American automaker Jeep recently unveiled the facelifted Wrangler at the on-going 2023 New York Auto Show. The popular fourth-generation SUV has finally received an update after 6 years of being on sale. The New Jeep Wrangler features a revised front end and an updated interior with added features. The brand has also introduced two new trims with the facelift. We take a closer look.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Facelift: Exterior Design
The upcoming Jeep Wrangler Facelift features a smaller front grille with black slats as standard, except for the Wrangler Sahara variant. The slats themselves have been redesigned to improve engine cooling, and are thinner than before. The slimmer grille also allows more space to fit the heavy-duty Warn winch that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes with.
The side profile of the SUV stays the same as the outgoing model, except for 10 new alloy wheel designs ranging from 17-inch to 21-inch. The off-roader can also be optioned with 35-inch tyres. It retains its multiple roof options including the standard soft top, black hard top, body coloured soft, a hard and soft top combo, Sunrider top which only opens for the front passengers, and a dual-door group with half doors.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Facelift: Interior Features
The facelifted version receives updates to the interior as well. The dashboard is dominated by a new 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is standard across all variants. The central round AC vents have been replaced with smaller, rectangular ones which sit right below the screen. The rest of the cabin remains largely similar to the outgoing model.
The manufacturer has also added the Uconnect 5 system to the vehicle, bringing connected features to the SUV. This includes the Trails Off-road guide which has 62 famous off-road trails incorporated into the infotainment system as standard. Customers in America can buy a premium subscription with over 3,000 trails.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Facelift: Powertrain Details
The 2023 Wrangler will continue with its existing powertrain options. Globally, the SUV is offered with four choices: a 2-litre turbo-petrol, a 2.0-litre PHEV, a 3.6-litre V6 and a 6.4-litre V8. The 2-litre turbo petrol engine makes 270 bhp with 400 Nm of peak torque while the PHEV delivers 375 bhp and 637 Nm torque. The 3.6-litre naturally aspirated V6 delivers a maximum power output of 285 bhp with 353 Nm of peak torque. Lastly, the large-capacity V8 produces 470 bhp and 637 Nm of peak torque. An 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox is standard across all the variants. There is also a 6-speed manual gearbox which is exclusive to the V6 trims.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Facelift: New Trims Added
The company has introduced two new trims with the Wrangler Facelift, the Rubicon X and Sport S 4xe. The former adds even more off-road hardware to the Rubicon with 35-inch tyres and integrated off-road cameras. The Sport S 4xe now brings the hybrid powertrain option to the Wrangler’s lower variants.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Facelift: India Launch and Rivals
While Jeep has not officially announced anything yet, the facelifted Wrangler will arrive in India soon after it is launched globally. Like the outgoing model, it will be assembled locally in the country via the CKD (Completely Knocked Down) route.
Prices for the SUV currently range from Rs 59.05 lakh to Rs 63.05 lakh (ex-showroom). Expect the model to receive a slight price hike with the upgrades. Upon launch, the Wrangler will compete against the Land Rover Defender.
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