Let’s be honest: Not even Jeep executives thought the brand needed a 4.5-second to 60 mph hot rod until rumors surfaced that Ford would build a V8 version of its upcoming Bronco SUV.
The 470-horsepower 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 is totally unnecessary, but it’s also a riot, and we’d never known if Jeep didn’t fear Ford would build an über off-roader of its own.
For the first time in decades, the Jeep Wrangler has competition. The result is the model line’s somewhat bipolar 2021 growth with two excellent new models: The 4xe plug-in hybrid and roaring Hemi-powered 392.
Viva corporate one-upmanship!
The Wrangler 392 — to shorthand the ungainly name as 99% of owners will — jams a 470-hp 6.4L Hemi V8 under the SUV’s air scooped-hood, adds 2 inches of lift and a host of upgrades to make the fastest Wrangler manageable. It’s also surprisingly comfortable. And don’t forget the active dual-mode exhaust system, a sonorous set of pipes that guarantees everybody knows yes, that thing’s got a Hemi.
The Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 is on sale now.
What’s new?
Creating the Wrangler 392 — the name comes from the engine’s displacement in cubic inches, a callout to muscle-car tradition from the 1960s and ’70s, before Americans knew liters from tweeters — required far more than simply squeezing a Hemi into a Wrangler. The suspension geometry, frame, brakes, 4WD system, seats and more got upgrades to make the quickest Wrangler manageable on roads as well as a demon rock climber.
A new Off-road Plus mode locks the rear axle at high speeds in 4 high.
The 392 has a unique 10.3 inches of ground clearance — 0.5 inch lower than less powerful Rubicons — a nod to aerodynamics and the need to keep the fastest Wrangler ever earthbound.
The 392 can ford up to 32.5 inches of water.
The three-level Hydro-Guide hood scoop can channel up to 15 gallons of water a minute away from the engine. A secondary air path delivers enough air to generate full power even if the hood scoop is caked with mud, snow or debris.
The interior adds improved materials and features. Available options include half-doors and a one-touch power convertible top with removable rear windows.
Driving impressions
The 392 is by far the fastest Wrangler on the road, but also the smoothest. Heavy-duty Fox shocks maintain off-road ability, but absorb potholes and other everyday challenges for a more comfortable in-town ride than I expected from a Rubicon, the Wrangler’s off-road champion. Squat and dive from acceleration and braking are minimal, but bump absorption is good.
The steering is similarly well tuned, providing quick response and good on-center feel in town.
Throttle response is everything you’d hope for, with an exhaust note that seems to well up from the center of the earth.
The one-touch power top delivers a pleasant open-air experience, augmented handsomely by the Wrangler’s removable doors.
The four-door Unlimited body provides enough back seat room for adults to ride comfortably, with plenty of cargo space behind.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 set a high standard in both comfort and performance. Your serve, 2022 Ford Bronco.
How much?
Prices for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 start at $73,500.
In addition to the 6.4L V8, the 392 has an eight-speed automatic transmission, full-time four-wheel drive, a two-speed transfer case , 33-inch tires on 17-inch beadlock rims and more. The 392 is available only with the Rubicon off-road equipment package and as a four-door Unlimited, the body style that accounts for around 80% of Wrangler sales.
Prices for the base two-door V6 Wrangler start at $28,900, the Unlimited at $32,400, but those models are irrelevant to any discussion of the 392. Like the Mustang and a handful of other vehicles, the Wrangler occupies an exalted space or image and engineering where a single vehicle can command a $50,000 price spread.
My test vehicle had a handful of options and stickered at $78,545. All prices exclude destination charges.
Every dollar was justified by the 392’s look, feel, performance and sheer presence on the road.
Features on my Jeep 392 included:
—LED lights
—Selec-Trac full-time 4WD
—Tru-Lok front and rear axles
—Blind spot and cross traffic alert
—Remote start
—Off-road Plus mode
—Bronze tow hooks
—Leather bucket seats
—Heated front seats
—8.4-inch touch screen
—Alpine audio
—Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
—Navigation
—Voice recognition and Bluetooth
—SirusXM satellite radio
—Air conditioning
—Sky One-Touch power hard top
—Towing package
—Front-facing off-road camera
—Mopar floor mats
—Cargo rails
2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 392 at a glance
Base price: $73,500
Four-wheel drive, four-door SUV
Price as tested: $78,545
On sale now
Engine: 6.4L Hemi V8
Output: 470 hp @ 6,000 rpm; 470 pound-feet of torque @ 4,300 rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: 13 mpg city/17 highway/14combined. Premium fuel
EPA estimated annual fuel cost: $4,000
Wheelbase: 118.4 inches
Length: 188.4 inches (includes spare tire)
Width: 73.8 inches
Height: 84.5 inches
Curb weight: 5,103 pounds
Passenger volume: 103.3 cubic feet
Cargo volume: 27.7 cubic feet behind rear seat,67.4 with rear seat folded
Assembled in Toledo, Ohio
(Mark Phelan is the Detroit Free Press auto critic. He can be reached at [email protected].)
©2021 Detroit Free Press. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
