2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Performance

The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 isn't that powerful, considering this is the same company that gave the world the bonkers Grand Cherokee Trackhawk. That's probably for the best, as the Wrangler still uses solid axles at the front and rear and anyone who's experienced the so-called "death wobble" in a lesser Jeep will be wary of attempting to speed in one, regardless of how much power it has. Stellantis' 6.4-liter Hemi V8 is well-known by now. In this application, it produces 470 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 470 lb-ft of torque at 4,300 rpm. To put all of this power down, Jeep includes the Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system as standard. It has an Auto mode for daily tarmac use and low range is included as well. There is an active noise-control system but when fully unleashed, the V8 sounds monstrous.

Jeep claims a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13 seconds. Top speed is sensibly limited to 97 mph and even at that speed, the V8 will quickly drain the tank, because the brick-like body was never built with maximum speed in mind. Even with all of its changes, the 392 manages to retain some practicality. The 3,500-lbs towing capacity isn't spectacular, but at least it has a rating. While the new Ford Bronco Raptor isn't as powerful, it can tow 1,000 lbs more. And while cooling systems are primarily boring, the 392's deserves special mention. The hood scoop is fully functional and is the main air path leading to the engine. But since the 392 will likely be driving through the kind of stuff that sticks to the body, Jeep included a secondary air path. It's so effective that the Jeep can run to its top speed even when the hood scoop is completely blocked.

The 6.4-liter naturally-aspirated V8 produces 470 hp and 470 lb-ft and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's a formula widely used in the Stellantis portfolio, and it works beautifully. The gearbox monitors a host of input parameters to determine what it should do next. If you're slowly lazing about town, it will swap cogs quickly and quietly. At full throttle, it's a little more aggressive but still lightning-quick. In addition to being the first V8-powered Wrangler in more than 40 years, the 392 is also the first Wrangler equipped with paddle shifters for manual control.

Unlike most of the standard Wrangler range, the 392 does not use a part-time 4x4 system. It uses a full-time system with an automatic mode that distributes torque where it is needed. Off-road Plus with Sand and Rock modes is also standard. The Off-road Plus mode allows the rear differential to lock at high speed in 4H mode. In other words, you can pull some serious drifts in sandy conditions.

There's no easy way to say it, so we'll just put it out there. According to the EPA, the 2022 Wrangler Rubicon 392 achieves gas mileage figures of 13/17/14 mpg city/highway/combined. Mercifully, it has a 21.5-gallon tank, which means a theoretical range of 301 miles should be possible. But we're talking about the best-case scenario, so be prepared to visit the gas station often.

We reckon this conspicuous consumption is only possible due to the existence of the Wrangler 4xe. As soon as the green party pitches up to protest in front of Jeep's gates, it can point to the kind and gentle 4xe and its all-electric range of 22 miles.