IanNubbit
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Wanted to make a little post quick post that's also kind of a photo dump to show some, possibly curious people who care about the little things, what changed with the new mid-cycle refresh. Everyone knows the radio and the grille of course (which did NOT change on the Sport and Sport S mind you), but there was loads of small things that might interest some. ALso note the two vehicles I have are a Sport S and a Sahara 4xE. Both are automatics with the 2.0T which is now the only engine option with an auto sans some weird rubicon trim restrictions they have going on now. Might add more details if I find them on more models that come in. Alright, let's get into it. We also did not have any powered seat models come in, I'm sad because I'm excited to see that implimentation.
First Is on the driver side of the dash. Looks like they wanted to simplify the part count (which I think happened with A-LOT of parts in this update) and not have 2 different panel, one for 4xE's and 240V outlets that have buttons here, and ones that dont. Here you can see its the shape of ones with buttons here, but with a pre-molded in panel of a JL and a JT
Next is the top of the dash compartment change. We didn't get a model in yet that has the upgraded speakers that would include a center channel speaker here. Here you get a big block of plastic and tiny super thin storage trays, this is again a parts count and manufacturing savings, but the loss of the center storage tray sucks. the 4xE has its charging light on the left side of this, stays on the center section now and does not go on the storage area like before. Note also here, basically every part up here was ever so slightly changed. All the phone mounts, duck holders, etc. are all going to be incompatible with the new dash.
The chunky boy as everyone wants to call it lol. The block behind the rear view mirror is nothing new, anyone who has adaptive cruise control knows that. What is new is the front section, new and improved microphones in a very obvious enclosure, much less hidden as before, disappointed no light was added here as that would have been a nice feature added.
The sound bar. I noticed this right away in press video but no one seemed to mention it. The entire thing was completely changed as you can see. the lights are more separated, and the center light that normally came on with the door being open was omitted altogether and the 4 spot lights take full responsibility now. The speaker grille shape changed drastically, strangely in a more organic shape, which is different then the more geometric dash touches. weird choice in my opinion, but here's the change.
Weird little one, but the rear center buckle was much smaller than before. this was only on the Sport S model, the 4xE sahara with the fold down center cup holder (even on cloth surprisingly) had the normal size buckle still. weird
New wheels! (Sport S model). Love the new center caps as well, can see lots of people buying these separately as upgrades for sure. Also not the new Nexen tires as the standard. The previous tires have been pretty bad from personal experience, so hopefully these work better since almost every FCA vehicle is moving to Nexens as the standard tire now.
Some people I've seen where curious as to what the new grab handle was like. So here's both a plastic one and a leather stitched one. Weird how they both have the same seats and dash color along with matching stitching. Note the Sport S did not have a center seat built cup holder fold down, but the Sahara does, even on the same seats
Since many people think the center vents where gone, here's a picture of them very much so present. Also, personal opinion, the rectangle vents are much better then the round vents and I think the outer vents should have been rectangle to match, similar to how the TJ vents looked. To all the "purists", round vents didn't start till '07, that's not how they have "always been"
Shot of the antenna being gone, now located in the windshield. Another lateral change in my opinion. Nice not to have the ugly antenna and catch point on the trails, but no one likes more expensive windshield replacements.
So this was surprising to me, and I should have got a picture in comparison, but the engine bay changed alot in the 2.0T. The turbo is an entire new model, not more mechanical wastegate linkage that made loads of noise before. The intake tube is nearly double in size, no I'm not exaggerating. I felt a small boost in power personally, but that could be placebo. I do think the longevity of the motor will be there though, anything that has to work less hard to make the same power helps longevity. Also note a bunch of random things moved slight and slight change in parts, some new caps on reservoirs, random hoses moved, things like that. ABS pump also looks brand new along with the brake resiviour.
Dumb little one I noticed, the front bumper connector changed, if you look at an older one you'll see what I mean
The Sport S grille is identical to the pre 24s, but do note the size of the vent opening are the size of the JT not the smaller old JL size. Didn't get to compare if the slots where the smaller or larger size though. Front bumper on the base model also had some minor molding around the fog lights changed, because why not I guess. Also is the Sahara with the new grille. I know not everyone agrees, but wow this grille looks great in person. Much more modern, but very clear Wrangler and 7 slots very proud and visible. The design is very in line with the other Jeep vehicle out right now and certainly brings the wrangler to that same design cue. Will definitely be debating getting one of these for my JT. I also think the wider look due to the shorter looking grille greatly helps the look of the front of the Jeep as well.
Noticed with the added curtain air bags the entire front upper trim is new. Grab handles are different in every aspect, the corner is a completely different shape, the side section are ever so slightly wider than prior. This again will affect the aftermarket more than anything. Can't really see in pictures but also noticed the left and right edges are not covering as much body and windscreen surround making much more metal pop though, you can very clearly see the body color of the Jeep on either side of the windshield. Random I know, but noticed it
I'll end this with the dash that everyone loves to hate. I'll come right out and say it, It's 100 times better in person then any picture I've seen. The new cluster surround, the radio, the three dash accent top, right and left, the new radio, it looks really well done and certainly a new thing that's not just a iPad on a dash like the Compass or Hornet for example. The screen stays in the dash, while slightly protruding for a nice look but not going above the upper dash line. UConnect 5 and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is great. I did notice there some air vents, looks like exhaust on the top of the radio. This is great for cooling what is basically a full fledged android tab as a radio (Yes Uconnect 5 is android based, no it does not look like android), buttttt, not great for water. it's totally covered by the windshield, so *should be fine, but theres your warning.
All in all, Jeep did great here. I think many people will welcome the new add-ons, and people will complain about anything as well, so can't do anything about the people who hate it. Used is alway an option, and so are mods. No you can't add any of this to your pre 2024 JLs, except the grille, that's literally plug and play, everything else will not work with the prior model years.
First Is on the driver side of the dash. Looks like they wanted to simplify the part count (which I think happened with A-LOT of parts in this update) and not have 2 different panel, one for 4xE's and 240V outlets that have buttons here, and ones that dont. Here you can see its the shape of ones with buttons here, but with a pre-molded in panel of a JL and a JT
Next is the top of the dash compartment change. We didn't get a model in yet that has the upgraded speakers that would include a center channel speaker here. Here you get a big block of plastic and tiny super thin storage trays, this is again a parts count and manufacturing savings, but the loss of the center storage tray sucks. the 4xE has its charging light on the left side of this, stays on the center section now and does not go on the storage area like before. Note also here, basically every part up here was ever so slightly changed. All the phone mounts, duck holders, etc. are all going to be incompatible with the new dash.
The chunky boy as everyone wants to call it lol. The block behind the rear view mirror is nothing new, anyone who has adaptive cruise control knows that. What is new is the front section, new and improved microphones in a very obvious enclosure, much less hidden as before, disappointed no light was added here as that would have been a nice feature added.
The sound bar. I noticed this right away in press video but no one seemed to mention it. The entire thing was completely changed as you can see. the lights are more separated, and the center light that normally came on with the door being open was omitted altogether and the 4 spot lights take full responsibility now. The speaker grille shape changed drastically, strangely in a more organic shape, which is different then the more geometric dash touches. weird choice in my opinion, but here's the change.
Weird little one, but the rear center buckle was much smaller than before. this was only on the Sport S model, the 4xE sahara with the fold down center cup holder (even on cloth surprisingly) had the normal size buckle still. weird
New wheels! (Sport S model). Love the new center caps as well, can see lots of people buying these separately as upgrades for sure. Also not the new Nexen tires as the standard. The previous tires have been pretty bad from personal experience, so hopefully these work better since almost every FCA vehicle is moving to Nexens as the standard tire now.
Some people I've seen where curious as to what the new grab handle was like. So here's both a plastic one and a leather stitched one. Weird how they both have the same seats and dash color along with matching stitching. Note the Sport S did not have a center seat built cup holder fold down, but the Sahara does, even on the same seats
Since many people think the center vents where gone, here's a picture of them very much so present. Also, personal opinion, the rectangle vents are much better then the round vents and I think the outer vents should have been rectangle to match, similar to how the TJ vents looked. To all the "purists", round vents didn't start till '07, that's not how they have "always been"
Shot of the antenna being gone, now located in the windshield. Another lateral change in my opinion. Nice not to have the ugly antenna and catch point on the trails, but no one likes more expensive windshield replacements.
So this was surprising to me, and I should have got a picture in comparison, but the engine bay changed alot in the 2.0T. The turbo is an entire new model, not more mechanical wastegate linkage that made loads of noise before. The intake tube is nearly double in size, no I'm not exaggerating. I felt a small boost in power personally, but that could be placebo. I do think the longevity of the motor will be there though, anything that has to work less hard to make the same power helps longevity. Also note a bunch of random things moved slight and slight change in parts, some new caps on reservoirs, random hoses moved, things like that. ABS pump also looks brand new along with the brake resiviour.
Dumb little one I noticed, the front bumper connector changed, if you look at an older one you'll see what I mean
The Sport S grille is identical to the pre 24s, but do note the size of the vent opening are the size of the JT not the smaller old JL size. Didn't get to compare if the slots where the smaller or larger size though. Front bumper on the base model also had some minor molding around the fog lights changed, because why not I guess. Also is the Sahara with the new grille. I know not everyone agrees, but wow this grille looks great in person. Much more modern, but very clear Wrangler and 7 slots very proud and visible. The design is very in line with the other Jeep vehicle out right now and certainly brings the wrangler to that same design cue. Will definitely be debating getting one of these for my JT. I also think the wider look due to the shorter looking grille greatly helps the look of the front of the Jeep as well.
Noticed with the added curtain air bags the entire front upper trim is new. Grab handles are different in every aspect, the corner is a completely different shape, the side section are ever so slightly wider than prior. This again will affect the aftermarket more than anything. Can't really see in pictures but also noticed the left and right edges are not covering as much body and windscreen surround making much more metal pop though, you can very clearly see the body color of the Jeep on either side of the windshield. Random I know, but noticed it
I'll end this with the dash that everyone loves to hate. I'll come right out and say it, It's 100 times better in person then any picture I've seen. The new cluster surround, the radio, the three dash accent top, right and left, the new radio, it looks really well done and certainly a new thing that's not just a iPad on a dash like the Compass or Hornet for example. The screen stays in the dash, while slightly protruding for a nice look but not going above the upper dash line. UConnect 5 and wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is great. I did notice there some air vents, looks like exhaust on the top of the radio. This is great for cooling what is basically a full fledged android tab as a radio (Yes Uconnect 5 is android based, no it does not look like android), buttttt, not great for water. it's totally covered by the windshield, so *should be fine, but theres your warning.
All in all, Jeep did great here. I think many people will welcome the new add-ons, and people will complain about anything as well, so can't do anything about the people who hate it. Used is alway an option, and so are mods. No you can't add any of this to your pre 2024 JLs, except the grille, that's literally plug and play, everything else will not work with the prior model years.
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