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Jeep throws down the gauntlet with the 2024 Wrangler’s tagline, ‘The one and only.’ It’s a clear shot across the bow of countless imitators that have flooded the market. After all, imitation might be the sincerest form of flattery, but with over 50 copycats out there, the compliment starts to feel a little hollow. Here’s what’s truly impressive: Jeep, the last remaining American car brand standing tall in India, continues to innovate and fight the good fight despite the constant barrage of imitations.

This unwavering spirit is a direct descendant of the iconic Willys Jeep of World War 2. That legendary vehicle became a symbol of versatility and capability, a testament to American ingenuity. The 2024 Wrangler proudly carries that DNA. It has some lovely easter eggs and subtle nods to its illustrious ancestor. Look closely, and you’ll find the Willys silhouette etched on the windshield, a constant reminder of the original’s legacy. Even the side profile of the hood latches subtly mimics the Willys. Jeep wears its heritage with pride, carrying forward the fighting spirit that forged the original.

Our adventure with the 2024 Wrangler began in Chandigarh, a breath of fresh air compared to the scorching Maharashtra heat. A cool breeze swirled around us as we embarked on our journey. Leaving the city behind, we traversed 50 kilometres to reach a sprawling nature reserve resort nestled amidst 1,800 acres of pristine wilderness. With vast landscapes and countless off-road trails waiting to be explored, it was the perfect proving ground for this legendary machine. We were about to witness firsthand if the 2024 Wrangler could live up to the legacy of its iconic forefather.

Up front, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler sports a redesigned grille, trading the outgoing model’s look for a sleeker, blacked-out design. While the iconic seven-slot layout remains, it receives a modern update. Here in India, Jeep is expected to offer two variants: the Wrangler Unlimited and the Rubicon. Both will benefit from this new grille treatment.

The 2024 Wrangler retains the instantly recognisable boxy silhouette that has defined the Jeep brand for decades. However, Jeep hasn’t shied away from adding a touch of personality. Our test vehicle, a Rubicon trim, came equipped with the now-legendary tube-door option. These lightweight doors immortalised in the first Jurassic Park movie, offer a truly open-air driving experience – an experience we’ll delve into in a later section. The side profile gets a refresh with new dual-tone alloy wheels, while the rear retains the classic look, dominated by the mounted spare tyre that’s a signature Wrangler feature.

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The 2024 Wrangler, and you’ll find an interior that prioritises functionality for outdoor adventures. The most noticeable change is the redesigned dashboard, now housing a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The air vents have been relocated below the screen for a cleaner look. Modern conveniences haven’t been forgotten – a wireless phone charger and 12-way powered front seats are on offer. Jeep even claims these seats can operate underwater during water wading up to 34 inches, a testament to the Wrangler’s off-road prowess.

A digital driver’s display keeps you informed on all the vital off-road stats, and both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard in wireless form. The overall impression is one of a cabin built to handle the rigors of the outdoors. Get it dirty, hose it down – the Wrangler can take it. We experienced this first hand after a river crossing adventure. Water seeped in, but strategically placed drain plugs allowed for quick and easy removal once we reached dry land. This thoughtful design highlights the Wrangler’s dedication to off-road capability.

However, comfort isn’t entirely sacrificed. The seats are generally comfortable, with just one caveat – the footwell feels a bit cramped, especially for the driver’s left leg. Additionally, while heated seats are available, the lack of ventilated seats seems like a missed opportunity in a hot climate like India. This omission stings a bit, considering the Wrangler’s price point. Nevertheless, heated seats will be a welcome feature for those battling cold winters in the north.

Safety remains a priority, with the Wrangler boasting six airbags, electronic stability control, hill start and descent assist, electronic roll mitigation, automatic headlights, a tyre pressure monitor, and rear parking sensors with a camera. The 2024 Wrangler might not be the epitome of luxury, but it offers a well-equipped and functional cabin designed to conquer the outdoors, quirks and all.

The true test of any Jeep is on the trails, and the Wrangler certainly lived up to its “Trail Rated” badge. While online videos showcase both the triumphs and tribulations of Wranglers tackling various terrains, our experience leaned heavily towards the former.

Under the hood, the 2024 Wrangler continues to rely on the proven 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This potent combination delivers 266 bhp and a whopping 400 Nm of torque matted to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Power is channelled to all four wheels via Jeep’s Selec-Trac 4WD system, and for this generation, a Dana HD 44 heavy-duty rear axle boosts towing capacity.

The true star of the show, however, is the torque. The Wrangler effortlessly conquered obstacles, requiring minimal throttle input. If a challenge arose, a nudge on the pedal was all it took to propel us forward. The engine itself remained refined and quiet, except for the occasional whirring of the radiator fan.

But the off-road prowess extends beyond just the engine. Jeep has cleverly implemented a “one-button-to-rule-them-all” approach. With a simple press, you can optimise throttle response, adjust the transmission for off-road conditions, and engage various traction control settings. Additionally, the electronic sway bar disconnect and Tru-Lock front and rear locking differentials allow for maximum articulation and grip over uneven terrain.

The trails themselves were a playground for the Wrangler. We traversed sandy stretches, scaled steep inclines, and witnessed impressive axle articulation – all while surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The Wrangler inspires confidence, urging you to explore beyond the beaten path and forge your adventures.

One such adventure involved a thrilling river crossing. With the Wrangler’s impressive water-wading capabilities, we plunged right in. While I opted for a barefoot experience (goodbye soggy socks!), the interior remained refreshingly dry thanks to the strategically placed drain plugs we discussed earlier. It was a testament to the Wrangler’s thoughtful design for conquering the elements.

Conquering obstacles, scaling inclines, and even wading through rivers were effortless feats, all while the strategically placed drain plugs ensured a surprisingly dry cabin afterwards. However, this off-road focus comes at the expense of on-road comfort. While the Wrangler handled rural tarmac roads with decent composure, the suspension’s prioritisation of articulation translates to a bumpier ride on smooth surfaces compared to a typical car. This trade-off is crucial to consider – for those who crave adventure and exploration, the Wrangler’s occasional on-road bumpiness is a small price for its unmatched off-road capability.

The Jeep Wrangler commands a premium price tag, but it delivers exceptional value for the money. The engine’s power and torque, coupled with the driver-centric off-road features, make it a conqueror of any terrain. Our trail driving included obstacles, inclines, and even a river crossing, and the Wrangler shrugged them all off with ease. The strategically placed drain plugs even ensured a surprisingly dry cabin after the water-wading adventure.

Here’s the kicker: compared to competitors like the Mercedes-Benz G400d or the Land Rover Defender, which reside in a higher price bracket, the Wrangler starts to look like a bargain. After all, “punching up” at the competition is always a better strategy. Would just like to end by saying this: skip the imitators and own the original.