2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2023 Volkswagen ID.4

Volkswagen made subtle styling changes to the 2023 ID.4, including a gloss black trim on the front bumper and a more squared-off rear bumper design to improve aerodynamics. New wheel designs and colors were introduced, and the rear VW logo now lights up. Despite these updates, the ID.4 didn't look particularly SUV-like, lacking the upright profile and ground clearance typical of traditional SUVs. This could be a drawback for buyers attracted to the rugged look of conventional SUVs. However, the ID.4's design was in line with other electric vehicles like the Chevrolet Bolt EUV, which also blurred the lines between hatchback and SUV.

The ID.4 was built on VW’s MEB platform, designed specifically for EVs, offering modularity to support various models. The interior carried over the best qualities from recent VW gasoline-car interiors, featuring a minimalist design and a high-quality feel. Even the base ID.4 Standard model, with its manual driver’s seat, didn't feel like a significant downgrade from higher trims. Leatherette upholstery with recycled fiber inserts was standard for 2023, adding to the eco-friendly appeal of the vehicle.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler maintained its iconic burly, body-on-frame look, with larger tires on the more capable models like the new Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims. A redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon, was shorter and wider, allowing for more airflow into the engine bay. The antenna was integrated into the windshield to avoid snagging on bushes and branches during off-roading. Additionally, drivers had a choice of 10 new wheel designs.

The Wrangler was built for rugged adventures with various roof options, including a traditional soft-top, a full hard top, a hard top with a retractable sunroof, and a power-retractable sunroof. The windshield could fold down, and the doors could be removed completely. For those who preferred a bit more structure, full doors, half doors, or tube doors from Mopar were available. These features made the Wrangler highly customizable and adaptable to different off-road conditions.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 offered a new 62-kWh battery pack for the base Standard and S models, available only with RWD. The Pro, Pro S, and Pro S Plus trims retained the 82-kWh pack, available with either RWD or AWD. Single-motor RWD models produced 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque, while dual-motor AWD models increased output to 295 horsepower and 339 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. The smaller battery pack reduced curb weight by 240 pounds, potentially improving acceleration and handling.

The ID.4's AWD version had acceleration comparable to hot hatchbacks like VW’s Golf GTI and Golf R, but it lacked the handling finesse. While comfortable and refined, the ID.4 allowed too much body roll on twisty roads. Regenerative braking was standard, but VW opted for a more traditional coasting experience rather than one-pedal driving, which might disappoint some EV enthusiasts. However, this provided a more familiar experience for first-time EV drivers.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains, including a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a plug-in hybrid version with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a 6.4-liter V8 engine with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Different transfer cases were available, each offering varying levels of off-road capability. The Wrangler 392 featured the full-time 4WD Selec-Trac system, while the Rubicon trim had the Rock-Trac transfer case.

Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual was available with the 3.6-liter engine. The 4xe PHEV Wrangler combined the 2.0-liter turbo engine with two electric motors, offering 21 miles of all-electric range and excellent power ratings. The 4xe Rubicon included front and rear locking differentials and a new Offroad+ button for sand dune driving or rock crawling. The solid front and rear axles provided plenty of articulation for better traction in rough terrain, and the BF Goodrich KO2 tires offered excellent grip off-road.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 provided more interior space than other affordable EVs, with more front-seat and rear-seat legroom than the Chevrolet Bolt EV or Nissan Leaf, and more headroom than the 2023 Kia Niro EV. It offered 30.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats up and 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, making it more practical than most entry-level EVs. The ID.4 also had a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds for RWD models and 2,700 pounds for AWD models, adding some utility.

VW made small interior changes for 2023, including a conventional lid for the center console, a better spot for a phone, and three-zone climate control with rear-seat controls and heated outboard rear seats. These updates improved functionality and comfort for passengers.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw an upgraded towing capacity, now rated to tow 5,000 pounds for four-door Rubicon-trim models with the gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engine, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires. Other models remained at a 3,500-pound towing capacity. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel, but ventilated seats were not available. New for 2024 were 12-way power adjustable front seats, which could be adjusted even when submerged in water.

The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box that could power accessories like blenders, power tools, or portable refrigerators. This inverter ran off the 17.3-kWh battery, adding convenience for outdoor adventures.

For 2023, the Volkswagen ID.4 came standard with a 12.0-inch touchscreen, replacing the 10.0-inch screen on lower trims. The infotainment system received software updates for improved responsiveness, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remained standard. The ID.Cockpit digital instrument cluster was also standard. Despite the updates, the user experience remained similar, with sharp graphics and natural-language voice recognition.

The ID.4's user interface included haptic touchpads on the dashboard and steering wheel, which replaced conventional buttons. These touchpads lacked physical feedback, making them distracting to use. However, the voice recognition system often made these controls redundant. The ID.Light feature, part ambient lighting system and part AI assistant, provided visual cues for navigation and drive modes.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, with optional navigation. The interface was cleaner and easier to use, with many USB-A and -C ports and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The new system was faster, especially when accessing the Off-Road Pages, which displayed data like transmission temperature, battery charge, pitch and roll gauges, and drivetrain indicators.

The Trails Offroad feature provided a guide to over 200 trails, including all 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails, with descriptions and dual difficulty ratings. A subscription offered access to 3,000 trails. Other new features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and the ability to store up to five user profiles.

The 2023 Volkswagen ID.4 received a five-star overall safety rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), with five stars in frontal and side crash tests, and four stars in rollover crash tests. The 2022 model received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest “Top Safety Pick+” rating, with top scores in all crash tests and high ratings for front crash prevention. The ID.4 also included a good complement of standard driver-assist features, such as forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and VW’s Travel Assist 2.0.

For 2023, the ID.4 added standard Park Assist Plus automated parking, an automated lane-change feature for Travel Assist, and a 360-degree camera system.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Forward collision warning was standard on all but the base model, while other advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist were optional. The Wrangler did not offer lane-keeping assist or other highway assist features.

The 2024 Wrangler had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS. The 2023 model received four stars for frontal crash protection and three stars for rollover protection from the NHTSA. The IIHS rated the four-door Wrangler as “Good” in roof strength and head restraints and seats, but “Moderate” in frontal and side crashes. These ratings were expected to improve with the addition of side curtain airbags for 2024.