Short review of my new 2024 JTR AT versus the 2022 JTR: the good and not so good

[Geoarch]

I took possession of a 2024 JTR AT Bright White on 3/22/24. Build date was 1/28/24. It included the Convenience Group, Technology Group, Active Safety Group, Steel Bumper Group, Hardtop headliner, Black Freedom Top, and Spray-in bedliner. The options I've installed are the same as on the 2022.

I traded my 2022 JTR MT, partly due to Jeep's ignoring the clutch issue, and me getting older. I've been driving MTs since 1965. I was leery of the new technology, but I do like it for a number or reasons. I removed most of the options I installed on the 22 and installed them on the 24, and a list of them are in the signature. I had the dealer add the tonneau cover, and the Mopar Bilstein 2" lift (more on that later).

So, what is different from the 22 JTR:

- First, the black cloth seats are actually charcoal gray and a smoother material. The dash was changed, but not important to me.
- The roll-up tonneau cover is also a finer weave, but essentially the same.
- The Mopar Bilstein lift is a bit stiffer which I like, but less squirrelly than the Fox lift I had on the 22.
- The now included side air bags changed screw locations on the roll bars and the JCR fire extinguisher moelle panel I had on the 22 does not fit.
- The new tech and bigger screen: I was hesitant, but it is generally intuitive, and the Car Play easily integrates through Bluetooth. Important for me is that the Off-Road Pages populate immediately instead of having to find the server in China or wherever it had to before. I like being able to see the gauges.
- Same 3.6L engine which was ok by me anyway, but see below.
- Unluckily for me, as I noted in another post, the AUX battery failed in the first week, but replaced under warranty as well as an entire array in the fuse box. I do dislike the stop-start (mostly stop) system, but that's life in 21st century ICE. I installed an Odyssey AGM 94R the first week as well.
- Auto versus MT: As I said it is a big step to go to an automatic, but I do like it mostly, especially if it would have been paired with a stronger power plant. However, I mainly shift manually except around town and my gas mileage seems to have improved using cruise control on the freeway over about a 150 mile trip that included some muddy off-road work. I did like it off road (see below).
- The brand new transfer case shifts with the Auto much easier. It took forever to break-in the transfer case in the MT. Maybe just idiosyncratic issues between the transmissions. I shift manually off road, so my off-road strategies are similar. I'll do some rock crawling in the near future on trails I've done before.
- All the Badge of Honor trails are in the system now, so those that use these will like that (see image).

Below are some images from the new digital screen.

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[BillyP]

Are you happy with your decision, and like the new Gladiator, or are you regretting getting rid of your old Gladiator?

I hope you’re happy with the new one. There is nothing worse than paying for something that you’re not happy with and having regrets.

 

[Geoarch]

Are you happy with your decision, and like the new Gladiator, or are you regretting getting rid of your old Gladiator?

I hope you’re happy with the new one. There is nothing worse than paying for something that you’re not happy with and having regrets.

Yes, I'm very much happier with the 2024. While I only have about 10,000 miles on it, I found that even though I've never had an AT 4X4, I actually like it. I'm over pushing an imaginary clutch at stops, so that's a good thing. I've used it on a number of trails that I did with the MT Gladiator, and it performs equally as well. The AT in the Gladiator is a "tried and true" trans, and I don't expect any problems. I installed the same size wheels and tires, a MOPAR lift, and it essentially has all the mods of the 2022. The mileage, however is slightly less than the MT Gladiator.

 

[BillyP]

Yes, I'm very much happier with the 2024. While I only have about 10,000 miles on it, I found that even though I've never had an AT 4X4, I actually like it. I'm over pushing an imaginary clutch at stops, so that's a good thing. I've used it on a number of trails that I did with the MT Gladiator, and it performs equally as well. The AT in the Gladiator is a "tried and true" trans, and I don't expect any problems. I installed the same size wheels and tires, a MOPAR lift, and it essentially has all the mods of the 2022. The mileage, however is slightly less than the MT Gladiator.

Excellent! I’m glad you’re happy!

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