Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4WD  2023 Review

We drove the Wrangler Rubicon last week. Here is a purpose build 4WD that is chock full of character and personality. It comes in both 2 and 4 door models.

The main difference between them is obviously wheelbase, but also the 4 door Unlimited comes with both front and rear diff locks.

Jeep has persisted with the 3.6L Pentastar petrol engine with 209kW and 347Nm, running through an 8-speed automatic transmission and the awesome Jeep Rock-Trac Active On-Demand II 4×4 system. It can be heavy on fuel if pushed hard but not bad on the freeway.

Named after the famous Rubicon trail in the USA, the Wrangler Rubicon comes with 225mm of ground clearance for the 2 door and 252mm for the 4 door version. Both have impressive approach and departure angles and rampover, with the 2 door better obviously.

Other 4WD specific features include:

• Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect
• Heavy Duty Front and Rear Dana axles and
• 32 inch off road tyres.

Inside the Rubicon is quite comfortable with heated seats, U Connect infotainment system and a 9-speaker premium Alpine audio system

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is priced from $83,950 plus the usual costs for the 2 door version.

This is a Motoring Minute

I’m Rob Fraser

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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Specification and Features

Capability Highlights

• Rock-Trac® Active On-Demand 4×4 System
• 77.2:1 Crawl Ratio
• 4.10 Rear Axle Ratio
• Electronic Sway-Bar Disconnect
• Tru-Lok® Front & Rear Locking Differentials
• Heavy Duty Rock Rails

Interior Highlights

• Rubicon leather-trimmed Seats
• Heated Front Seats/Steering Wheel
• Uconnect 8.4” Touch Screen Display with Satellite Navigation
• Apple Car Play & Android Auto
• 7.0″ Driver Information Display

Exterior Highlights

• Rubicon Fender Decal
• Black Fender Flares
• Black Three-Piece Freedom Hard Top
• Deep Tint Sunscreen Windows
• LED Headlights/Taillights/Day-Time Running Lights/Fog Lights

Technology Highlights

• Forward Collision Warning Plus
• Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross Path Detection
• 9 Speaker Alpine Premium Audio System
• Parkview Rear Backup Camera
• ParkSense Front/Rear Park Assist System
• Remote Proximity Keyless Entry
• Security Alarm
• Remote Start System

Instead of the Wrangler Rubicon Also look at:

True 4WDs like the Wrangler Rubicon are a rarity.

Buyers could look at the Toyota LC70 GXL Wagon, Land Rover Defender, INEOS Grenadier

More conventional 4WDs would include Isuzu MU-X, Toyota Fortuner, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, GWM Tank 300

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.