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2.4 DOHC engine (World Gas Engine)

The modern four that replaced the 2.5 in the Wrangler TJ

In the 2003 restyle, the Wrangler TJ retired the old base 2.5 AMC and replaced it with a far more modern four-cylinder: Chrysler's 2.4-liter DOHC from the World Gas Engine family (the 'EDZ' block). Smoother and more up-to-date, but chosen for economy over muscle: the 4.0 remained the engine to have.

From the minivan to the Jeep

The TJ's 2.4 isn't a Jeep engine: it's the EDZ block from Chrysler's World Gas Engine family, the same one in the Neon and PT Cruiser (in fact the Wrangler's unit came straight from the PT Cruiser). It's an inline-four with DOHC 16 valves —four per cylinder—, an iron block and aluminum head, and sequential multi-point injection. Against the pushrod 2.5 AMC, it was a generational leap in technology.

Watch the name: Chrysler used the 'PowerTech' badge for this four-cylinder as well as for the 3.7 V6 and the 4.7 V8. They're completely different families that share only the marketing name.

Modern, but short on muscle

With 147 hp at 5,200 rpm and 224 N·m (165 lb·ft) at 4,000, the 2.4 has more horsepower than the 2.5 it replaced, but it delivers its shove higher up, a little less friendly for slow off-roading and the Wrangler's weight. That's why, even as the base engine, almost nobody seeks it out used: the 4.0 straight-six —with its low-end torque and immortal reputation— was always the preferred choice.

Its virtue is economy: it's the engine for buyers who prioritized fuel and price. Modern and competent, but without the indestructible mystique of the AMC iron.

Specifications