2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392

　　

2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 Review

byRyan ZumMallenContributor

　　Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Ryan has also contributed to Road & Track, Autoweek, Trucks.com and more. In 2019, Ryan published his first book, Slow Car Fast, on the millennial generation and its unique take on modern car culture.

　　We can't think of a more capable or iconic vehicle than the Jeep Wrangler. Want to cruise down by the beach or traverse a rugged trail? There's a Wrangler for you. Although Jeeps haven't changed that much in the grand scheme of things, their continued evolution means the current Wrangler offers more creature comforts and usability than ever before. Jeep also offers five different engines for the Wrangler, so whether you're looking for fuel economy, power or a mix of the two, odds are there's one that will satisfy.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 4dr SUV 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$319/mo  for Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392

　　Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392

　　Unlimited Rubicon 392 4dr SUV 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $79,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　The Wrangler's best potential fuel economy comes from the Wrangler 4xe. It has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and plug-in hybrid componentry. That combination produces 375 horsepower plus about 22 miles of all-electric range on a full battery charge. Frequently recharging can really help save on gas. But once you use up the battery, the 4xe hybrid only gets around 20 mpg, which is no better than the Wrangler's regular V6.

　　Prefer fuel swilling to fuel sipping? The Wrangler Rubicon 392 should satisfy. For this model Jeep drops in a thumping 470-hp 6.4-liter (392-cubic-inch) V8 engine. Hammer the gas and you'll rocket from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds. Impressively, the Rubicon 392 retains all of the Rubicon's impressive low-speed off-road ability too.

　　However, the Wrangler is no longer the only big fish in its small pond. In recent years the Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner have been joined by other rugged SUVs. The Land Rover Defender is packed with sophisticated off-road tech while the Ford Bronco gives you Ford's take on what an off-roading SUV should be. Even with the added competition, the Wrangler is still a one-of-a-kind driving experience. Read our Expert Rating below to get our test team's take on the Wrangler's performance, comfort and more.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Good

　　7.9

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

8.0/10

　　How does the Wrangler 392 drive? It's like a rocket-propelled cinder block. Endowed with a 470-horsepower V8, this Wrangler has absurd acceleration. Smack the gas pedal and the rear tires bark before reaching 60 mph in 4.7 seconds and passing the quarter mile in 13.3 seconds. The ease and smoothness of the acceleration are perversely entertaining, but drivers with poor impulse control will quickly find the braking, steering and handling shortcomings that are intrinsic to the Wrangler.

　　Solid front and rear axles, 33-inch all-terrain tires, an electronically disconnecting front anti-roll bar, generous exterior clearances and ample torque make this one of the most accomplished off-roaders you can buy new from the factory.

　　

Comfort

7.5/10

　　How comfortable is the Wrangler 392? The Rubicon can be fatiguing during extended drives at freeway speeds. The off-road hardware responsible for the Rubicon's rock-crawling prowess is also responsible for the subpar on-road ride quality on anything but a smooth surface. Similarly, the boxy design and all-terrain tires create plenty of wind and road noise.

　　The Wrangler doesn't place a great importance on passenger comfort, but there are a few highlights. The front seats are well shaped and remain livable on long trips. The rear bench is flatter and firmer, but it reclines a bit. The climate system is highly effective and largely quiet, and it features intuitive controls for adjustments. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel are standard on the 392.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below