2024 Jeep Wrangler vs 2024 Toyota Sienna

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler, known for its rugged and enduring design, showcased a burly, body-on-frame look across all its models. Enthusiasts noted consistent visuals, whether it was the standard Sport trim or the high-end Rubicon 392. The redesign for 2024 introduced a new grille, first seen on the 2023 Wrangler Rubicon's 20th Anniversary edition. This grille was shorter and wider, improving airflow to the engine bay—a vital improvement for those venturing into demanding terrains.

Jeep cleverly integrated the traditional antenna into the windshield, thus avoiding snagging on trees and bushes. Moreover, the Wrangler provided a choice of 10 new wheel designs, enhancing its visual appeal. Roof options were abundant, from traditional soft-tops to power-retractable sunroofs, catering to a variety of preferences. Owners could even remove the doors and fold down the windshield, perfect for the more adventurous spirits. The selection of full doors, half doors, or tube doors from Mopar offered additional customization, ensuring that the Wrangler maintained its iconic appeal while also accommodating individual tastes.

Conversely, the 2024 Toyota Sienna presented a distinctive look in its various trims: LE, XLE, XSE, Woodland Edition, Limited, and Platinum. Toyota continued the “swagger wagon” legacy, blending sleek front and rear fascias with an appealing palette of colors like deep blue, red, and green. Its standard LED lighting was upgraded to Bi-LED projectors in upper trims, significantly enhancing visibility.

The XSE trim, noted for its sporty demeanor, featured a black metallic mesh front grille, black heated side mirrors, and 20-inch dark wheels, maintaining its cool factor. The Woodland Edition, offered in Cement or Midnight Black Metallic, was geared slightly towards off-road adventures with roof rails, a tow hitch, and a 6.9-inch ground clearance. The Sienna demonstrated thoughtful design with practical features, balancing aesthetics with functionality, especially appealing to families.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler offered a variety of powertrains tailored for diverse driving preferences. Options included a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine generating 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, its plug-in hybrid variant ramping up to 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, a 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, and a formidable 6.4-liter V8 delivering an impressive 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.

Transfer cases varied to support different off-road capabilities, with the Command-Trac 4WD system for the Sport or Sahara models, Selec-Trac for the high-speed Wrangler 392, and Rock-Trac reserved for the Rubicon trim. Most models featured an eight-speed automatic transmission, but a six-speed manual was available with the 3.6-liter engine. The PHEV 4xe variant combined turbocharged gasoline power with electric motors, providing 21 miles of all-electric range, ideal for eco-conscious adventurers. The solid axles and new Offroad+ mode ensured that the Wrangler maintained its off-roading supremacy.

Alternatively, the 2024 Toyota Sienna equipped a hybrid setup, blending a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with two electric motors to generate 245 horsepower. AWD versions added a third electric motor for the rear wheels. Despite sport-tuned suspension and a Sport mode button, the minivan didn't quite deliver on performance expectations. The CVT was smooth but contributed to a less-than-thrilling drive, especially during highway merges or steep climbs. The Sienna excelled in town driving with its light and accurate steering and commendable visibility. For families, it offered a pleasant, albeit forgettable, drive, with a smooth, reliable hybrid system.

2024 marked the Jeep Wrangler’s increased towing capacity, bringing it up to 5,000 pounds, thanks to a full-float solid rear axle, which was previously capped at 3,500 pounds. This enhanced capability was exclusive to the four-door Rubicon trims with the gas-powered 2.0-liter or 3.6-liter engines, automatic transmission, and 33-inch tires. Inside, heated seats and a heated steering wheel were available, alongside 12-way power-adjustable front seats, even when submerged in up to 34 inches of water.

Meanwhile, the Sienna excelled in practical storage and seating arrangements. The lower front storage pass-through could accommodate bulkier items, and numerous cup holders and small-item compartments added to its utility. Both side doors were powered, and the second-row captain’s chairs were exceptionally adjustable, offering up to 40 inches of legroom. However, the non-removable second-row seats limited maximum cargo space. The rear provided 33.5 cubic feet of space, expanding to 75 cubes with the third row stowed and 101 cubic feet with the second row folded.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler came equipped with a 12.3-inch Uconnect5 infotainment screen. This upgrade delivered faster response times, cleaner graphics, and a plethora of features including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Off-Road Pages presented real-time data and the Trails Offroad feature offered information on over 200 trails, with an optional subscription expanding access to 3,000 trails. New technological additions like a wireless hotspot, dual Bluetooth phone pairing, and user profile storage further enhanced the user experience.

In comparison, the 2024 Toyota Sienna’s technology felt dated with its nine-inch touchscreen featuring wired connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Despite physical buttons for common menus and available features like a 12-speaker JBL stereo system, the resolution of the backup camera left much to be desired. It included a Wi-Fi hotspot, plenty of USB ports, and a 1500-watt inverter for practical power needs. Yet, the Sienna’s infotainment system lagged behind in terms of innovation and user experience.

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler introduced first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, along with standard forward collision warning on all but the base model. However, many advanced driver aids like blind-spot monitoring and adaptive cruise control were optional. The Wrangler’s safety ratings for 2024 were pending, but prior assessments showed room for improvement in crash protection and rollover safety.

Toyota equipped the Sienna with the comprehensive Toyota Safety Sense suite, including lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring as standard. It featured side curtain airbags for all three rows and rear passenger reminders, enhancing overall safety. The Sienna received high ratings from both the NHTSA and IIHS, reinforcing its position as a safe choice for families.