Sport and Adventure: 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport–First Drive Impressions
When you think of the Jeep Wrangler, you would probably think of the following: off-road, adventure, rugged, and other similar keyphrases. Well, yes, there’s that. However, that’s already a given.
I wouldn’t blame you for thinking as such, and I, too, have the same notions, so there’s no surprise there. The Jeep Wrangler has been a staple name in the off-road community worldwide, with its roots in military Jeeps from World War II.
It is worth noting that I have driven the Jeep Wrangler multiple times before, the most notable one being the Iceland trip I had with a JK 3-door Wrangler Sport. So, of course, I already had a set of expectations the moment I walked into the Jeep dealership in Quezon City for a drive with the new Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport and the launch of Jeep Kamp 2024.
As we got the briefing out of the way, it’s now time for a drive with the new 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport. The journey will take approximately three hours from the Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealership in Quezon City to Caliraya SurfKamp in Cavinti, Laguna.
Now, the Jeep Wrangler was never known for its on-road manners; in fact, it lacks on-road manners due to its off-road demeanor. However, as far as first impressions go inside the Metro, the new Wrangler Sport is miles better in refinement and NVH levels—a huge surprise, considering that this is just an updated model.
A welcome addition to the updated Wrangler Sport is its revised infotainment system, which is now a 12.3-inch digital touchscreen with Uconnect 5. Compared to the outgoing smaller system, it’s much easier to access the menus, more fluid, and easier to navigate. Apple CarPlay is now displayed with more clarity, and the matching sound system also sounds great thanks to an upgraded Alpine audio system. I’m not particularly sure, but it’s as if the improved sound deadening also played a hand in the improved overall audio experience.
Connectivity for passengers is also improved, with multiple USB-C ports around the cabin, which helps keep you and your passengers’ devices topped up during a long road trip. Though space and rear legroom are not an issue, some of us do lament the exclusion of a center armrest, but hey, you can’t have everything.
Now that we are out of the Metro, and on the winding mountain roads, it’s now time to see if the Jeep Wrangler Sport really does have improved on-road manners. A first sweeping corner suggests it does, ok let’s see how it does for a few more tighter corners. Impressive is an understatement. It’s as if the Jeep engineers transformed this ladder-frame chassis into a unibody. It feels tight, the steering is responsive, and the engine and transmission are very willing to respond to driver inputs. Of course, physics is still king, as you still get a hint of understeer, but I think that’s mainly down to its knobbly all-terrain tires. All in all, though, chassis control is top-notch and is confidence-inspiring in the twisties.
The engine is still the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four-pot found before and makes 268 hp and 400 Nm of torque, but I think the tuning along with its marriage with the ZF eight-speed automatic transmission is much better. Opting to use the paddle shifters also feels great since it is very responsive, but I found myself keeping it to its own devices, as it seems to know what it’s doing nearly all the time. Good job Jeep. The only letdown would be its steering feel on high-speed straights. There is quite a bit of delay, and keeping the Wrangler Sport straight at higher speeds requires substantial steering input, but hey, the Wrangler is engineered as an off-roader first and an on-roader second. The fact that it is already performing this well is very admirable, to say the least.
Jeep Kamp 2024
We arrived in Caliraya SurfKamp where the Jeep Kamp 2024 activities would be taking place.
A lineup of Camping 101 activities was arranged, where we immersed ourselves in the basics of outdoor living. We set up camp, built fires, and cooked delectable meals over charcoal-grilled barbecues.
During leisure hours, we also had the opportunity to explore the water-based activities offered by Kaliraya SurfKamp, including paddle boating, kayaking, and fishing.
As night fell, the classic camping experience unfolded with everyone enjoying an evening beneath the stars. Outdoor activities continued on as we gathered around the campfire, and swapped stories over beers, accompanied by local acoustic melodies.
The excitement persisted the following morning as participants embarked on a guided adventure through the Cavinti Underground River and Cave Complex. This eco-friendly destination, endorsed by the Cavinti local government, nestled amid the Sierra Madre foothills, provided opportunities for exploring underground marvels, river crossings, and forest treks. Or at least, that’s what I was told as I opted not to push through with the cave exploration. And instead relied on stories from my fellow media friends, but hey it’s still clear to me that Jeep, along with the new Wrangler Sport still called upon my inner spirit of adventure.
Jeep owners eager to experience Jeep Kamp firsthand can contact Kaliraya SurfKamp to inquire about the Jeep Kamp package. So for those who own a Jeep, or are planning to get the new Wrangler Sport, I suggest you do just that, so you can at least experience the true Jeep lifestyle.
As we headed back to Metro Manila the next day, all my notions about the Jeep Wrangler having bad on-road manners were thrown out the window. It was surprising in nearly every single way possible. The Wrangler Sport had absolutely zero business performing that well on a dynamic drive, yet it did.
Okay, so P4,790,000 for the new Jeep Wrangler Sport isn’t exactly cheap, but you are paying for the Jeep brand’s years of heritage and experience. You are not just buying another SUV; you are buying into the Jeep lifestyle. It makes you feel good, plus you know that you are ready for any adventure or obstacle that gets in your way, and for me, you can’t put a price on that.
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