2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary

　　

Jeep Wrangler Video Shorts

by zzdcar Test Team

　　

2023 Jeep Wrangler Review

byKurt NiebuhrSenior Vehicle Test Editor

　　Kurt Niebuhr has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. A automotive photographer by trade, Kurt is now one of zzdcar' high-performance test drivers. He's driven and photographed hundreds, if not thousands, of vehicles all over the world, so Kurt's library of automotive experiences would certainly make for a good book. When not dreaming about getting his racing license or trying to buy out-of-date film for his cameras, Kurt can usually be found cursing at his 1966 Mustang.

　　The Jeep Wrangler has earned its iconic standing albeit for a particularly narrow set of skills. Want to off-road anywhere between the Pacific Coast Highway and the Appalachians? The Wrangler is the vehicle of choice. Ironically, that legendary off-road capability has also made it a popular vehicle in suburban areas where a drive-thru lane might be the most treacherous terrain to navigate.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary 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 Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary

　　Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary

　　Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary 4dr SUV 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $90,895 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　Also contributing to the 2023 Wrangler's appeal is its overwhelming customizability. You can get it with two or four doors and one of six engine options that run the gamut from a four-cylinder engine to a thumping V8. Oh, and you can still get one with a manual transmission. In short, the Wrangler offers something for everyone and is one of the few vehicles around that, straight off the showroom floor, can take you to some of the most remote locations in the country.

　　This year brings the introduction of a few special-edition Wranglers. The Freedom Edition honors Jeep's military history, while the High Tide and Jeep Beach models celebrate the 20th anniversary of Jeep Beach Week in Daytona Beach, Florida. 2023 also marks the end of the line for the diesel engine and it's being sent off in style with the Wrangler Far Out edition.

　　Of course, the Wrangler isn't the only game in town. Ford's reborn Bronco is a direct competitor to the Wrangler and offers just as much style, capability and customization as the iconic Jeep. Another continent-crossing icon is the Land Rover Defender. It is more expensive than the Wrangler but feels equally at home in the city as it does in the Sahara. And if you want to keep it in the Jeep brand, the Grand Cherokee offers considerable off-road performance as well as a more comfortable ride and increased safety and security.

　　To see if you're ready for all the adventures that come with a 2023 Wrangler, read our Expert Rating below.

　　

What's it like to live with?

We purchased a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and put it through a series of adventures over the course of two years and 50,000 miles. It's been a few years since then but most of our observations still apply to the 2023 Wrangler as well. Check out what it's like to live with the Wrangler by reading our long-term Wrangler road test.

　　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

　　7.7

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

　　

Performance

7.5/10

　　How does the Wrangler drive? There's no doubt the Wrangler is a beast when it comes to off-road prowess. That's especially the case with the Rubicon trim and its 33-inch tires and lockable differentials. But everyday steering and handling suffer because of the traditional body-on-frame construction, solid-axle suspension and old-school steering. The brake pedal travel is long, which is great for modulation off-road but not ideal for everyday driving.

　　The 3.6-liter V6 is stout and makes plenty of power — our four-door Sahara test Wrangler scooted to 60 mph in a respectable 7.6 seconds. The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly and always seems to be in the right gear.

　　

Comfort

7.0/10

　　How comfortable is the Wrangler? The Wrangler doesn't place a great importance on passenger comfort, but there are a few highlights here. The front seats are well shaped and remain livable on long trips. The rear bench is flatter and firmer, but it reclines a bit. We like the effective climate system, which also features rear air vents.

　　But the body-on-frame construction that gives the Wrangler its ready-for-anything personality also contributes to a brittle ride on anything but the smoothest road surfaces. The boxy design and large tires create a heap of wind and road noise, though it offers a quieter cabin than previous Wranglers. The hardtop is significantly quieter than the soft top.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below