2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Genesis GV70

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler boasted an array of powertrains and off-road systems, but its iconic burly, body-on-frame aesthetic remained consistent across the lineup. The keen-eyed observer might have spotted larger tires on models like the new Rubicon X and Rubicon 392, but the general appearance stayed uniform. A significant visual update included a redesigned grille, first seen on the 2023 20th Anniversary edition of the Wrangler Rubicon. This updated grille was shorter and wider, allowing for increased airflow into the engine bay. Another notable modification was the integration of the antenna into the windshield, a clever improvement to prevent it from snagging on bushes and tree branches during off-roading. Additionally, drivers had the option to select from 10 new wheel designs. The Wrangler catered to adventure enthusiasts with a variety of roof configurations, including traditional soft-top, full hard top, retractable sunroof hard top, and power-retractable sunroof options. The flexibility extended further with a fold-down windshield and removable doors, offering full, half, or tube door choices.

In contrast, the 2024 Genesis GV70 stood out within both the Genesis lineup and its competitive set with a sleek, sophisticated design. Shared styling features like split headlights and a large shield-like grille ensured brand recognition, but the GV70 was sleeker than the larger GV80, avoiding the quirky extremes of the smaller GV60. Notable details included a hatchback-like rear window profile, large round exhaust outlets on the Sport Prestige trim, and unique 21-inch (standard 19-inch) wheel designs. The GV70 struck a balance between SUV presence and luxury-car elegance, outshining competitors like the Audi Q5, BMW X3, Porsche Macan, and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class. The Electrified GV70 mirrored the gasoline model’s styling, with a glittery grille housing the charge port for convenient straight-in parking at charging stations. Inside, the GV70's distinctive design featured a futuristic infotainment system, elliptical pod for climate controls and knobs, and a rounded cross-section dashboard, creating a uniquely modern aesthetic.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a range of powertrains to cater to different driving preferences. Choices included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine delivering 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, a plug-in hybrid variant of the same engine boosting output to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet, and a robust 6.4-liter V8 producing 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Transfer case options varied, from the basic Command-Trac 4WD system on Sport and Sahara trims to the high-performance Rock-Trac system on the Rubicon, with the Wrangler 392 featuring a Selec-Trac system for full-time 4WD. Most models came with an eight-speed automatic transmission, with a six-speed manual available for the 3.6-liter engine. Test drives highlighted the 4xe PHEV as a top choice, offering 21 miles of all-electric range and matching the 392’s torque but in a more efficient package.

The 2024 Genesis GV70 retained its powertrain options from the previous year, with the gasoline model featuring a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine producing 300 horsepower and 311 pound-feet of torque, and a 3.5-liter twin-turbo V6 generating 375 horsepower and 391 pound-feet. Both engines paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and standard AWD. The Electrified GV70 used front and rear motors to produce 429 horsepower and 516 pound-feet, with a Boost Mode increasing output to 483 horsepower for short bursts. Despite strong acceleration capabilities, the GV70’s chassis tuning didn’t quite match its sporty aspirations, feeling heavier and less agile than competitors like the Acura RDX and Porsche Macan. It offered reasonable comfort, though its suspension could be harsh over bumps. Even the Electrified model, weighing more than its gasoline counterpart, maintained a similar driving experience. Handy features like steering-wheel paddles for adjusting regenerative braking and an EPA-rated 236-mile range made the Electrified GV70 a practical choice for EV enthusiasts.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler saw an upgrade in towing capacity, increasing from 3,500 pounds to 5,000 pounds for four-door Rubicon models equipped with the 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engines, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires. This enhancement was due to the new full-float solid rear axle. Inside, the Wrangler offered heated seats and a heated steering wheel but lacked ventilated seats. The introduction of 12-way power-adjustable front seats improved comfort, with a mechanism capable of functioning despite exposure to water when the doors were off. The 4xe model featured a 30-amp Power Box, capable of running accessories off its 17.3-kWh battery, enhancing its utility for outdoor activities.

The Genesis GV70 provided comparable interior space to its rivals, with slightly less headroom but more streamlined roofline advantages. It had a fraction more front-seat legroom compared to the BMW X3 and Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, and marginally less than the Audi Q5. Second-row legroom was similarly competitive. Cargo space in the GV70 stood at 28.9 cubic feet with rear seats up, better than the Mercedes but slightly less than the Audi and BMW. Folding the rear seats expanded space to 56.9 cubic feet, less than all German rivals. The Electrified model saw minimal impact on interior dimensions, with slight reductions in second-row legroom and headroom, and negligible cargo space differences. However, the stylish interior design of the GV70 came at a cost to small-item storage, though it included essentials like a dedicated phone nook and rear-seat climate controls.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler featured a new 12.3-inch center infotainment screen running Uconnect5, with an optional navigation. The interface improvements rendered cleaner graphics and a more user-friendly experience. Standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB ports, enhanced connectivity. The updated system’s responsiveness was especially evident with the Off-Road Pages, providing real-time data like transmission temperature and pitch/roll gauges. The Trails Offroad feature offered information on over 200 trails for free, with a subscription unlocking access to 3,000 trails. Additional features included a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and five user profiles.

The Genesis GV70 utilized a simpler infotainment system, borrowing elements from Hyundai. Standard features included a 14.5-inch touchscreen with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch digital instrument cluster (or 12.3-inch with a 3D effect in higher trims), and a 12-inch head-up display. It also offered a 16-speaker Lexicon audio system. The user-friendly layout and quality rotary controller made the system intuitively accessible. Genesis added high-tech features like a fingerprint scanner for individual driver profiles and digital key functionality, allowing smartphones to replace key fobs for unlocking and driving.

2024 marked a notable safety upgrade for the Jeep Wrangler with the introduction of first- and second-row side-curtain airbags. Forward collision warning became standard on all but the base model, with blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and park assist available as optional features. Despite these improvements, the Wrangler lacked lane-keeping assist and other advanced highway assist features. The 2024 model had not yet been rated by the NHTSA or IIHS, but the previous model's ratings indicated decent, though not top-tier, safety performance.

The Genesis GV70, on the other hand, excelled in safety ratings, with gasoline models earning the IIHS’s Top Safety Pick+ award and similar accolades for the Electrified model. The NHTSA provided a five-star overall safety rating for 2023 gasoline models, and four-star ratings for frontal and rollover crash tests for the 2024 gasoline models. The standard safety suite included lane-keep assist, forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, rear cross-traffic alert, and a driver-attention monitor. Highway Driving Assist combined adaptive cruise control with automated lane centering, with an upgraded version offering lane-change automation and blind-spot monitoring. Genesis further included features like safe exit assist and a sophisticated rear occupant alert system.