Differences since refresh

[LLRubylady]

I was at the dealer today and looked at a Rubicon x.
For some reason it feels like the interior plastics are a little different than what I had in my 2018.
It's been almost 3 years since I sold it so it's hard to remember.
Also it seems like the steering wheels are a little thinner.
Am I nuts?
Anyhow, it felt really great being in one again.

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[Kyanche]

The dashboard was redesigned on the 2023s. The cluster has different plastic trim, the middle ac vents are different, the hvac control part of the center stack sticks out further, and of course there's a 12" screen instead of an 8" screen.

The plastics around the rollcage are also different afaik. Same with the grab handles on the A pillar. I want to say they also changed the plastic on the sides of the cargo area but I can't remember how.

So yea, lots of changes to plastics. The 2023+ also have the option of power front seats, which is definitely new and changes stuff.

 

[LLRubylady]

Yeah the grab handles seemed a little thinner and cheaper looking. I thought it was just me.
The round vents appear a wee bit smaller too.

 

[CJ26]

The most notable change for the 2024 (not 2023) interior is the UConnect 5 12.3-inch touchscreen. As a result, the round vents that surrounded the previous 8-incher have been reshaped to rectangles tucked right underneath the new screen. Also, with the refresh came the inclusion of side-curtain airbags to improve its safety score as well as the option for power front seats (Mostly in an effort to better compete with the Ford Bronco) As far as the rest of the interior goes, it seems exactly the same as it did when the JL launched for the 2018 model year. Same switch gear, steering wheel, plastic gradient, carpet, gauge cluster setup, gear shifter and seats.

Of course, with the interior refresh came one for the exterior. It's very mild but there are notable differences. The updated grille slots, new wheel designs and removing the passenger front-quarter mounted radio antenna. It's now integrated into the windshield. That latter is a great design, in my opinion. No tacky radio antenna anymore, especially for those who tackle trails with lots of brush and trees. Overall, it's a wonderful refresh. I definitely prefer it over the previous years. However, to the untrained eye, it's hard to distinguish a 2025 from a 2018.

 

[LLRubylady]

Personally I thought the 8.4 screen looked better. It was perfect in the dash. I liked the round center vents. But at least the new slot vents don’t seem to diminish the force of air. I always loved the way the way the jeep heated Like an oven.
The new screen is nice for the wider map field of view though.
Maybe the next model will take advantage of the whole screen for the backup camera and/or 360 camera.

I also noticed the little well that use to be at the top of the dash is no longer there. I used to keep a Milwaukee blade knife in my old one.
The electric seats are ok, but I liked the old ones.
It never bothered me to pull up the bar and hoist myself forward. Moving back to exit is a lot easier when you can just yank the thing and go back. Now I’d have to push the button and wait. But that’s a minor gripe.

 

[AVGeek99]

Yeah the grab handles seemed a little thinner and cheaper looking. I thought it was just me.

I don't know if they look any different but the grab handles are not as sturdy, at least not in my 2025. The grab handles were solid as a rock in my 2021. In my 2025 they do give a little when you push and pull on them, but they are sturdy enough to get the job done when I'm pulling myself up and in.

The electric seats are ok, but I liked the old ones.
It never bothered me to pull up the bar and hoist myself forward. Moving back to exit is a lot easier when you can just yank the thing and go back. Now I’d have to push the button and wait. But that’s a minor gripe.

The power seats are standard on the Rubicon X, but optional or not avaialable on other trims including the plain Rubicon, so you don't have to get them.

 

[Dan M.]

I'm guessing they had to redesign some of the trim pieces (including the grab handles) to allow for side impact airbags. you wouldn't want those things being launched into your face at 100 mph in an accident.

 

[LLRubylady]

I don't know if they look any different but the grab handles are not as sturdy, at least not in my 2025. The grab handles were solid as a rock in my 2021. In my 2025 they do give a little when you push and pull on them, but they are sturdy enough to get the job done when I'm pulling myself up and in.


The power seats are standard on the Rubicon X, but optional or not avaialable on other trims including the plain Rubicon, so you don't have to get them.

Yes, but the plain rubicon doesn't have the 35" tire package or leather if I recall??
I'll have to look at that again.

 

[Ratbert]

The most notable change for the 2024 (not 2023) interior is the UConnect 5 12.3-inch touchscreen. As a result, the round vents that surrounded the previous 8-incher have been reshaped to rectangles tucked right underneath the new screen. Also, with the refresh came the inclusion of side-curtain airbags to improve its safety score as well as the option for power front seats (Mostly in an effort to better compete with the Ford Bronco) As far as the rest of the interior goes, it seems exactly the same as it did when the JL launched for the 2018 model year. Same switch gear, steering wheel, plastic gradient, carpet, gauge cluster setup, gear shifter and seats.

Of course, with the interior refresh came one for the exterior. It's very mild but there are notable differences. The updated grille slots, new wheel designs and removing the passenger front-quarter mounted radio antenna. It's now integrated into the windshield. That latter is a great design, in my opinion. No tacky radio antenna anymore, especially for those who tackle trails with lots of brush and trees. Overall, it's a wonderful refresh. I definitely prefer it over the previous years. However, to the untrained eye, it's hard to distinguish a 2025 from a 2018.

It seems like people were complaining about fake leather now wrapping the steering wheel too.

 

[Ratbert]

I don't know if they look any different but the grab handles are not as sturdy, at least not in my 2025. The grab handles were solid as a rock in my 2021. In my 2025 they do give a little when you push and pull on them, but they are sturdy enough to get the job done when I'm pulling myself up and in.

I haven't tried the grab handles in a 2025, but is it possible that yours simply aren't sufficiently torqued down? I hope yours aren't the new normal.

 

[LLRubylady]

Well it seems I can build a regular rubicon and add the tire package and leather. Interesting.
So what's the difference between a regular rubicon loaded or the X?
Edit-the leather adds back power seats

 

[LLRubylady]

It seems like people were complaining about fake leather now wrapping the steering wheel too.

A lot of cars have fake leather now. My husband had an expensive Audi and the leather looked so cheap in it. It was horrible.

Thankfully there's lots of ways to customize the jeep. Just costs money. I liked the red stitching. I didn't see it at the one I viewed at the dealer.

 

[AVGeek99]

I haven't tried the grab handles in a 2025, but is it possible that yours simply aren't sufficiently torqued down? I hope yours aren't the new normal.

That's what I was thinking. But I did try to tighten them and they were already fully tightend. They aren't flimsy by any stretch. They are more than sturdy enough to use to pull myself into the Jeep. They just aren't unmoveable like the ones in my 2021 are.

 

[LLRubylady]

The most notable change for the 2024 (not 2023) interior is the UConnect 5 12.3-inch touchscreen. As a result, the round vents that surrounded the previous 8-incher have been reshaped to rectangles tucked right underneath the new screen. Also, with the refresh came the inclusion of side-curtain airbags to improve its safety score as well as the option for power front seats (Mostly in an effort to better compete with the Ford Bronco) As far as the rest of the interior goes, it seems exactly the same as it did when the JL launched for the 2018 model year. Same switch gear, steering wheel, plastic gradient, carpet, gauge cluster setup, gear shifter and seats.

Of course, with the interior refresh came one for the exterior. It's very mild but there are notable differences. The updated grille slots, new wheel designs and removing the passenger front-quarter mounted radio antenna. It's now integrated into the windshield. That latter is a great design, in my opinion. No tacky radio antenna anymore, especially for those who tackle trails with lots of brush and trees. Overall, it's a wonderful refresh. I definitely prefer it over the previous years. However, to the untrained eye, it's hard to distinguish a 2025 from a 2018.

Yeah that front grille. It's sad in my opinion. But the old one fits so there's that.
Steering wheel definitely different. My '18 had a textured center cap and definitely thicker. I suppose
It could be swapped out with an older one.
But you're right if you didn't have one to compare you wouldn't know.

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