Enthusiasts of Jeep vehicles travel to Moab throughout the year to have off-road fun, especially during the Easter Jeep Safari. Jeep tests its new high-powered beast on Moab’s trails to experience its capability on rocky terrain, compact soil, loose sand, and slippery rocks, as well as a bit of open road.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 marks the return of factory V8 power to a traditional Jeep-style vehicle. Offered only in the four-door Rubicon model and equipped with an eight-speed automatic, the new 392 comes with 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque.
Obviously, it has plenty of power, going from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds, which is unlike typical Wrangler figures. That’s 40% faster than a Wrangler with a V6 engine.
The eight-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly, effortlessly, and very quickly, with well-spaced mid-range gears that pair nicely with the V8’s low-end capability. It’s good that it comes with responsive shift paddles for a more engaging and fun driving experience (a first for a Wrangler), but it would be better if they were mounted on the steering column and thus fixed in place for easier shifts during drops or tight turns. Additionally, unrelated push-button controls adorn the lowermost shift point, which is easy to press accidentally when in technical off-road situations.
The 392 has a different four-wheel-drive system than other Wranglers, the full-time Selec-Trac system with an active transfer case and a low-range gear ratio of 2.72. Instead of operating in 2WD most of the time with selectable 4WD high, neutral, and low-range 4WD chosen by the driver as needed, Selec-Trac works in an automatic 4WD mode that continuously sends power to the front and rear wheels. The 392 also features a revised transmission torque converter lock-up control and the same slow crawl ratio of 48:1 as other automatically-equipped Rubicons.
However, there’s more to the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 than its powertrain. The chassis features reinforced components, including upgraded frame rails, front upper control arms, and cast iron steering knuckles.
Enhanced front brakes are borrowed from the Gladiator Mojave. The rear wheels are identical to those on the new Wrangler 4xe. This formidable combo swiftly stops this high-powered beast in various terrains, providing precise control for quick braking.
Like in regular Rubicons, an electronic disconnect for the front stabilizer bar maximizes suspension travel, perfect for rock crawling in Moab.
In wetter environments than southeast Utah, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 can ford water up to 32.5 inches deep. Its 10.3 inches of ground clearance are half an inch lower than the regular Rubicon but still a bit higher than other Wranglers.
There are also more advanced off-road features, including specific terrain driving modes. This includes a driver-selectable Off-Road Plus mode that lets drivers lock the rear axle at higher speeds while in 4WD high. This allows for easy maneuvering through Moab’s sand dunes.
The seats offer numerous adjustments, including a wide range of height adjustments so that even short-torsoed drivers can easily see over the hood. The black leather seats display strong bolstering to keep occupants in place in off-camber situations. With just a button press, the Sky One-Touch Power Top, a $2,000 option, slides back, allowing for an airy off-road experience, perfect for enjoying the scenery or when desiring increased interior airflow.
The look of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is defined and bold. The hood is another donation from the Gladiator Mojave, and there are 17-inch wheels with beadlock capability. The standard tires are BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrains measuring LT285/70R17.
This is undoubtedly the most expensive Wrangler the company has sold to date, with a suggested retail price of $74,995. However, given the brand’s prolific popularity, they shouldn’t have trouble selling each and every one.
