The 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 offers the same strengths (endless personality, off-road capability) and weaknesses (on-road comfort, interior size) of a regular Rubicon, but with a V8 engine. Its muscle car-like soundtrack and acceleration will put ear-to-ear grins on everyone in the cabin. Though it's pricey, this unique combination represents tremendous value (and fun) to off-road enthusiasts.Read full review
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 Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
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 Senior News Editor at Edmunds 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.
Pros
Unrelentingly capable off-road
Extensive customization options
Available plug-in hybrid engine
Removable top and doors
Cons
Steering is slow and feels loose, especially on the Rubicon trim
Lots of wind and tire noise at highway speeds
Less cargo space than some conventional SUVs
What's new
Updated styling
Stronger rear axle and available winch for the Rubicon trim
New infotainment system with larger touchscreen
Diesel engine is discontinued
Part of the fourth Wrangler generation introduced for 2018
Overview
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 w/Prod. End 04/24 (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 $4.00 per gallon for premium unleaded in Arizona.
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? Edmunds 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.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds 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
edmunds TESTED
The 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 offers the same strengths (endless personality, off-road capability) and weaknesses (on-road comfort, interior size) of a regular Rubicon, but with a V8 engine. Its muscle car-like soundtrack and acceleration will put ear-to-ear grins on everyone in the cabin. Though it's pricey, this unique combination represents tremendous value (and fun) to off-road enthusiasts.
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.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? The Wrangler 392's from-the-factory lift kit means it's a touch higher than a regular Rubicon, so it requires a bit more effort to hop inside. Anyone of average height or shorter will need to use the grab handles. On the other hand, this height combined with the large windows and narrow pillars equals superb outward views with minimal blind spots.
The driving position is fairly upright, but there's a useful range of adjustment from the seat and steering wheel. The interior feels tight — the Wrangler has less shoulder room and legroom than rivals. Though there are many controls (especially in the Rubicon and its many adjustments for off-road driving), the layout is refreshingly intuitive.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Save as much as $10,100 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $10,100 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the Rubicon 392 trim.
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 pricing in Phoenix, AZ
How’s the tech? The Wrangler's big center touchscreen is easy to see in all lighting conditions and responds quickly to your touches. Wireless CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration are standard, and there are plenty of off-road apps to make your experience on the trails even more delightful. When it comes to driver aids, the 392 comes standard with all of the Wrangler's technology, including blind-spot warning, collision mitigation and adaptive cruise control. The forward- and rear-facing exterior cameras are a massive help in both parking lots and when climbing trails.
Storage
7/10
How’s the storage? The Wrangler's narrowness compared to other SUVs limits cargo space. Its 31.7 cubic feet of capacity behind the rear seats is a touch less than what off-road competitors such as the Toyota 4Runner and Land Rover Defender offer. Up front, there aren't many places to store small items, and the door pockets are nothing more than shallow nets. Child safety seats are easy to fit in four-door Wranglers so long as they're not too bulky. You might have to move the front seat forward to fit a rear-facing seat. With options, the Wrangler can tow up to 5,000 pounds and can be flat-towed behind a motorhome.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Fuel Economy
6.5/10
How economical is the Wrangler Rubicon 392? If you're expecting good fuel economy from a V8-powered Wrangler, you're going to have a bad time. With an EPA fuel economy estimate of 14 mpg combined, the Wrangler 392 trails every other similarly priced off-road SUV available.
Value
7/10
Is the Wrangler Rubicon 392 a good value? The Wrangler Rubicon 392 has a steep starting price, but it presents a unique package that has endless value to select buyers. Its robust hardware (from locking differentials to the V8 engine), capability and character are unmatched by any competitor currently on sale. More casual shoppers will be disappointed by the fuel economy and cost.
The construction and build quality appear strong at first, with attractive materials used on the dash and seats. Alas, after owning a Wrangler Rubicon for over 50,000 miles, we found more than a few parts that didn't live up to expectations. Warranty coverage and ownership perks are average among competitors.
Wildcard
10/10
The non-V8 Wrangler Rubicon already nails the personality and fun-to-drive metrics through a mix of iconic design and unparalleled off-road prowess. Toss in a powerful and loud V8 engine, and the score moves off the charts. On the road, the sound and acceleration make everyone in the cabin giggle like children — you'll want to surprise first-timers in the passenger seat. Off-road, the V8 soundtrack pops and cracks when you're crawling down a hill in low range.
Which Wrangler does Edmunds recommend?
Picking a Wrangler largely comes to finding the version that best matches your needs and budget. As an all-around choice, however, the Willys easily satisfies. It's one of the lower-priced trims yet it comes with a suitable amount of upgrades, such as bigger all-terrain tires and a locking rear differential, to significantly boost off-road capability.
2024 Jeep Wrangler vs. Ford Bronco Comparison Test | Off-Road Capability, Interior Overview & More!
The Jeep Wrangler never really had any true competition in the market — that is, until Ford reintroduced the Bronco a few years ago and it instantly became a hit, digging into Wrangler sales. For 2024, though, Jeep’s given the Wrangler a refresh that further modernizes the off-road SUV in a bid to make it even more competitive with the Bronco. But is it enough? We put both… through a series of challenges to find out. Join Edmunds’ Jason Lewis in our comparison test video above for the results!
As far as we're concerned, Ford built the Bronco solely to take on the Wrangler. When it comes to all-terrain abilities, you really can't do much better than either. Both are available in two- and four-door models and a variety of trim levels. While they're known more for off-road adventures, the Bronco holds an advantage for being more comfortable and easier to drive on pavement. Read Edmunds' long-term road test of the Ford Bronco.
If you desire a little luxury with your adventure, look no further than the Land Rover Defender. It's just as capable as the Wrangler off-road, but it's easier to operate thanks to more advanced all-terrain drive modes that do a lot of the work for you. It's also a better on-road SUV. The main drawback with the Defender is its price. It's significantly more expensive than the Wrangler for what you're getting.
The 4Runner can go one of two ways for 2024. It's either going to return in much the same form as it did in 2010, when it was last redesigned, or we might finally get an all-new generation. If we get the same old 4Runner, you'll get a very capable off-roader, but it's way behind the times in regard to technology and efficiency. If we get a redesign, you better believe Toyota's goal is to beat the Wrangler.
Displays on the center console what is behind you. Rearview cameras aren't new, but they are a welcome addition in the Wrangler.
Blind-Spot and Cross-Path Detection
Warns you of a car in a blind spot and approaching cars from out of your view while the vehicle's in reverse.
ParkSense Rear Park Assist System
Gives audio alerts when approaching objects from the rear, helping to minimize low-speed bumps in parking scenarios.
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
Not Rated
Driver
Not Rated
Passenger
Not Rated
Side Crash Rating
Rating
Overall
Not Rated
Side Barrier Rating
Rating
Overall
Not Rated
Driver
Not Rated
Passenger
Not Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Rating
Front Seat
Not Rated
Back Seat
Not Rated
Rollover
Rating
Rollover
3 / 5
Dynamic Test Result
No Tip
Risk Of Rollover
26.7%
FAQ
Is the Jeep Wrangler a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2024 Wrangler both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the Wrangler has 27.7 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Jeep Wrangler. Learn more
What's new in the 2024 Jeep Wrangler?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2024 Jeep Wrangler:
Updated styling
Stronger rear axle and available winch for the Rubicon trim
New infotainment system with larger touchscreen
Diesel engine is discontinued
Part of the fourth Wrangler generation introduced for 2018
To determine whether the Jeep Wrangler is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the Wrangler. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the Wrangler's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2024 Jeep Wrangler a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2024 Jeep Wrangler is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2024 Wrangler and gave it a 7.9 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2024 Wrangler is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2024 Jeep Wrangler?
The least-expensive 2024 Jeep Wrangler is the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 4dr SUV 4WD w/Prod. End 04/24 (6.4L 8cyl 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $91,545.
Other versions include:
Rubicon 392 4dr SUV 4WD w/Prod. End 04/24 (6.4L 8cyl 8A) which starts at $91,545
If you're interested in the Jeep Wrangler, the next question is, which Wrangler model is right for you? Wrangler variants include Rubicon 392 4dr SUV 4WD w/Prod. End 04/24 (6.4L 8cyl 8A). For a full list of Wrangler models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more