of his work can be found on massive automotive media outlets, such as Motor1. He also has been a guest on the 910AM Radio Station with Detroit News auto critic Henry Payne, as well as the enthusiast-oriented Camaro Show podcast.
Over the years, Manoli has interviewed various automotive industry titans, leaders, and people that make things happen otherwise. These include figureheads such as GM CEO Mary Barra, GM President Mark Reuss, automotive aftermarket icon Ken Lingenfelter, Dodge firebrand Tim Kuniskis, along with various chief engineers of vehicles such as the Ford F-150 & Mustang, Chevrolet Camaro & Corvette, and many more.
At MC&T, Manoli is taking his journalism expertise, deeply planted sources, driving abilities, and automotive industry knowledge to new levels, covering more vehicles and brands than ever before. This is the place where you will continue to read groundbreaking stories about American performance vehicles, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles. Here is where you’ll also read insights and quotes from various automotive subject matter experts on the latest relevant products, as well as some of the latest official news from their manufacturers.
Fun facts: he also once beat Corvette Racing driver Tommy Milner in an autocross with a Chevrolet Bolt EV. The biggest vehicle he’s ever driven is a John Deere mining truck. Besides a go-kart, the smallest vehicle he’s driven has been a Hyundai i10. He’s also spent time in the co*ckpit of various American performance vehicle icons, including the fifth-generation Chevrolet Camaro Z/28, Dodge Challenger Demon, and Ford Mustang GT350R. He has reviewed dozens of trucks, SUVs, and performance vehicles over the years.
One of his favorite new vehicles on the market today happens to be the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison. He is also a card carrying member of the Sports Car Club of America, and regularly participates in Detroit Region autocross events.
