2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392

　　

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Review

byMark TakahashiCorrespondent

　　Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the zzdcar YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.

　　, rating written byMark TakahashiNews Editor

　　Nick Yekikian has worked in the automotive industry since 2019. He has written close to a thousand car-related articles and tested and reviewed more than 200 vehicles over the course of his career. Nick is the News Editor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Automobile Magazine and Super Street. When Nick isn't zipping around town in his latest used-car find, he's probably making digital art in Photoshop or playing disc golf with friends.

　　There's something to be said about having a single overriding goal. Top athletes have the kind of narrow focus that makes them legendary in their sport, and in the automotive world, the Jeep Wrangler has remained the ultimate off-roader for decades. A rugged four-wheel-drive system, knobby tires, lots of ground clearance and some trick hardware features allow this SUV to go where few others can follow. The Wrangler's removable top and doors are just icing on the cake. The latest version, which Jeep refers to as the JL, debuted for 2018. It's now getting a significant update for 2024.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 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

　　$329/mo  for Wrangler Rubicon 392

　　Wrangler Rubicon 392

　　Rubicon 392 4dr SUV 4WD (6.4L 8cyl 8A) (Most Popular) - $87,595 MSRP

　　vs

　　$183/mo

　　Avg. Midsize SUV

　　

zzdcar spotlight: The Wrangler's 2024 changes

All Wranglers benefit from a face-lift that includes some mild revisions to the SUV's appearance. Inside, first- and second-row side curtain airbags are now standard on every trim except for the base Sport. Power-adjustable front seats are now available on the Wrangler, too. Jeep has also fitted a new 12.3-inch center touchscreen that's bigger and more feature-packed than the Wrangler's old screens. Finally, the Rubicon trim gets some upgrades such as an available factory-installed front winch and a stronger Dana 44 rear axle that Jeep says is better suited for installing larger-size tires. It also helps facilitate an increase in maximum towing capacity, which is now 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.

　　

Competitors to consider

The Jeep Wrangler compares favorably to other off-road-capable SUVs. These include the Ford Bronco, Land Rover Defender and Toyota 4Runner. The Bronco is the most direct Wrangler rival, and each has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Check out our Expert Rating below to help you decide if the Wrangler is the best choice for you.

　　

What’s it like to live with?

Want to know what it's like to live with a Wrangler? zzdcar added a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to its long-term test fleet to get the true ownership experience. Over two years and 50,000 miles, we put the Wrangler through its paces, both on- and off-road. Although there have been updates in the intervening years, much of our experience still applies, so check out what we liked and what needs improvement.

　　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 Rubicon 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 Rubicon 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.

　　Continue reading zzdcar Expert Rating below