The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 4WD 20th Anniversary

The Jeep has existed in many forms since 1940. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is one of the latest versions to sport its trademarked seven slot grille. But it’s not just any general purpose (G.P. = Jeep) vehicle. This one celebrates the 20^th Anniversary of the Rubicon and two decades of Trail Rated innovation. Napleton News is always up for a celebration so hop in, buckle up and let’s go for a ride.

What’s under the hood of the Jeep Wrangler?

That depends on what you want and how you configure your Jeep. The Wrangler is available in two- or four-door models, and in seven trim levels. These range from Willys, Willys Sport, Sport S, Sahara, High Altitude, Rubicon and Rubicon 392. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6 making 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft torque. Optional engine choices include a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 making 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. For those in need, there’s a 3.0-liter turbo diesel V6 with 442 lb-ft of torque.

And then there is our tester. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. It’s powered by a 6.4-liter (392-cubic inch) Hemi mill. Power delivery is 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque on premium jet fuel gasoline.

All models are equipped with four-wheel drive standard. Our Hemi-powered Rubicon 392 was equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It’s a monster that growls when you fire up and grows even angrier when squeezing the skinny pedal. If those dulcet tones aren’t enough for you, Jeep has an answer. Just push the exhaust button on the dash for a freer-breathing exhaust system that makes the roar even more aggressive.

How does the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 look?

Start with the standard Jeep Wrangler platform. In the case of this model, we think it works best thanks to its longer wheelbase. Think about it: All that power in a short wheelbase vehicle such as the two-door Wrangler could be a disaster waiting to happen. Or not. Your mileage, as they say, may vary.

The four-door Rubicon features the latest in exterior doo-dads including LED daylight running lights on the fender’s leading edges, a massive hood scoop bringing cool air to the cold air intake of the 392 Hemi engine, and an extra wide stance thanks to its massive 37-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires. There’s also an 83-piece tool kit, triple-hoop grille guard and steel bumpers.

Our 20^th anniversary Rubicon includes a level II uplift kit by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV). That’s good for 14.2 inches of ground clearance and the ability to ford water up to 37.1 inches deep. It does, however present entry and exit problems for those not used to climbing into such a high-riding vehicle.

What about inside the Rubicon 20^th Anniversary edition?

Inside the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a feast for the eyes. Since ours celebrates the 20^th Anniversary of the Rubicon, it includes unique red and black leather seating with a red leather-wrapped steering wheel.

Ours also had a front convertible roof that pops off after a few quick release levers are flipped. It’s just the thing to let the sunshine in. Rear seating was comfortable for short jaunts around town. The rear cargo area is large enough to help you do some damage during one of those weekly runs to the local wholesale club.

How does the Rubicon 392 ride?

Pushing the starter button results in a growl most people would not associate with a Jeep. Any Jeep. That’s because under the hood beats the heart of a Dodge Challenger SRT 392. Power delivery comes on smoothly because, well, Mopar has been doing this for a while.

Shifting the gear selector into drive finds a smooth launch with no glitchy gear shifts along the way. There’s a bit of side-to-side wallow owing to the higher than normal ride height of the 392. That’s to be expected, though and we instantly adapted, taking special care in executing any corner cutting. It’s a matter of high school physics. Because things are taller, they can topple easier, so care must be exercised.

The one thing we would balk at is the excessive road noise. That’s because of the 37-inch tires but the phenomenon exists in almost every Wrangler we’ve driven. It’s just a fact of life when your vehicle is wearing larger-than-life off-road meats.

The one thing that really jazzed us was those instances at the stoplight where a kid in a Mustang GT pulls up alongside. Of course, he revs his 5.0. We say nothing. The light goes green. Still, we say nothing. Instead, we let our right foot do the talking, and away we go!

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 4WD Specifications