Jeep unveils 2024 Wrangler SUV in next stage of off-road sales battle with Ford Bronco

Jeep is updating its flagship Wrangler SUV with more capability, technologies and features as it battles for off-road buyers against Ford’s newer Bronco.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler features an evolutionary exterior design, which is typical for the quintessential SUV, and a redesigned interior that includes additional safety, convenience and tech features such as a 12.3-inch center control screen.

“Today, we are raising the bar once again by combining the most capable Wrangler to date, with more technology, comfort and safety features,” Jeep CEO Christian Meunier, said in a release pegged to the vehicle’s reveal Wednesday at the New York International Auto Show.

In addition to the interior upgrades, the 2024 Wrangler will offer additional off-road features such as larger tires and an 8,000-pound-capacity warn winch. It also adds many additional safety features and new roof options similar to what Ford’s Bronco has offered since it arrived to market in 2021.

Jeep, specifically with the Wrangler, has long dominated the off-road SUV segment. Many competitors from General Motors, Ford Motor and others have come and gone, but the Wrangler has remained the industry-leader.

However, the Ford Bronco has been gaining momentum — following some launch and supply chain problems. Ford sold 117,057 Broncos last year. That compares to 181,409 Jeep Wranglers sold. The sales gap between the two significantly narrowed during the first quarter of this year, however, to fewer than 2,000 vehicles.

A key differentiator attracting new customers to the Wrangler is a plug-in hybrid electric version, or PHEV, that the brand calls “4xe,” a play on the brand’s “4×4” off-road reputation combined with electrification.

The Wrangler 4xe has been the best-selling PHEV in the U.S. for the past two years, according to the company. The automaker hopes to further expand those…