The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a vehicle that evokes strong emotions. It’s the kind of SUV that, on paper, ticks all the boxes for automotive enthusiasts: a powerful V8 engine, open-top freedom, and unmatched off-road capability. Yet, spending time behind the wheel of the 392 Jeep reveals a more complex reality. This isn’t a vehicle for the faint of heart, or those seeking subtlety. Driving the Wrangler 392 makes you feel like the automotive equivalent of a rebellious outlaw, and perhaps, in today’s world, it is.
During a week-long test drive of this 470 horsepower, $110,000 Jeep flagship, a nagging feeling persisted: was I making everyone’s day just a little bit worse? The rumble of the 6.4-liter V8 on a cold start felt almost shameful, especially considering it was unseasonably warm for January. Fuel economy was abysmal, averaging a mere 13.4 mpg despite significant highway driving. However, despite these drawbacks, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 is undeniably fun. Pressing the gas pedal consistently brought a smile to my face, a testament to its raw, unadulterated appeal. Whether this speaks to the car’s merits or my own questionable taste is debatable, but let’s delve deeper into what makes the 392 jeep such a polarizing machine.
The heart and soul of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition is undoubtedly its 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine. This marks the return of the V8 to the Wrangler lineup for the first time since the CJ7 era. In this iteration, the robust Mopar engine churns out 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, delivered through an eight-speed transmission. According to Jeep, this power translates to a 0 to 60 mph sprint in a mere 4.5 seconds, a truly remarkable feat for a 5,245-pound truck built for off-roading. While the “Final Edition” moniker might suggest otherwise, the 392 jeep engine option has been available since the 2021 model year and continues into 2025, proving its enduring popularity.
The sheer presence of the V8 engine dominates the entire driving experience. It’s not a subtle powertrain; you’re constantly aware of the massive engine just ahead of you. Every acceleration and deceleration is accompanied by the palpable vibration and twist of the chassis, amplified by the thunderous roar of the active quad exhaust pipes. Beyond the visceral thrill, the 392 jeep engine also offers practical advantages, especially when combined with Jeep’s legendary off-roading systems and substantial 35-inch tires. Getting the Wrangler Rubicon 392 stuck off-road is a near impossibility. Even for novice off-roaders, the Final Edition includes a Warn winch, ensuring extraction from even the most challenging situations. This vehicle empowers you to explore terrains inaccessible to ordinary cars, allowing you to conquer the earth while potentially contributing to its environmental demise with its fuel consumption.
Unsurprisingly, the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s exceptional off-road prowess comes at the cost of on-road refinement. However, for buyers drawn to a V8, off-road-oriented Wrangler, on-road manners are likely a secondary concern. If smooth pavement performance is a priority, a Miata would be a far more sensible choice. The steering feel is vague, and the long-travel suspension contributes to a bouncy ride even over minor road imperfections. Yet, these compromises fade into insignificance when you consider the symphony of the 392 cubic inches of displacement at wide-open throttle. The sound is akin to rolling thunder, a glorious V8 bellow that will resonate deeply with enthusiasts and alienate those who prefer quiet, unassuming vehicles. It’s an auditory experience arguably more fitting to a bygone era of automotive excess.
The interior of the 392 jeep, for better or worse, also feels like a step back in time. While Jeep has updated the Wrangler’s interior in recent years, it retains a fundamentally classic design reminiscent of the JL Wrangler’s 2018 debut. Modern conveniences such as four heated seats, a 12.3-inch UConnect touchscreen, and a power driver’s seat are present, but they do little to mask the vehicle’s inherently old-school character. For those who appreciate physical buttons and controls, this interior will be a welcome respite from the trend of minimalist, screen-dominated dashboards. The abundance of buttons proves particularly functional off-road, where critical controls for the transfer case, differential lockers, and off-road modes are readily accessible.
Despite the functional interior layout, the Wrangler’s cabin is far from refined. Wind, road, and tire noise are pervasive, a common trait in vehicles designed for open-air adventures. Those seeking a serene and quiet ride should look elsewhere. A standout feature of this Wrangler Rubicon 392, aside from its potent engine and off-road gear, is Jeep’s Sky One-Touch Power Top. This system replaces the traditional removable hardtop with a fixed rear pillar and a power-operated cloth sunroof. It simplifies the process of opening up the Wrangler to the elements, offering a convenient and quick way to enjoy a semi-open-air experience. While it doesn’t provide the fully open feel of a completely removed top, the electric operation and ease of use are significant advantages. Opening the Sky One-Touch Power Top further amplifies the glorious V8 soundtrack emanating from the rear of the 392 jeep.
As the top-tier Wrangler model, the Rubicon 392 commands a premium price. The starting point is a hefty $91,545. Opting for the Final Edition package adds another $8,450, bringing special badging, retuned suspension, a Warn winch, beadlock-capable 17-inch wheels with 35-inch tires, and other exclusive features. Adding the $3,995 Sky One-Touch roof, an air compressor, and special paint pushes the total to a staggering $108,475, including destination charges.
It’s hard to imagine a more conspicuous way to announce a $110,000 vehicle purchase, and this is precisely where the dilemma of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 lies. It’s an exceptional off-road machine with an undeniably charismatic V8 engine, but it also feels anachronistic in today’s automotive landscape. Its loudness and unapologetically antisocial nature are rare qualities in modern vehicles. While this might align with Stellantis’ current brand identity, driving the 392 jeep often evokes a sense of self-consciousness, as if broadcasting a set of controversial opinions with every passing glance.
The only environment where the Wrangler Rubicon 392 truly feels at home is off-road, far removed from judging eyes. Here, its high driving position and boisterous exhaust become assets, enhancing the adventurous experience. In all other scenarios, a Wrangler 4xe might be a more sensible and socially responsible choice.
It seemed vehicles like the 392 jeep were destined for history books. Even Stellantis has embraced electrification for its muscle cars. Yet, in a world where nostalgia and retro appeal are increasingly valued, the Wrangler Rubicon 392, with all its V8 excess, might just be the right kind of wrong.
