You are looking at the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X, and I want to show you what makes this four-door 4×4 stand out. Jeep refreshed the outside with a new take on the classic seven-slot grille, updated LED lighting, and new wheel options. You can also add factory upgrades like a winch and lift kit to boost your off-road setup.
Under the hood, you get a 3.6-liter V6 with solid power and a 5,000-pound tow rating. Inside, you sit in Nappa leather with power seats and a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen that brings navigation, trail data, and smartphone support. You also get strong axles, skid plates, and removable doors and top, so you can shape the Wrangler to fit how and where you drive.
Key Takeaways
- You get refreshed styling, new tech, and strong off-road hardware in one package.
- The V6 engine delivers balanced power, solid towing, and proven 4×4 capability.
- The cabin adds more comfort and features while keeping true open-air freedom.
Exterior Design and Features
Updated Seven-Slot Grille with Anniversary Influence
You get a refreshed take on the classic seven-slot front grille, inspired by the Rubicon 20th Anniversary model. The design looks cleaner and more modern for 2024.
You may not notice a big change at first glance. But when you park it next to the older grille, you can see the update.
LED Lighting and Exterior Hardware
You have LED headlights and LED fog lights up front. Red tow hooks sit below, adding contrast against the black exterior.
In the rear, you get LED tail lamps, reverse sensors, and a rearview camera mounted near the spare tire. A single exhaust outlet and a rear recovery hook finish the back.
Underneath, skid plates protect key parts:
- Fuel tank
- Transfer case
- Transmission
These help shield the vehicle when you drive over rocks or rough trails.
You also get a power convertible top. You can open and close it without removing panels, and you can still take the doors off for open-air driving.
AEV Suspension and Lift Choices
You can upgrade with AEV suspension components. Lift options start at 2 inches and go up to 2.5 inches.
Water fording depth ranges between 30 and 34 inches at 5 mph. Ground clearance sits close to 10 inches in stock form.
The Rubicon X package adds:
- 17-inch five-spoke wheels
- Black pocket accents
- Upgraded suspension tuning
You also get a third-generation Dana 44 front axle and a Dana M220 wide full-floating rear axle. Front and rear Tru-Lok locking differentials and a 4.10 rear axle ratio support off-road use.
Maximum towing reaches 5,000 pounds.
Performance Hood and Exterior Badging
The hood features a performance design with vents and bold Rubicon lettering on top. This setup gives you a strong visual presence without stepping up to the 392 or 4xe models.
You also see performance-style Jeep badging near the rear spare tire. These small details tie the look together.
Factory Winch and Trail Equipment
You can order a factory-installed Warn winch rated to pull up to 8,000 pounds. This gives you added recovery support on the trail.
Jeep also offers TrailCam capability and built-in trail tools. The navigation system includes access to over 2,000 mapped trails, which helps you plan off-road trips.
With removable doors, skid plates, locking axles, and off-road drive modes, you have the hardware you need for serious trail driving.
Performance and Powertrain
Engine Details and How It Compares
You get a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 under the hood. It makes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 35 lb-ft more torque than this V6. That turbo engine feels stronger off the line, but this V6 delivers power in a smoother and more steady way.
This setup gives you solid performance without stepping up to the 392 or the 4xe models. Jeep also added more sound insulation, though you will still hear some road noise, which is normal for a Wrangler.
Fuel Economy and Pulling Strength
This V6 returns 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
You can tow up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped. That puts you in line with others in this class.
A factory Warn winch rated at 8,000 pounds is also available. If you plan to hit tougher trails, that option adds real function.
Axle Setup and Trail Hardware
You get a third-generation Dana 44 front axle and a Dana M220 wide full-floating rear axle.
This Rubicon X includes:
- Tru-Lok front and rear locking differentials
- 4.10 rear axle ratio
- Off-Road Plus mode
- Electronic sway bar disconnect
- Steel underbody skid plates for the fuel tank, transfer case, and transmission
Ground clearance sits at nearly 10 inches in stock form. With available AEV suspension upgrades, you can add a 2- to 2.5-inch lift.
Water fording ranges from 30 to 34 inches at 5 mph, depending on setup. You also get a sport-tuned suspension to support both daily driving and trail use.
Open-Air Roof and Removable Doors
You can choose the power-operated soft top, which opens and closes while you drive. It slides back over the rear seats, and you do not need to remove or store panels inside the vehicle.
You can still take off the doors for full open-air driving. That keeps the Wrangler’s trail-focused design intact.
The soft top avoids the storage issues that come with the three-piece hard top. You keep your cargo space instead of filling it with roof panels.
Safety and Protection
Skid Plates and Underside Shields
You get steel skid plates that guard key parts under the vehicle. They cover the fuel tank, transfer case, and transmission.
When you crawl over rocks or drive rough trails, these shields help prevent damage. You can focus on the path ahead instead of worrying about what sits below the frame.
Ground clearance starts at almost 10 inches, and you can add a 2- to 2.5-inch lift with the available AEV setup. That extra height helps when you drive through water between 30 and 34 inches at low speed.
Exterior Lights and Tow Points
You drive with LED headlights and fog lights up front. LED tail lights sit in the rear for clear visibility.
Red recovery hooks stand out on the front, and another hook sits near the rear. You can also add a factory Warn winch rated for 8,000 pounds if you want more pulling power on the trail.
A single exhaust outlet sits at the back, next to the rear hook. These features support off-road use without adding aftermarket parts.
Cameras and Driver Awareness Tools
You use a forward-facing trail camera and a rear camera with full trajectory lines. These views help you place the vehicle on tight paths.
Rear parking sensors support you when backing up. The 12.3-inch screen shows off-road pages with vehicle data, including pitch and roll angles.
The 3.5-inch driver display also provides off-road details. You can monitor what the vehicle is doing while you handle obstacles.
Cargo and Storage Solutions
Rear Load Area and Layout Options
You start with 12.9 cubic feet of space behind the second row. Jeep prints the key measurements right in the cargo area, so you can check water fording depth and other specs at a glance.
Lift the rear gate and you will find extra space under the floor. Fold the rear bench in a 40/60 split, and you expand total capacity to 31.7 cubic feet.
If you choose the soft convertible top, you avoid storing hard panels inside the cabin. That keeps your cargo area usable instead of turning the SUV into a two-seater.
| Configuration | Cargo Capacity |
|---|---|
| Rear seats up | 12.9 cu ft |
| Rear seats folded | 31.7 cu ft |
Concealed Compartments and Charging Points
Under the cargo floor, you get hidden storage along with a 12-volt outlet. You also have more power access inside the cabin.
Up front, you will find USB ports, a 12-volt outlet, and auxiliary controls. The center console opens in two stages. The top section is shallow, and the lower section is deeper with a USB port inside.
Rear passengers get USB ports, a household-style plug, small-item storage, and cup holders in the center armrest. Storage pockets sit behind both front seats, and each door includes a long storage bin.
Spare Tire Location
Jeep mounts the spare tire on the rear swing gate. It sits next to the Jeep performance badge, with the rearview camera and parking sensors integrated in that area.
This setup keeps the spare outside the cabin, so it does not reduce your interior cargo space.
Interior Comfort and Technology
Premium Leather Seating and Power Adjustments
You get black Nappa leather with the Rubicon X package. The front seats offer 12-way power adjustment and heat.
Rubicon logos sit on the seats, and you have good head and leg room. The foot wells give you solid space, which helps on longer drives.
Updated Touchscreen and Smartphone Features
You use a new 12.3-inch infotainment display. It includes:
- Navigation with access to over 2,000 trails
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- SiriusXM, AM/FM radio, and Bluetooth streaming
- Forward and rear cameras with trajectory view
You can open the off-road pages to see vehicle data, pitch, roll, and other gauges. The front camera does not fill the entire screen, which limits the view slightly.
Digital Gauges and Driver Controls
You look at a 3.5-inch TFT driver display behind the wheel. It shows multiple information pages, including off-road data.
The leather-wrapped steering wheel has a three-spoke design with red stitching. You control adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist from the wheel.
Physical buttons manage climate settings, sway bar disconnect, axle controls, and auxiliary switches. USB ports and 12-volt outlets sit within easy reach.
Steering Wheel Design and Cabin Materials
You feel soft-touch materials where they matter, especially on the door panels and dash. A red accent strip runs across the dash, and circular air vents remain part of the design.
The Jeep logo sits in the center stack, wrapped in leather. The transfer case lever matches the trim. An auto-dimming rearview mirror comes standard.
Storage, Audio, and Everyday Usability
You store items in a two-level center console with a USB port inside. Cup holders include a dedicated space to hold the key fob in place.
Rear passengers get center air vents, USB ports, a home-style plug, cup holders, and an armrest. Storage pockets sit behind the front seats and along the doors.
The upgraded Alpine sound system places speakers in front of rear passengers, which helps reduce wind noise when the top is open. You can open or close the convertible top automatically, even while driving at normal speeds.
Rear Passenger Experience
Space and Entry Comfort
You get solid headroom in the back, even with the top closed. With the roof open, you have even more space above you.
Legroom feels generous. You also have a good amount of shoulder and foot space, though the center tray means you share some foot area.
Getting in can feel tight, especially if you are tall. The rear door opening is smaller, and the floor is not fully flat.
Rear seat layout highlights:
- 60/40 split-fold bench
- Storage pockets behind both front seats
- Rear doors match the front design but in a smaller size
Back Seat Amenities
You sit on black Nappa leather with the Rubicon X package. The materials feel upgraded compared to lower trims.
In the center, you get:
- Air vents
- USB ports
- Home-style power outlet
- Small storage areas
- Fold-down armrest with cup holders
You no longer get the rear net storage. Instead, you have a molded panel with airflow built in.
Sound System and Airflow
You benefit from the upgraded Alpine audio system. The speakers sit right in front of you in the rear, which helps block wind when the top is open.
Air vents in the center keep airflow directed toward you. The added cabin sound insulation reduces some outside noise, though you still hear road and wind sounds, which is normal for a Wrangler with a soft top.
Driving Feel and Control
Cabin Quietness and Interior Comfort
You notice Jeep added more insulation this year. I do not hear a big change, but it feels a bit more polished than before.
You still hear road and wind noise, especially with the soft top. That is normal for a Wrangler. The Alpine sound system sits close to you and helps block some wind noise for rear passengers.
The automatic soft top makes daily use easier. You can open or close it while driving, so you do not need to stop and remove panels.
Street Manners and Trail Ability
The 3.6L V6 gives you 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It feels smooth and steady, not aggressive. It does not hit as hard as the 2.0L turbo, but it delivers power in a controlled way.
You get nearly 10 inches of ground clearance in stock form. With AEV upgrades, you can add a 2- to 2.5-inch lift.
For off-road use, you have:
- Third-generation Dana 44 front axle
- Dana M220 full-floating rear axle
- 4.1 rear axle ratio
- Front and rear locking differentials
- Sway bar disconnect
- Underbody skid plates
- Off-Road Plus mode
You can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which matches others in this class.
The convertible design and removable doors let you enjoy trails more. You also get built-in navigation with access to over 2,000 trails.
Turning Ability and Steering Feel
When you turn the wheel, you feel some looseness. That is typical for a Wrangler, especially with this suspension setup.
The turning check shows it handles as expected for a lifted 4×4. It does not feel tight like a small SUV, but it stays predictable.
The sport-tuned suspension balances daily driving and trail use. If you add larger lifts or tires, expect entry and exit to become harder, so side steps help.
Pros and Cons Analysis
Rubicon X Package: Cost vs. What You Get
Pros
- You get Nappa leather seats with heating and 12-way power adjustment.
- You gain upgraded 17-inch wheels, better tires, and a stronger suspension setup.
- The package changes the exterior look in a clear way, especially with the hood and grille updates.
The package raises the price to over $112,000, but it adds real hardware and comfort features. I would not skip it because you receive both style and function upgrades.
Cons
- The price jumps a lot once you select this package.
Interior Comfort and Tech Features
Pros
- You use a new 12.3-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
- You can view off-road data, pitch, roll, and camera angles on the screen.
- You get adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist.
- The Alpine sound system improves audio quality.
Jeep also improved the front and rear axles to third generation Dana 44 components. You can tow up to 5,000 pounds, which matches others in this class.
Cons
- The front camera view does not fill the entire screen.
Price Levels and Extra Options
Pros
- You can add a factory Warn winch rated at 8,000 pounds.
- You can choose AEV suspension upgrades with lifts from 2 to 2.5 inches.
- Jeep offers more wheel designs this year, so you do not need aftermarket parts.
You also get skid plates to protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and transmission.
Cons
- AEV upgrades are not available on Sport or Sport S trims.
- Costs rise quickly when you stack options.
Cabin Noise and Daily Driving
Pros
- You can open the soft top while driving, which makes it easy to enjoy open-air driving.
- You avoid storing hard top panels inside the vehicle.
- Ground clearance starts near 10 inches, and you can increase it with lift kits.
Cons
- You still hear noticeable road noise inside the cabin.
- Steering has some play, which feels normal for this setup.
- Entry can feel difficult without running boards, especially with added lift.
- The rear floor is not flat, so passengers share foot space.
How It Stacks Up Against Rivals
Pros
- Towing capacity reaches 5,000 pounds, which matches competitors in this segment.
- The navigation system includes over 2,000 trails, which helps if you plan to go off-road.
The 3.6L V6 delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It feels more smooth than aggressive.
Cons
- The turbo 2.0L engine offers 35 lb-ft more torque, so it feels stronger off the line.
- Other trims like the 4xe provide stronger performance and electric driving range.
Closing Perspective
You get a clear mix of trail strength and added comfort with this setup. The refreshed grille, new axle updates, and tech upgrades make a real difference when you drive and when you line it up next to older models.
What stands out to you:
- 3.6L V6 with 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque
- Max towing up to 5,000 lbs
- Nearly 10 inches of ground clearance standard
- Factory winch option rated at 8,000 lbs
- Built-in navigation with 2,000+ trail routes
The Rubicon X package raises the price, but you gain Nappa leather, upgraded wheels, suspension options, and more features inside. You also get 12-way power seats, Alpine audio, and the larger 12.3-inch screen.
You will still hear road noise, especially with the soft top. Steering has some play, which fits the Wrangler feel.
The convertible top works with you, not against you. You can open it while driving, and you do not need to store hard panels. Remove the doors, disconnect the sway bar, and use the off-road pages to track pitch and roll.
If you want strong off-road hardware without going to the 392 or the 4xe, this setup gives you that balance. You keep the classic Wrangler character while gaining better tech and more usable features.