2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon review - The best just got better!

What you see on these pages is the updated, 2024 Jeep Wrangler and you would probably ask what's new? Well, not much, to be honest. But for the first time since its inception, the Wrangler now gets curtain airbags for all four occupants, 12-way electrically adjustable seats, a massive new infotainment screen, scratch-resistant Gorilla glass for the windscreen (like your mobile phone) and minor updates to the off-road hardware. I know what you are thinking - this could have been a half-page news piece at best! But it's not, it's going to be more long-form than that - because I'm not one who would let go of an opportunity of driving a Wrangler in the wild! So let's get on with that review, shall we?

The Wrangler's natural habitat

The wilderness is the Wrangler's natural habitat and so our test drive largely focussed on some of the trails through the thickets that surround the well-known Kikar lodge in Nurpur Bedi in Punjab. What makes the Wrangler truly exceptional is its off-road prowess, so these sandy trails, replete with thorny shrubs, dense trees, 100-feet elevation changes, sharp rocks and a family of leopards watching us from afar were the perfect setting for this test drive. And the Rubicon trim, in particular, is the perfect variant of the Wrangler to go exploring.

With its trail-rated credentials, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is not just another SUV trying to look tough; it's the real deal. It's equipped with heavy-duty off-road hardware, including electronic locking front and rear differentials, disconnecting sway bars, and a robust four-wheel-drive system that can conquer just about any terrain you throw at it. Anis has done a brave job perching himself on the trails to take these photos, despite knowing of the territorial leopards - but honestly, it's the video footage that is a must-watch for you to understand how the disconnecting sway bars separate a Wrangler from the rest. Like a gecko climbing up a steep slope, the Wrangler can let each of its wheels move freely to effectively crawl over rocky terrain that other SUVs will not even attempt. The 2024 model gets the Dana 44 axel, which has earned the reputation of being extremely robust, enduring and virtually indestructible.

Whether you're crawling over rocky trails, forging through mud pits, or climbing steep inclines, the Wrangler Rubicon tackles each challenge with confidence and capability and the new hardware only pushes that envelope further. Its impressive ground clearance, approach and departure angles, and sturdy underbody protection ensure that you can tackle obstacles with ease, while the off-road focussed Jeep traction control systems keep you firmly planted making most terrain feel like terra firma, no matter how treacherous it gets.

One of the most impressive features of the Wrangler Rubicon is its ability to be customised and modified to suit your off-road needs. With a vast array of aftermarket and factory accessories and upgrade options available, you can make this vehicle your own and tailor it to your specific adventures. For example, the Wrangler you see here is fitted with tube doors.

The Wrangler manages to excite both - the seasoned off-road enthusiast looking for challenging environments and the novice seeking to explore the great outdoors. To that effect, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon also gets front and rear cameras to tell you what's happening around the front and rear axles, while the tube doors/removable doors allow you to get a clear first-person view of the sides. However, a 360-degree camera might be more helpful for the novices.

The unnatural habitat

You will often hear people say that the Wrangler is good on bad roads but bad on good roads and there is honestly some truth to the matter. People naturally expect that spending luxury car money will often buy them a cloud to sit on and float merrily through the urban landscape. But not with the Wrangler, no! Unlike a Cherokee or any of your favourite luxury crossovers, it has 'off-road expertise' as its primary objective even in this road-going trim.

So its suspension and solid axels expect you to have solid bones built from stone because on the tarmac you will feel every texture of the surface. The steering and the brakes are so slow to respond (relatively), that they expect you to have the patience of a monk. And while the hi-fi audio in the cabin sounds pretty good, the cars expect you to bring your own noise-cancelling headphones because even though they have used more sound-deadening materials - it's still a noisy cabin, though marginally better than before.

From its iconic seven-slot grille to its bold and boxy silhouette, every aspect of the Wrangler's design exudes confidence and capability. The Rubicon trim adds distinctive touches such as aggressive off-road tyres, heavy-duty rock rails, and unique badging, signalling to onlookers that this is no ordinary SUV.

So long story short - if you love the touch of leather, the smell of expensive perfume and the gentleness in the mechanicals - you are better off spending that money on a German luxury car or maybe be Land Rover Defender. But if you like the feeling of being one with the elements, the Wrangler is your car. And then you will ignore the harsh ride, the slow steering and brakes, the noisy cabin, etc.

You will appreciate how the Wrangler trounces over potholes. How it flattens the undulations. How it gives you excellent visibility from the cabin. The squared-off sides and ability to see where are you going - front, back, sides - there's only a handful of cars that give you such ease of judgement. It's surprising how 'easy' the car feels. This is the only car this side of a crore that lets me drive in the chaos of Indian traffic without anxiety.

You can simply point at any bit on the horizon and it will at least attempt to overcome it and mostly even get through - whereas the best of SUVs in the world will have second thoughts, even attempting something like that.

Step inside, and you'll find a blend of modern amenities and rugged practicality. The interior is functional yet comfortable, with durable materials that are ready to withstand whatever adventures you throw their way. With features like removable doors and a fold-down windshield, the Wrangler Rubicon offers a true open-air driving experience that's unmatched in its class.

The final word

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon stays true to its heritage while embracing the demands of modern drivers. Whether you're hitting the trails or cruising the city streets, this iconic vehicle stands out from the crowd and commands attention wherever it goes - with its form and function. Which is why we always say, there is nothing quite like the Wrangler!