2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary celebrates a rugged nameplate. With just 150 models built, getting one will require resources
The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary is a tribute to two decades of off-road capability. But just 150 units were built, each with a starting price of $92,690. (Photography by Mark Maynard unless otherwise credited)
Table of Contents
20th Anniversary Regalia
Jeep’s ‘Lunatic Fringe’
2023 Jeep Wrangler Pricing
Rubicon 392 Hemi Powertrain
Rubicon 392 Hardware
Ride and Handling
Interior Function
Why Buy the Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary?
Specifications
I smile like a 10-year-old holding his favorite Tonka truck whenever I hoist aboard a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. The view through the Gorilla Glass windshield, the rumble of the Hemi V-8, and its lock-and-load power are ridiculously gratifying.
In celebration of the Rubicon nameplate, the four-door 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary is even more outrageous. It has the look of a four-star general in full dress uniform. Give a salute to its gold-tone tow hooks, the Xtreme 35-inch tire package with bronze bead-lock capable wheels, and the barrage of black-and-gold Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary graphics.
This Jeep is thoroughly badass — in appearance and performance. If a carmaker is going to build such a beyond-expectations vehicle, the 470-horsepower Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary is how to do it.
For most Jeep enthusiasts, however, the Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary is “unobtanium.” Production was limited to just 150 units, and you’ll have to know a dealer to get one — and pay a substantial “market value” premium. Or spend an astronomical auction amount.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary has a starting price of $92,690, including the $1,795 freight charge from Toledo, Ohio. My tester was $95,385 with options for Sting-Gray clearcoat paint ($495) and a Sky one-touch power top ($2,200).
The view through the Gorilla Glass windshield.
20th Anniversary Regalia
Jeep opened the Mopar parts catalog to upfit this 20th-anniversary showcase. Among its special features are:
- 20th Anniversary graphics: hood decals, swing gate plaque, and shifter medallion;
- Half-inch suspension lift, which gives another 0.5-inch of water fording depth, now at 32 inches; and another 0.4-inch of ground clearance, now at 11.2 inches;
- Triple hoop grille guard. (It feels more solid and robust than any aftermarket grille guard you can buy.);
- Steel bumpers (winch-ready at the front);
- 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires on 7.5-inch-wide beadlock-capable wheels;
- 83-piece tool kit with canvas bag;
- Front off-road trail camera;
- Heavy-duty steel rock sliders;
- Gorilla glass windshield;
- Red-and-black Nappa leather seats;
- Red leather-wrapped instrument panel bolster;
- Auxiliary switches, such as for electrically disconnecting sway bars or locking the differentials;
- All-weather slush mats.
All the comforts of luxury cars, including Nappa leather upholstery.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary
There is a more conscionable choice in the also-extreme 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary.
With a price of $71,380, the Rubicon 4xe has about the same hardware upgrades as the 392 model but with 33-inch tires and hood decals and graphics in electric blue.
Blue graphics for the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary. (Stellantis/Jeep)
The Wrangler Rubicon 4xe is a 375-hp plug-in hybrid with a battery-driving range of 21 miles and combined fuel mileage of 49 MPGe. The dual-motor powertrain and lithium-ion battery work with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder. The combined torque rating of 470 foot-pounds at 3,000 rpm churns up a lot of launch power to heft its curb weight of 5,222 pounds, which is 124 pounds heavier than the Rubicon 392. Consequently, Rubicon 4xe acceleration to 60 mph takes about 6.3 seconds, according to online estimates, vs. 4.5 seconds for the 392 Hemi.
However, the Rubicon 4xe has relevant assets of an eight-speed automatic transmission (not a CVT) and a tow rating of 3,500 pounds. But most important, the driver can save the battery charge to use on the trail for silent running, except for the pleasant crunch of trail dirt or the graunch of metal on rocks.
Jeep’s ‘Lunatic Fringe’
Rubicon is the off-roading pinnacle of the Jeep Wrangler line. The nameplate was initiated “as an internal underground project, led by a small group of passionate Jeep engineers” known as the “Lunatic Fringe.” Their test bed included the Rubicon Trail in the California High Sierra. The team of trail jockeys wanted a more off-road-focused Wrangler, one they would buy.
Their work yielded the 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It was introduced in the spring of 2002 to the brand’s legion of faithful followers at the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah.
The first Wrangler Rubicon started production in summer 2002 and went on to beat all sales expectations, Jeep says. Each successive evolution of the Wrangler Rubicon gets more capability. Hundreds of tested Mopar options and accessories are among the upgrades, all backed by a full warranty. And those extras can be factored into the financing when buying a new Wrangler Rubicon.
Red leather, red seat belts, and red accents are part of the 20th Anniversary package.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Pricing
There are a dozen trim levels of the Jeep Wrangler, eight with two doors and a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission on some trim levels. All have some level of four-wheel drive.
Engine choices are a standard 285 horsepower, 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, an optional 270-hp direct-injected and turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder, or the mighty 470-hp, 6.4-liter Hemi only for the Wrangler Rubicon 392. (The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is ending production for 2023 in North America. See the “Farout” below.)
Starting prices range from about $33,000 for the entry two-door Sport with six-speed manual transmission (add $4,000 for four doors) to $57,000 for the four-door Wrangler High Altitude.
Today’s tester is the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary.
Without the anniversary regalia, a 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 starts at $84,290. And there are dozens of Mopar accessories and upgrades to ratchet the price.
Shop all Jeep Wrangler models here.
Full-bodied bucket seats and a pair of ever-helpful grab bars.
American Expedition Vehicles Package
As tough as these Rubicon anniversary models are, Jeep worked with aftermarket firm American Expedition Vehicles for an adventure-tested hardware upfit.
The 15-piece upgrade package by American Expedition Vehicles includes the 2.5-inch DualSport RT Suspension System with Bilstein 5100 shocks. (Stellantis/Jeep).
Exclusive to the Rubicon 20th Anniversary editions, the Level II upfit by American Expedition Vehicles is an off-roader’s dream list of content. Among the 15 total upfit features are:
- 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires;
- Warn VR EVO 10-S winch;
- AEV 17-inch Savegre II wheels;
- AEV 2.5-inch DualSport RT Suspension System with Bilstein 5100 shocks;
- AEV 7000 Series off-road lights;
- Benefits of the complete AEV upfit package include:
- 14.2 inches of ground clearance;
- 37.1 inches water fording;
- 50-degree approach angle;
- 33-degree breakover angle;
- 43-degree departure angle.
The AEV Level II packages are pricey at $22,978 for the 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and $21,130 for the 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicon 392. Pricing includes a $995 installation fee.
Rubicon 392 Hemi Powertrain
The Hemi V-8 is a cornerstone engine in the annals of muscle-car fame. For the Rubicon Wrangler 392, the 6.4-liter engine has 470 hp at 6,000 rpm and peak torque of 470 lb.-ft. at 4,300 rpm. The engine redlines at 6,400 rpm.
The 392-cubic-inch V-8 breathes through sequential multipoint injection and pushrod-operated overhead valves. The engine has 16 valves with sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow-stem intake valves. All 16 hydraulic lifters have roller tips.
A heavy-duty 8HP75 eight-speed overdrive connects with the full-time Selec-Trac 4WD. This sophisticated system has 4WD Auto, 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low. True-Lok axles front and rear provide tractor-like grunt.
Jeep says the two-and-half-ton (5,098 pounds) Rubicon 392 can power to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and stampede through the quarter mile in 13.0 seconds.
This rewarding hunk of Hemi delivers official fuel economy ratings of 13 mpg city, 17 highway, and 14 mpg combined, using the required premium fuel for max power. I saw 14.4 mpg in highway driving, but so what.
If you think the Rubicon 392 has bad mileage, ask your V-8 4WD pickup-driving friends for their honest guestimates for fuel economy for their truck. It might be better by 2 or 3 mpgs, but hundreds of thousands more gas-guzzling pickups are sold than this radical Rubicon.
Keep watch for filling stations on the way to the trail. The 21.5-gallon tank gives a range of 301 miles, on a good day.
Check your vehicle’s mileage here.
The 470-hp 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 can launch the Rubicon 392 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. (Stellantis/Jeep)
Last Call for Wrangler Diesel
The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6, once available for the Wrangler, will end production this year (2023) in North America. However, the diesel-engine option will be available a while longer for the Gladiator pickup.
Jeep will send off the Motori diesel with the special edition Jeep Wrangler Rubicon FarOut. Based on the Wrangler Rubicon four-door, the FarOut edition features a “Diesel 3.0L” hood graphic, “3.0 D” badging, and a unique wheel style. Pricing starts at about $70,000.
The reinforced tailgate (to secure the 35- or 37-inch spare tires) integrates a Mopar air compressor. To the right is a commemorative build plate.
Rubicon 392 Hardware
The Rubicon 392 can ford water up to 32.5 inches deep — even if a bow wake washes over the hood. Instead of an external snorkel, a functional hood scoop connects to a tri-level Hydro-Guide air intake. The system feeds the V-8 with cooler outside air, and a one-way drain in the air box can separate up to 15 gallons of water a minute.
Active dual-mode exhaust engages automatically to open valves in the exhaust system. Under higher engine loads, the open exhaust reduces back pressure. The driver can also hit a switch to open the pipes manually.
Chassis changes include:
•Heavy-duty brakes.
•2-inch factory lift.
•Upgraded frame rails.
•Specially calibrated suspension geometry with FOX high-performance shocks.
Low-speed descents use engine braking, a revised torque converter lockup control, and a 48:1 crawl ratio. The system allows the driver to manage vehicle speed without using the brake pedal.
Four-wheel-disc braking has 12.9-inch vented front rotors with two twin-piston floating calipers. The rear brakes have 14-inch vented rotors with two single-piston floating calipers.
The Xtreme 35-inch tire package with bronze bead-lock capable wheels.
Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary adds unique hood graphics. Also in the package are 35-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires on 7.5-inch-wide beadlock-capable wheels.
Rubicon 392 Ride and Handling
With the steely upgrades for the Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary, it is not such a shaggy beast to drive.
Acceleration, of course, is breathtaking, as in “Yikes, watch the fuel gauge drop.” Throttle tip-in is responsive, and the Hemi shrugs off any sluggishness that might come with hefting two-and-a-half tons.
The exhaust tone is deliciously ’60s Plymouth Road Runner and music to the enthusiast’s soul. There is an electronic switch to open the pipes to neighbor-angering boldness. But the open pipes also resonate boldly through the cabin, so I didn’t feel the need.
Besides, there’s enough wind and blunt-shape noise at highway speeds. However, the nine-speaker Alpine audio system, with an all-weather subwoofer and 552-watt amplifier, has plenty of clarity for easy listening at 65 mph.
Jeep claims a turning circle of 38.9 feet, it just seems tighter as the Rubicon 392 pivots around tight corners. And it must have a helluva strong power steering pump to turn 35-inch tires so easily, with no cavitation in lock-to-lock turns.
While there is plenty of sidewall to protect those 17-inch wheels, the black “beadlock” band will show rock scrapes allowing the aluminum to shine through.
The Sky roof is the easiest to enjoy of any of the four-door Wranglers’ sunroof choices. It might be expensive, but you will enjoy it more often.
Heavy gauge steel components to withstand a beating on the Rubicon Trail.
Interior Function
The Wrangler cabin is a vertical environment, beginning with the short, flat windshield and stacked controls. Sightlines are open across the hood and over the shoulder.
Inside the Rubicon 392, the interior includes leather-trimmed upholstery with bronze Rubicon 392 stitching. The leather-wrapped, performance steering wheel has paddle shifters, a first for the Jeep Wrangler.
Because of the tall tires and broad fenders, foot space up front might be cramped for size 14 shoes. I wished for an actual driver’s footrest, but there just isn’t room for it.
The Uconnect system projects on a standard 8.4-inch screen, which is small for at-a-glass views. The system includes Jeep Off-road Pages that allow owners to monitor such elements as pitch, roll, altitude, GPS coordinates, and drivetrain power distribution.
Power mirror controls on removable doors.
Safety Features and Technologies
For a vehicle with such raw potential for off-roading survival, it is somewhat surprising that there are so many comfort and safety features.
All Jeep Wranglers have front and seat-mounted side air bags, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, hill-descent control, and hill-start assist.
A pair of safety groups add the advanced technologies:
Jeep Active Safety Group: ParkSense rear park assist, blind-spot
monitoring, rear cross path detection, and LED taillamps;
Jeep Advanced Safety Group includes: adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning.
Back-seat legroom is long at 38.3 inches. Note the clever multi-function to the center-position armrest.
Cargo capacity of 31.7 to 72.4 cubic feet includes plenty of tie-downs to secure crates and other gear. Shown are the 20th Anniversary tool kit and air-compressor hose.
Why Buy the Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary?
One and done. Can it get any better, or more outrageous, than this 2023 Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary?
You’ll not likely find a new Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary on a dealership lot, but these Jeeps will be cherished and used with care. In 10 years, the Rubicon 392 20th will still be rewarding to own, but still at an “unobtanium” price.
Without the anniversary fanfare, you can get all the grunt and glory from a stock 2021, 2022, or 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. These are still pricey at $80,000 to $100,000, but that is the cost of distinction.
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary has a half-inch suspension lift, and another 0.4-inch of ground clearance, now at 11.2 inches.
2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary
Body style: midsize, 4-door multipurpose 4WD vehicle with ladder-type frame, open steel and aluminum body
Engine: 470 hp 6.4-liter (392 cubic inches) V-8 with sequential multipoint injection and pushrod-operated overhead valves, 16 valves with sodium-filled exhaust valves and hollow stem intake valves, 16 conventional hydraulic lifters with roller tips; 470 lb.-ft. torque at 4,300 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic; full-time Selec-Trac 4WD with 4WD Auto, 4WD High, Neutral and 4WD Low; True-Lok axles front and rear; 3.73 rear axle ratio;
Axles: Dana 44 front and rear with 3.73 ratios with Tru-Lock electronic locking;
Fuel economy: 13/17/24 mpg city/hwy/combined; premium fuel required
Max. gross trailer weight: 3,500 pounds
0-60 mph acceleration: 4.5 seconds
SUSPENSION ELEMENTS
Suspension: Solid axle, coil springs, stabilizer bar front and rear; electronic sway-bar disconnect system; high-pressure gas-charged FOX monotube shock absorbers with hydraulic rebound stop front; rear high-pressure gas-charged FOX aluminum monotube shock;
Brakes: 4-wheel ventilated discs; 12.9-inch rotors front with twin-piston floating calipers; 14-inch rotors rear with single-piston floating calipers;
Tires and wheels: 17-inch BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires (315/70, on/off-road); bead-lock capable, high-gloss painted cast-aluminum wheels;
Steering: Electro-hydraulic power; overall ratio 15.1:1; steering turns (lock-to-lock) 3.1; turning circle: 38.9 feet
BY THE NUMBERS
Water fording: 32.5 inches
Fuel tank: 21.5 gallons
Length/wheelbase: 188.4*/118.4 in. *including spare tire
Width/height: 73.9/ 74.5 inches
Curb weight: 5,098 pounds
Cargo space: 31.7 to 72.4 cubic feet
Front head/leg room: 40.8/41.2 inches
Rear head/leg room: 40.3/38.3 inches
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: smart key entry with push-button ignition, ParkView back-up camera, leather-trimmed seat upholstery, heated front seats, Uconnect 4C Nav with 8.4-inch touch-screen display, 9-speaker Alpine audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, GPS navigation, 4G hot spot with trial subscription, a media hub with 2 USB ports and 115-volt household outlet, satellite radio, 7-inch driver info display,
Standard Rubicon safety features include: 4 air bags, all-speed traction control, electronic stability control, hill-descent control, hill-start assist;
PRICING
Rubicon 392 20th Anniversary base price: $92,690, including the $1,795 freight charge; price as tested $95,385
Options on test vehicle: Sky One-Touch power top $2,200; Sting-Gray clear coat paint $495
Where assembled: Toledo, Ohio
Warranties: 3-years/36,000-miles basic bumper to bumper; 5-years/60,000-miles powertrain
