Jeep Wrangler vs Volkswagen ID.4

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler retained its rugged, burly look, true to its heritage with a body-on-frame design. Despite a plethora of powertrains and off-road systems, the Wrangler's appearance remained consistent across its lineup, save for minor differentiations like larger tires on the Rubicon X and Rubicon 392 trims. A notable update for the year was the redesigned grille, originally introduced on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon. This new, shorter and wider grille allowed for greater engine bay airflow. The Wrangler also upgraded its traditional antenna to an integrated windshield antenna, minimizing snagging on bushes and tree branches during off-roading. Additionally, Jeep offered drivers a selection of ten new wheel designs for their Wrangler.

The Wrangler continued to cater to adventurers with various roof options, including a traditional soft-top, a full hard top, a hard top with a retractable sunroof over the front seats, and a power-retractable sunroof for the entire cabin. The doors and windshield could also be removed for an open-air experience, or half doors and tube doors from Mopar provided a middle ground.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 adopted a more conservative and timeless look, characteristic of most Volkswagen models. Drama was absent from its design, though the AWD versions now featured standard 20-inch wheels, and the S Plus trim sported a unique 21-inch design. The ID.4 lineup extended to two models, the ID.4 and ID.4 Pro, differentiated by their battery capacities (62 kWh for the ID.4 and 82 kWh for the Pro). The ID.4 Pro models could also be outfitted with AWD for enhanced performance. Prices ranged from $39,735 to $57,055, exclusive of a $1,425 destination charge from the Chattanooga, Tennessee factory.

Volkswagen offered incentives for the 2024 ID.4, including eligibility for a $7,500 federal tax credit and 500 kWh of free DC fast charging at Electrify America stations, complemented by a three-year EA Pass+ membership. The interior of the S and S Plus trims moved away from the previous Cosmic interior, now offering Cosmic Black or Galaxy upholstery options.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains appealing to different performance and off-road needs. Buyers could choose between a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a plug-in hybrid version of the same engine delivering 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter naturally aspirated V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, or a formidable 6.4-liter V8 generating 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Various transfer cases catered to different off-road capabilities, including the Command-Trac system in the Sport or Sahara trims, offering basic 4WD with low range. Those wanting more speed could opt for the Wrangler 392 with the Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system. The Rubicon trim featured the Rock-Trac transfer case, available in either part-time or full-time 4WD. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual was available with the 3.6-liter engine.

We preferred the 4xe PHEV Wrangler, which combined the 2.0-liter turbo engine with two electric motors and a battery, offering 21 miles of all-electric range and impressive power ratings. The 4xe matched the 392 in torque, providing efficiency without compromising on power.

On the other hand, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 proved to be a competent EV thanks to its new rear electric drive motor in single-motor Pro (82 kWh) models, delivering 282 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The 62-kWh models retained the previous motor’s output of 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. The AWD Pro version added an electric motor at the front, bringing the total output to 335 horsepower and 402 pound-feet of torque, achieving 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The ID.4 Pro models offered increased driving ranges on a full charge: 291 miles with RWD and 263 miles with AWD, while the 62-kWh models had an EPA estimated range of 206 miles. Both batteries fully charged within 6.25 to 8 hours using Level 2 home charging stations, whereas DC fast charging significantly reduced charging time.

During our testing, we drove an ID.4 Pro S with RWD in the Pasadena area. Despite the brief two-hour drive, the ID.4 performed well across various terrain, showcasing its improved acceleration, effortless merging on freeways, and easy mountain road navigation. However, more road noise was evident at higher speeds.

For 2024, the Wrangler's towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds, a significant upgrade from its previous 3,500-pound maximum. This enhancement was attributed to a full-float solid rear axle, but it was exclusive to four-door Rubicon trims with the gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engines, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires. All other models retained the 3,500-pound tow rating.

Inside the Wrangler, heated seats and a heated steering wheel were available, though ventilated seats were still absent. New 12-way power adjustable front seats were introduced, designed to withstand water exposure when doors are removed. The 4xe trim featured a 30-amp Power Box inverter, utilizing the 17.3-kWh battery to power various accessories.

In contrast, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 received several interior enhancements aimed at increasing usability and comfort. The transmission selector moved to a stalk on the right of the steering wheel, while touch-sensitive lighting controls were grouped on the left side of the dashboard. The touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel also received minor updates.

The ID.4 Pro models benefitted from a new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system, offering improved usability with a more accessible climate control interface and illuminated touch sliders for volume and temperature adjustments at night. Comfort features included ventilated front seats in the Pro S and Pro S Plus trims, enhancing the experience in warmer climates.

Both front seats in the ID.4 were comfortable, with excellent visibility and standard heated features. Rear-seat passengers enjoyed sufficient legroom, foot room, and thigh support, along with rear air conditioning vents, USB-C ports, and additional storage. The ID.4 featured a 60/40-split folding back seat with a center pass-through, offering 30.3 cubic feet of cargo capacity, expandable to 64.2 cubic feet with the rear seats folded. Unlike traditional vehicles, the ID.4 did not have a front trunk (frunk).

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler boasted a 12.3-inch center infotainment screen using Uconnect5. Although navigation was optional, the system offered cleaner graphics and an easier interface. Multiple USB ports and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were standard across all trims.

The new system performed faster, significantly improving the Off-Road Pages feature, which now loaded instantly. This feature provided comprehensive data, including transmission temperature, battery charge, pitch, roll gauges, and drivetrain indicators. The Trails Offroad feature offered guidance on over 200 trails, with the option to subscribe for 3,000 trails.

The Wrangler also introduced a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and storage for up to five user profiles.

Meanwhile, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4's centerpiece was the new 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the Pro models. Despite being less graphically appealing, its usability improved markedly. The home screen was user-customizable, and the climate controls were permanently visible at the screen’s bottom. Volume and temperature touch-sliders were illuminated at night.

A novel feature was the navigation system's battery preconditioning, optimizing for DC fast charging during long trips. Optional was a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, available exclusively on the S Plus trim.

Volkswagen’s infotainment system received three years of complimentary Plus Nav and Plus Speech, with a digital voice assistant named Ida for conversational commands, though success with voice commands varied. Two Car-Net connected service plans also came with five years of free access: Remote Access and Safe & Secure. Additionally, the ID.4 could be a Wi-Fi hotspot, with an optional Plus Online Radio Package offering over 30,000 stations.

In 2024, Jeep equipped the Wrangler with first- and second-row side-curtain airbags for the first time. Forward collision warning became standard on all but the base model, though advanced driver assist features like blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist remained optional on most trims. Lane-keeping assist, lane-follow, or highway assist features were still not available.

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler garnered mixed safety ratings, with four out of five stars for frontal crash protection and three out of five stars for rollover protection from NHTSA. IIHS rated the four-door Wrangler as “Good” for roof strength and head restraints and seats but “Moderate” for frontal and side crashes. The 2024 ratings were anticipated to improve due to the addition of side-curtain airbags.

Conversely, the 2024 Volkswagen ID.4 included a post-collision braking system, bringing the vehicle to a stop after an airbag deployment to prevent further injury. Volkswagen's IQ.Drive suite of advanced driver assistance systems was standard, featuring Travel Assist and Emergency Assist. Travel Assist managed following distance and lane-centering smoothly, while Emergency Assist could safely stop the vehicle if the driver became unresponsive.

The ID.4 also offered a semi-autonomous parking assist system, including Memory Parking, which could execute up to five saved parking maneuvers.

In crash testing, the ID.4 received favorable ratings from NHTSA. IIHS testing was incomplete but positive.