2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 First Look Review: Upgrading The Off-Road King
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 has been king of the off-road trail since arriving for the 2021 model year, and despite a move to electrification in the form of the capable Wrangler 4xe, die-hard adventurers like their off-roaders to look like this: sturdy, aggressive, rugged - and powered by a 470-horsepower V8. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 benefits from upgrades to the interior that make it feel a lot more comfortable and modern, but it also gets a bunch of safety enhancements, together with new standard tech. This includes the cool new Trails Offroad feature that 4x4-loving folks will appreciate. It's quite possible that this is the best Rubicon 392 yet.
When Is The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Coming Out?
Order books are already open in the USA, and the release date for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is set for later in 2023.
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Price And Competition
We're not sure what the price is for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, but since there have been substantial updates made, it's likely to cost a few thousand dollars more than what consumers are paying currently. The 2023 Rubicon 392 has a starting MSRP of $82,495 before options and excluding destination fees; expecting to pay over $85k for the 2024 version isn't a far stretch.
There aren't any direct rivals that quite compare, but the Ford Bronco Raptor is worth considering. It's also a competent off-roader and the 2023 model starts at $83,580. With 418 hp and 440 lb-ft from its V6 engine, it's down on power compared to the Rubicon 392, but it also boasts iconic looks and impressive off-roading heritage.
New Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Exterior And Colors
The most noticeable change to the Wrangler lineup carries through to the off-road-focused 392. This includes a redesigned seven-slot grille that is slightly less in-your-face but leaves no doubt as to the Jeep's identity. It also makes installing the available Warn winch easier in terms of placement; this winch has an 8,000-pound capacity. The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 SUV also comes with an integrated stealth antenna that won't get caught up in branches or other foliage while you're traversing the great outdoors. And for 2024, there are ten new wheel designs across the Wrangler lineup.
2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 models have LED reflector headlamps and LED fog lamps as standard, with power heated exterior mirrors and skid plates for the fuel tank and transfer case. Rubicon models come with heavy-duty tubular steel rock rails in black as standard, and the 392 rolls on 17-inch beadlock-capable, low gloss smoked bronze wheels, which are wrapped in 35-inch BF Goodrich all-terrain tires.
There are two tow hooks up front and one at the back, and a body-color three-piece hardtop as standard; there are three alternatives for the roof, including the Sunrider for Hardtop by Mopar options. Unique to the Rubicon 392 are quad tailpipes for the dual-pipe exhaust system. As far as exterior colors for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 go, the usual palette is available, with Earl, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Silver Zynith, High Velocity, Hydro Blue, Sarge, Bright White and black, as well as a new color called Anvil.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Dimensions
Dimensions for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 include a standard wheelbase of 118.4 inches. Overall length is 192.5 inches including the spare tire, which makes the Rubicon 392 the longest model in the range, thanks to the standard inclusion of the Xtreme 35 package. It's also wider and stands taller, with width and height coming in at 79.3 inches and 75.5 inches, respectively.
Naturally, the off-road focus means it has impressive approach and departure angles at 46.7 degrees and 39.8 degrees, while the breakover angle is 24.5 degrees. The Rubicon 392 has 11.1 inches of ground clearance. Undoubtedly the heaviest in the lineup, the Rubicon 392 has a curb weight figure of 5,268 lbs.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Engine And Performance
The 6.4-liter V8 engine on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 has been specially tuned for this model, with 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Almost 75% of its peak torque is available at just above idle speed which is ideal for crawling over tough obstacles - but it's also enough to ensure a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. The engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic tuned for the high torque system, and Rubicon 392 models get paddle shifters for a little more engagement. The Rubicon 392 models also get a Selec-Trac full-time transfer case with a 4LO ratio of 2.72:1.
The V8 engine is a cast iron unit with aluminum heads, an active intake manifold, variable camshaft timing, and twin spark plugs per cylinder. 392 models are fitted with a rear-sump oil pan, a high-mount alternator, and free-flowing exhaust manifolds. It also gets a functional hood scoop for improved cooling, and the Hydro-Guide air intake system is comprised of a tri-level ducting system with a one-way drain in the air box to separate water from incoming air. This means the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 can ford water up to 34 inches, even if water washes over the top.
The Rubicon 392 gets a new Dana 44 HD full float solid rear axle that allows buyers to upsize tires more easily, and the trailer-tow and Heavy Duty Electrical Group package is standard, too. This adds a Class II hitch receiver and heavy-duty amp alternator and allows for towing up to 3,500 lbs. Since the Xtreme 35 Package is standard, the Rubicon 392 gets unique shocks to withstand off-road laboring, and an electronic front sway-bar disconnect allows for additional wheel travel when things get a little rough.
Gas Mileage
Gas mileage for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler range still has to be confirmed, but we can use the 2023 model's EPA figures as a guide. That model achieved 13/17/14 mpg on city/highway/combined cycles, which isn't great, but isn't unexpected, either. The automaker states that the new Jeeps have Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation, which sets the engine to four-cylinder mode to boost efficiency when it's not under load. We may see a slight improvement in fuel economy, but it shouldn't be any worse.
With a 21.5-gallon fuel tank, a theoretical range of 300 miles is possible.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Interior And Cargo
The interior of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is nicer than ever before, thanks to a substantial refresh for the new model year. The top-end Rubicon 392 has the same wash-out interior with drain plugs for those times that you're out in the wild without a roof or doors, but it doesn't skimp on the niceties either. The seats are leather-trimmed, and both front perches are heated with 12-way power adjustment. Even the Sport steering wheel is heated, dual-zone climate control is standard, and the interior lighting is of the LED variety. You also get remote start and remote keyless entry as standard.
There are five seats in the Wrangler Rubicon 392, but space isn't ample - that's not the point of this car, though. Still, the cabin is better equipped than ever, with a nine-speaker Alpine sound system with a subwoofer, numerous power outlets and USB ports, and a load of improved safety features. The latter includes standard first- and second-row side-curtain airbags, enhanced seatbelt pretensioners, and improved structural safety. The safety suite for the Rubicon 392 includes forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, and rear park assist as standard.
The Trails Offroad feature is new and includes a catalog of 62 Jeep Badge of Honor trails with route descriptions, key waypoints for obstacles and points of interest, as well as a difficulty rating. It's displayed right on the 12.3-inch touchscreen (which is new, and according to the automaker, best in class) and can be upgraded by opting for a premium subscription with access to 3,000 trail guides.
The infotainment system features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and sits mounted on a newly designed dashboard which is sleeker and feels more upscale than before. The Uconnect 5 software runs the show and is quick and can be updated over the air. Also new is the ability to save up to five user profiles, a customizable home screen, OTA maps for the navigation system, and dual-device Bluetooth connection.
Cargo space in the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is sufficient; 31.7 cubic feet is available with the rear seats in place, and folding those down opens up 72.4 cubes.