Text by Tom Appel
2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition
Specs
Class: Compact Crossover
Color: Silver Zynith
Seating Capacity: 5
Miles driven: 141
Real-world fuel economy: 13.0 mpg
| CG Report Card | |
|---|---|
| Room and Comfort | B |
| Power and Performance | A |
| Fit and Finish | B |
| Fuel Economy | D |
| Value | C+ |
| Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide's impressions of the entire model lineup. | |
| Big & Tall Comfort | |
| Big Guy | C+ |
| Tall Guy | C+ |
| Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. "Big" rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, "Tall" rating based on 6'6"-tall male tester. | |
| Drivetrain | |
| Engine Specs | 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter |
| Engine Type | V8 |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drive Wheels | AWD |
Driving mix: 65% city, 35% highway
EPA-estimated fuel economy: 13/16/14 (city, highway, combined)
Fuel type: Premium gas
Base price: $91,545 (not including $1895 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Special paint ($595), Customer Preferred Package ($8450), Sky One-Touch Power Top ($3995), air compressor ($1995)
Price as tested: $108,475
Pros and Cons
The great: Impressive power, promise of serious off-road capability
The good: Fun to drive, compliant ride
The not so good: Difficult to enter and exit, poor fuel economy
Review
The value to you of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition may depend entirely on your response to the words, “Final Edition.” And, to be clear, what’s final here is not the Wrangler itself—thank God—but the 392—as in 392 cubic inches. The burly “Hemi” engine, which is central to the Rubicon 392 experiences, is being discontinued presently.
In fact, there are a handful of Wrangler powertrain updates for 2025, including limiting access to what was once the Wrangler’s only engine. The popular 3.6-liter “Pentastar” V6 engine now mates exclusively to 6-speed manual transmission. Shoppers looking for an automatic will have to go with a mild-hybrid setup which includes a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, a small electric motor, and an 8-speed automatic transmission. Also available is Jeep’s 4Xe plug-in hybrid drivetrain, which provides more than twenty miles of electric-only range before the turbocharged 4-cylinde engine is engaged.
But what we care about here is the line-topping 392 Hemi engine. Good for 470 horsepower, the burly V8 was introduced to the Wrangler lineup in 2021, and has only been offered in mountain-conquering Rubicon versions of Wrangler.
Rubicon Equipment
Included in the Rubicon equipment group are a number of hard-core features, including:
- A 2-inch suspension lift including Fox-brand shock absorbers
- Heavy-duty Dana 44 axles with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials
- Jeep’s Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case
- Electronically-controlled front sway-bar disconnect
- Reinforced frame rails
Also included are an assortment of decals and trim bits designed to let you never forget that this is a special Wrangler.
Note that, still offered, is the “standard” Rubicon 392, which retails for fully $8000 less than the Final Edition. In addition to the expected Rubicon 392 equipment, the Final Edition boasts such unique bits as:
Final Edition Equipment
- Unique leather seating surfaces
- A Warn-brand winch
- More decals and trim bits
- Beadlock wheels fitted with 35-inch tires
- A grille guard
- Cool Jeep tool kit
As for the Final Edition being final, it seems that the Folks at Jeep didn’t necessarily mean the 2024 part, as the off-road brand’s tribute to excessive horsepower will roll into 2025, likely little changed save for color options. Still, that doesn’t mean that this intended-to-be-collectible Wrangler won’t eventually prove to be auction-house worthy, only that a few more folks will get their hands on a copy. And, at these prices, the total number of would-be Final Edition owners has to be pretty limited.
Here we’d like to share our five favorite things about the Rubicon 932 Final Edition. Have a look, and let us know what you find coolest about Jeep’s farewell tribute to the Hemi V8.
Five Cool Things 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition
It’s Fast
This will come as no surprise, but the Rubicon 392 is very fast—surprisingly fast for a seriously tuned off road vehicle. Throttle response is quick, and the Jeep’s excellent 8-speed automatic transmission snicks of timely and refined shifts. Not only will you, as the driver, surprise plenty of folks pulling away from stoplights, you will also appreciate the low-end power when negotiating quick moves in heavy traffic.
It Rides Surprisingly Well
Give the Rubicon 392’s severe-duty capability, it comes as somewhat of a surprise how well the vehicle rides. While there is fair amount of generally controlled up-and-down mothing over larger road imperfections, the ride is never harsh. On the down side, those big tires to kick up a fair amount of noise, especially at highway speeds.
It’s Refined (really)
The 392’s big V8 engine may sound burly, but it’s actually quite smooth, as is the excellent 8-speed automatic transmission. Combine the drivetrain refinement with the aforementioned impressive ride quality, and this king-of-the-hill off-roader surprises with easy roadability. If you can live with the mediocre fuel economy, this potent Jeep serves just fine as a grocery-getting, warehouse-running daily driver.
It’s Fun
Like all Wranglers, the Rubicon 392 Final Edition is fun to drive. The combination of ride height, smooth power, burly exhaust note, excellent outward visibility makes for a vehicle that is so much more entertaining to drive than your average crossover. And though some may argue that the significant step-in height complicates entering and exiting this topline Jeep, other will argue that the gymnastics are just part of the fun.
It’s Clearly Labeled
There is so much Rubicon- and Final Edition-specific trim you many never get around to cataloging it all. That said, if you’re looking to travel anonymously, this may not be your ride. But for folks looking to celebrate their very-special Jeep, the decals and unique trim elements will make sure everyone knows what you’re driving.
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Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition Pictures
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