2024 Technology Group

[R4D4R]

Im thinking of putting in an order for a Willys likely early next year. Working through packages, not sure, exactly what the technology group will get me and if its worth it. Looking through the order guides, it looks like this group only has the bigger alternator (which the WIllys already has by default) and the Alpine audio. Is that is? That doesnt seem like its worth the $1200 to me. Really, my "wants" list is heated seats, dual climate, and garage opener, which is in the convenience package, and the Android Auto/Apple car play which looks to also be a default. What am I missing here?

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[tomk62]

Here's a screenshot of the window sticker for my 2024 Sahara showing what's included in the packages:

 

[deznut6]

I have it on mine ( 2024 Willys 2 door) ...suggest you search this forum about speaker replacements for the alpine system ...the owners of the Alpine system in their older Jeeps may have a better comparison/review that what I could give. Jeeps are noisy ( I have a hard top and will be adding Hot Head insulation) and any "improvement" to help the music reach my old ears IMO was worth it. We drove it home from Granger in Iowa ( 1800 miles) in some pretty bad rain storms, the system continued to sound good...Vocals sound better than instrumentals ( I'm 70yrs old, so new rock/rap/hip hop was not "tested") . I have NOT played around with the balance or fade yet. I do not know what a "stock" (Tech pkg NOT ordered/installed) sounds like, ( I have read on this forum that in the older Jeeps it is NOT very good) but I like the sound this new system produces ( mainly playing Sirrus Xm channel 17 on the way home) . I do wish it had automatic volume control (automatically increase volume at speed due to road noise) my 2012 Honda Goldwing had it and we enjoyed it while long distance touring with the bike. Is it a good Value?....didn't have to source new speakers and amp and install all that, plus how does the "new installed mods" would interact with the new Uconnect system??...IMO yes, it is worth it.

 

[Thunderjet]

Personally I would not buy a new Wrangler without the Alpine system. It is very good.

 

[Blues Fan 30]

Im thinking of putting in an order for a Willys likely early next year. Working through packages, not sure, exactly what the technology group will get me and if its worth it. Looking through the order guides, it looks like this group only has the bigger alternator (which the WIllys already has by default) and the Alpine audio. Is that is? That doesnt seem like its worth the $1200 to me. Really, my "wants" list is heated seats, dual climate, and garage opener, which is in the convenience package, and the Android Auto/Apple car play which looks to also be a default. What am I missing here?

So to me I ordered the sahara where its way more expensive for the tech package. However, I viewed it as worth it as a decent stereo setup was a must. You could EASILY spend 2000+ on a similar setup from some custom audio place but then it wouldn't have the same factory look as far as the subwoofer goes. Anything else on top is an unnecessary bonus I guess. Do I think it's overpriced still based on the fact that they are doing it in mass quantity and also can be more efficient with the install process? Probably. I'd say unless you're a huge audiophile and plan on an extensive and costly setup then it should definitely be worth spending a little extra for the upgrade.

 

[tomk62]

Just looked on jeep.com builds for both Willys and Sahara and they describe and price the technology packages differently:

Willys

Sahara

 

[R4D4R]

Thanks for the insights. So on the Willys it is only the upgraded stereo and no other options. Isnt the UC5 upgrade the default option on the 24s? I was most concerned with the AA/CP, but I guess that is all stock now anyway? I may go with the upgrade regardless, just nice to know my options.

 

[deznut6]

On my trip home from Granger....we used Android Auto as navigation , "Hey Google" worked well as Voice command, it would read incoming texts to me...it would suggest responses... as well as take my voice reply to send.
Note I hard wired (USB) my phone to the car to keep the phone charged...I believe it works Blue Tooth (wireless) as well.

 

[jludave]

Isnt the UC5 upgrade the default option on the 24s?

Correct.

 

[J5ryall10!]

I have a 2023 Sahara going back under lemon law. It came with upgraded Alpine audio. I ordered a replacement Willys and I added the upgraded audio because the speakers and sub are much better than stock.

Before placing the order I spoke with a car audio shop near me. He said that the price wasn't terrible for what they were including, and if all I wanted was a system that gave some decent bass depth and volume to counteract Jeep noise, it was worth it.

PS you can't compare the tech package on Willys to the Sahara--Sahara includes HD radio [not needed for me], GPS navigation [still no], and the front facing camera [nope]. So it is more expensive.

 

[OminousSkitter]

A lot of what I’ve read seems to be people in the 4-door love the alpine, and people in the 2-door think the sub is way overpowered. I’m in the latter boat. If UC5’s equalizer has a separate sub control, it might be significantly better. As it is, it’s my regret that I splurged on.

Edit: plus, the sub in the 2-door takes up valuable storage space in the only semi-secure area if you run topless.

 

[BXFXJeep]

It seems the only way to get the Alpine now is in that technology bundle, previously you were able to get the Alpine alone for about $700.

Personally the only thing of value in that package is the Alpine and maybe the Camera, but paying $2,295 is steep.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

I had a 2018 JLUR without the Alpine and now a 2021 JLUR with the Alpine. Honestly, I can't tell the difference and would not pay extra again for it.

 

[Clemson85Earl]

We just purchased a 2024 Sport S with the Tech Group. I would say the Alpine upgrade gives you extra volume which is needed if you plan to take the top off. The sub is in the back on the side so it does not take up valuable storage space. If you like music get it if not save some money. It was a no brainer for me. I always get the upgraded stereos in vehicles.

 

[AFD]

A lot of what I’ve read seems to be people in the 4-door love the alpine, and people in the 2-door think the sub is way overpowered. I’m in the latter boat. If UC5’s equalizer has a separate sub control, it might be significantly better. As it is, it’s my regret that I splurged on.

Edit: plus, the sub in the 2-door takes up valuable storage space in the only semi-secure area if you run topless.

I really don't regret having the Alpine for the 2-door, just really wish that for the price, they would've made a few minor improvements (sub level control, dash tweeters, 5-band EQ and better factory DSP/tuning for the 2-door cabin). Could've easily turned a good system into a great system for very little added cost, with 3 of those 4 things being resolved en masse solely by a software/programming change for the stereo and the other likely being less than $20 in parts per vehicle.

Oh, and add 75¢ for a damn Alpine badge somewhere. Completely unnecessary, but it just seems cheap and kinda weird not seeing the brand of a factory premium audio system anywhere on the entire vehicle, at least for the 2-door (think the 4-door says Alpine on the sub).

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