The quickest and most powerful Wrangler currently in the market, the 2022 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 has been awarded the Four Wheeler 2022 SUV of the Year.
The SUV of the Year competition hosted by Four Wheeler is open to all the new or greatly revised SUVs for the upcoming model year. The editors of the 4×4 enthusiast publication stood as judges for the annual award competition. In the end, they picked the Wrangler 392, “The Wrangler Rubicon 392 may just be the pinnacle of factory off-road SUVs. There has been nothing like it before, and there likely won’t be anything of the sort once it’s gone.”
Four Wheeler Contest Director Sean P. Holman shared, “The Jeep Wrangler 392 is the first vehicle in decades of testing to hit a bullseye on everything that the Four Wheeler staff has ever wanted in a factory 4×4. With solid axles, front and rear lockers, a disconnecting anti-roll bar, flexy link-coil suspension, 35-inch tires and absolutely sublime V-8 integration that brings with it an incredible 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of useable torque, the Wrangler 392 elevates Jeep’s iconic enthusiast vehicle to another plane and should be tops on any buying list for as long as it lasts.”
Truck Trend’s Jason Gonderman added, “Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon 392 may just be the pinnacle of factory off-road performance. For generations off-road fans have been desperately seeking a vehicle with solid axles, big tires and a powerful V-8 engine. Jeep’s inclusion of the 470-horsepower 6.4-liter HEMI® V-8 engine in a Wrangler both shocked and delighted the off-roading world while fulfilling their collective wildest dreams. And the fact that you can pair it with all of the goodies that come with the Rubicon package, 35-inch tires through Jeep’s Xtreme Recon package, and that it all comes with a factory warranty is a combination that will truly be difficult to beat.”
For a whole week, the Wrangler was subjected to some grueling testing wherein the ramp travel index (RTI) was tested to see the vehicle’s suspension articulation, on- and off-road evaluation wherein the vehicle was tested in the mountains and deserts of Southern California and Nevada, and track testing, wherein the 0-60 and quarter-mile acceleration times was tested, as well as the 60-0 braking distance. The vehicles were also tested in a variety of off-road conditions like sand, loose-surface trails, rocky trails, loose dirt hill climbs, and rutted backroads. Night driving was also tested to check the performance of the lighting equipment of each vehicle.
The competition’s judges had staff from various truck and 4×4 brands which include 4-Wheel & Off-Road, Four Wheeler, and Truck Trend. They also added former Four Wheeler staffers and off-road industry experts.
Jeep brand North America vice president and head Jim Morrison stated, “Earning the title of Four Wheeler’s prestigious SUV of the Year award validates the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 both as the benchmark for high-performance SUVs, and also as the best of the best for extreme 4×4 capability. Having the top two spots, with Wrangler Rubicon 392 in first and Wrangler Rubicon 4xe in second, also shows the breadth of the Wrangler lineup defined by our customers. The Four Wheeler test is grueling and the team is loaded with avid and expert off-roaders who truly understand 4×4 capability, which makes this honor even more meaningful.”
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Xtreme Recon Package
The most powerful and most capable Wrangler is equipped with a 6.4-liter V-8 engine rated at 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. It is matched to a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission and Selec-Trac full-time active transfer case. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, and it can cover a quarter mile in just 13 seconds. This combination is not just powerful, it is also guaranteed with a factory-backed warranty.
In the wild, the Xtreme Recon Package of the Trail Rated Wrangler combines the powertrain with the heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles, transmission torque converter lockup control, a 4.56 final drive ratio, and a 2-inch lift and 35-inch tires around 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.
It all came together to create the most capable Jeep Wrangler ever with 11.1 inches of ground clearance and improved approach of 46.7 degrees, breakover angle of 24.5 degrees, and departure angle of 39.8 degrees.
The 6.4-liter engine is the first time in almost 40 years that a V-8 engine was offered as a factory option for the Wrangler. It was specifically tuned for the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with its functional hood scoop, so the engine is rated at 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque.
Almost 75% of the Wrangler’s peak torque is available just above engine idle speed as it is critical to be able to provide on- and off-road performance which enables the Wrangler to go from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds and to climb up steep grades.
The 6.4-liter V-8 performance is due to the cast iron cylinder block and aluminum heads, added with an active intake manifold, variable camshaft timing, sodium-filled exhaust valves, twin spark plugs per cylinder, piston oil cooling jets, and hollow-stem intake valves. The engine is also equipped with a rear-sump oil pan, free-flowing exhaust manifolds, and high-mount alternator.
When cruising down the highway and engine loads are light, the Fuel Saver Technology with cylinder deactivation flawlessly shifts to high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode. A tank-mounted high-performance pump ensures the V-8 engine is fueled even under the most challenging conditions.
The functional hood scoop provides cool, denser, outside air to the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s engine so it can provide excellent performance.
Regardless of the terrain and weather, Jeep engineers wanted to make sure that the Wrangler is able to get fresh air, and this is resolved by the Hydro-GuideTM air intake system. The system has a tri-level ducting system with a series of drains. One of them is a one-way drain in the air box that separates the water (up to 15 gallons per minute) from the engine’s incoming air. This gives the Wrangler Rubicon 392 with Xtreme Recon Package the capability to traverse water up to 33.6 inches deep at 5 mph without any problems, even if a bow wake washes over the hood.
If it happens that the function hood scoop of the Wrangler become restricted by snow, mud, or debris, there is also a secondary air path in the hood structure that still feeds the engine, allowing the Wrangler to reach top speed despite a fully blocked primary air path.
An active, dual-mode exhaust is used to deliver an exhilarating and distinct sound. The system is automatically engaged, opening valves in the exhaust system, under higher engine loads to reduce exhaust back pressure. With a simple press of a button, the driver can also activate the system. A unique quad exhaust tailpipes completes the dual-pipe performance exhaust system.
The TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission can give quick and smooth gear changes during both normal and performance driving conditions. It also allows the driver to change gears through the new steering wheel-mounted aluminum paddle shifters – another Jeep Wrangler first – or through the Electronic Range Select shifter.
The fully electric, eight-speed automatic transmission has on-the-fly shift-map changing. Using several input parameters, the high-tech transmission software is able to determine the appropriate driving conditions and adjusts shift pattern in response. This results in automatic shifting that is perfectly attuned to the performance requirements of practically any driving demand.
The gear ratios of the transmission provide the right response at the right time, from smooth power delivery while driving at highway speeds to crawling on obstructions on the trail, a result of smaller ratio steps between the gears.
The powertrain calibration of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 includes Torque Reserve and Amax shifting which is accessible when doing a brake torque launch allowing it to give maximum acceleration for solid pavement launches. An engine strategy used by drag racers is the Torque Reserve wherein power delivery and launch performance are maximized through management of the fuel flow to the cylinders and controls spark advance or retard to balance engine rpm and torque. First introduced on the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, AMax shifting maximizes forward torque by coordinating shift time and engine torque management.
The drivetrain of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 puts the power down to all four wheels all the time.
The core of the driveline is a Selec-Trac full-time, active transfer case with a 2.72 low-range gear ratio. The transfer case is equipped with four modes the driver can choose from: 4WD Auto, 4WD High, Neutral, and 4WD Low. The full-time two-speed transfer case is intuitive so the driver can simply set it and forget about it as it will constantly send power to the front and rear wheels. The Selec-Trac transfer case also enables the Wrangler Rubicon 392 to be flat-towed.
While off-road, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 builds on the Jeep’s established reputation of providing legendary capability, which includes:
– Off-road Plus with Sand and Rock modes: The Wrangler’s tractive capabilities can be maximized by simply pushing a button. The modes regulate transmission shift points, throttle, and traction control for maximum performance on higher speed passes on sand terrain same as through low-speed rock crawling. The drive mode in the Off-road Plus also enables the driver to lock the rear axle at high speeds while in 4H.
– With a push of a button on the dashboard, the Selec-Speed Control can be activated to manage vehicle speed in 4L while travelling through off-road terrain without need throttle or brake input. It can also be adjusted from 0.6 mph to 5 mph through the Electronic Range Select shift control.
– The Xtreme Recon Package is an expert at low-speed downhill descents through the 6.4-liter V-8’s engine brake. Revised transmission torque converter lockup control, and a 58:1 crawl ratio to manage vehicle speed even if the driver does not use the brake pedal.
The chassis of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 upgraded the frame rails, cast iron steering knuckles, and front upper control arms to fully utilize the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s power and torque. And on any given terrain, the heavy-duty brakes will enable the Wrangler to give a composed stop.
The off-road expertise of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 comes from the wide track, heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles with thicker axle tubes as well as the Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials. Suspension travel for the most challenging off-road conditions is maximized through an electronic sway-bar disconnect.
On top of the tested five-link front and rear suspension of the Wrangler, it is also equipped with a 2-inch factory lift and is equipped with specially tuned, high-pressure gas-charged monotube shocks to maximize handling and comfort.
The 2022 Jeep Rubicon 392 stayed true to Wrangler’s original design theme using bold and functional cues, wide stance, and immediately recognizable trapezoidal wheel flares. The 2-inch lift from the factory gave the model its character and presence.
The Rubicon 392 has bronze accents to mark the most powerful Jeep Wrangler yet. The Rubicon on the hood as well as the covers of the front and rear tow hooks, and shock decal outline is traced in bronze. The Jeep badge and Trail Rated badge is also outlined in bronze.
Despite the aggressive appearance of the 40-mm raised hood and the fully functional hood scoop, which was inspired by the Jeep Gladiator Mojave, they work together to provide cold air intake and greater water fording capability. They have the “392” badge on each side to show the most cubic inches that Jeep Wrangler has ever offered.
The grille design provides better airflow and cooling of the 392 V8.
Bronze wheels that measure 17×7.5 inches are also beadlock capable with Mopar providing the optional black locking ring. There are also beadlock-capable bronze wheels measuring 17×8 inches as part of the Xtreme Recon Package with 35-inch tires.
Distinct bronze stitching is also seen in the leather-appointed interior. The leather seats with integrated upper bolsters keep occupants comfortable, and it also sports the Rubicon 392 name. The gauge cluster was also given new numbering and design to accommodate the new engine specs. Also a first on the Jeep Wrangler, the leather-wrapped, performance steering wheel has wheel-mounted paddle shifters to have faster access to the eight-speed transmission and to better manage the 470 lb-ft of torque.
An 8.4-inch screen comes as standard, and it displays the Uconnect system. As part of the software, Jeep Off-road Pages enables the owners to monitor pitch, altitude, roll, GPS coordinates, drivetrain power distribution, and a lot of other features.
The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 comes in 10 exterior finishes: Bright White, Black, Hydro Blue, Firecracker Red, Sarge Green, Snazzberry, Tuscadero, Sting-Gray, Granite Crystal Metallic, and Silver Zynith. All of them will come with a black interior.
Although they’re normally options on the Jeep Wrangler, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 will have these 11 premium features as standard:
• Leather interior
• Infotainment Group
• HD electrical switch bank
• Body-color hard top
• Body-color flares
• Steel Bumper Group
• LED Lighting Group
• Cold Weather Group
• Remote proximity entry
• Safety Group
• Advanced Safety Group
With all the great and unique performance and design features on the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392, it is not surprising that it was named the Four Wheeler 2022 SUV of the Year.