Jeep Wrangler Engine Options: 4 Powertrains to Choose From

Also, watch our 2024 Wrangler video on YouTube.

The significantly refreshed 2024 Wrangler comes with four powertrain options, ranging from a spirited 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, with a rated 270 horsepower, 295 lb.-ft. of torque, right up to the very beefy 6.4-litre V8, which delivers 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

Here’s a closer look at each one. To learn more about the new Wrangler, including our off-roading impressions, read our story — 2024 Jeep Wrangler Release Date, Price & First Drive Review.

Wrangler 2.0L Turbocharged Plug-in Hybrid (PHEV) 4xe

Hybrid setup focused on power and efficiency

• 375 horsepower (combined motor & engine)
• 470 lb.-ft. of torque
• Transmission: 8P75PH PHEV automatic, eight-speed Overdrive
• Standard (all ESS models); all Wrangler 4xe models

A brawny, rock-bashing Wrangler with electric propulsion? Yes, we’re at the point. Perhaps not for the hardcore Jeepers, but for those who value efficiency with all of the Wrangler’s iconic charm, the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) may fit the bill. 

The fuel-efficient 4xe, a plug-in hybrid (PHEV), combines the 2.0-litre turbo engine with a 400-volt, 17-kWh battery pack that drives two electric motors. The 4xe’s powertrain delivers a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, more than enough for highway driving and crawling through the boondocks.

Based on our test drive in Utah, the 4xe’s hybrid powertrain is efficient and powerful on the highway. Still, on the trail, there was an annoying surge as the vehicle transitioned from electric to ICE power in tricky rock-crawling manoeuvres. Jeep has also improved the Wrangler’s agility, with room for bigger tires, more ground clearance, and a floating rear axle on the Rubicon. 

Wrangler 2.0L Turbocharged I-4 Engine

The all-round, well-balances engine 

• 270 horsepower
• 295 lb.-ft. of torque
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic
• Standard: Sahara, High Altitude
• Available: Sport, Rubicon (all ESS)

For improved durability, this engine’s turbo is mounted directly to the cylinder head. Performance and responsiveness improve courtesy of a twin-scroll, low-inertia turbocharger with an electronically actuated waste gate. 

Furthermore, Jeep added a dedicated cooling circuit to help lower the temperature of the intake air, throttle body, and turbocharger. All good for a respectable 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque, and paired to a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and engine stop-start (ESS).

According to Jeep, this mill meets SULEV 30 emissions standards and also keeps fuel consumption in check without compromising high levels of performance; this 4-cylinder engine finds Double Overhead Camshafts (DOHC), dual independent camshaft timing, and a cooled exhaust gas recirculation (C-EGR) system.

Wrangler 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine

Off-road engine with low-end torque and manual transmission

• 285 horsepower
• 260 lb.-ft. of torque
• Transmission: six-speed manual (standard); eight-speed automatic (optional) 
• Standard (all engine stop-start, MTX only): Sport, Rubicon
• Available (all engine stop-start, ATX only): Rubicon

For those Jeep Wrangler shoppers looking to push their SUVs to the limit but can’t opt for the V8, this V6 is a great choice — plus, it features the engine stop-start (ESS) as standard. 

Above all, the engine mates to a six-speed manual transmission as standard while still offering eight-speed automatic transmission as an option. 

The 3.6L V6 is a dedicated, off-road engine focusing on low-end torque, with enough power across a broader torque band. The Pentastar V6 puts down 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The ample low-end torque and manual transmission combo is what sets this V6 apart — an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. 

Wrangler 6.4L V8 Engine

Tuned specifically for the range-topping Wrangler Rubicon 392

• 470 horsepower
• 470 lb.-ft. of torque
• Transmission: eight-speed automatic
• Standard: Rubicon 392 only

Aside from immense power, this burly V8 is packed with tech and features, like Fuel Saver Technology, to help fuel economy and lessen the strain on the engine by deactivating cylinders for lighter driving duties like highway driving and suburban affairs. Essentially, the eight-cylinder engine seamlessly shifts to smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode.

But we’re sure Wrangler Rubicon 392 buyers are less concerned with fuel economy and more with this beast’s off-road prowess. From rock-climbing to sprinting on the open roads, this V8 sports nearly 75% of peak torque available above engine idle speed to ensure performance isn’t compromised. 

Enabling the full-size Rubicon 392 model to sprint 0-60 mph in a swift 4.5 seconds yet still managing nearly 500 horsepower, this brawny engine uses a cast iron cylinder block, aluminum heads, active intake manifold, variable camshaft timing, twin spark plugs per cylinder, sodium-filled exhaust valves, hollow-stem intake valves, and piston oil cooling jets.

Feeding the big mil fresh, cool air is a function hood scoop up front. Paired with the new Hydro-Guide air intake system, Jeep ensured Rubicon 392 off-roaders could traverse water when necessary by pushing moisture away from the engine via a one-way drain in the air box that will separate up to 15 gallons of water per minute. It’s all good for up to 34 inches deep. 

Of course, upon startup, this V8 will purr to let your neighbours know you’re up — courtesy of the standard active dual-mode exhaust, which engages automatically, opening the V8’s valves in the exhaust system under higher engine loads to reduce exhaust back pressure. The Rubicon 392’s distinct quad tailpipes are a nice touch, too. 

Other key features include a rear sump oil pan, a high-mount alternator, and free-flowing exhaust manifolds —  all fitted to the engine. 

Unfortunately, there is no stick shift with the V8; instead, a high-torque capacity TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission comes standard, promising quick, crisp gear changes during normal and performance driving conditions. 

Shopping for a new SUV? Here are some other 2024 new and redesigned SUVs worth considering.

2024 Wrangler engine specs and images