It might be one of the world's best modern hot-rods.The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a bit of a wild one, with its V-8 burbling away under the hood of the humble Wrangler. The juxtaposition of off-road focus and on-road silliness is amusing to say the least, but it seems there really is a Hemi for every type of vehicle. Fans were shocked that Jeep actually made it, but the 392 Wrangler stands proudly as an American icon, and we wanted to know if it was actually any good off-road. Jeep, very confidently, had our answer.
Jeep kindly invited TopSpeed out to an exclusive drive on the actual Rubicon Trail out in the mountains of California near Lake Tahoe. It was in the Wrangler's natural habitat where we were able to test every version of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon models, including the 392 variant. In total, there were three examples of the 392 available, my favorite being the one finished in a bold green color they like to call "Mojito." In all, a vast portion of the trail was covered over the course of two days' worth of driving. Jeep and Jeep Jamboree teamed up to create an off-road/overnight camping experience unlike anything I've ever seen before.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392
- Base Trim Engine
- HEMI 6.4L ICE
- Base Trim Transmission
- 8-speed automatic
- Base Trim Drivetrain
- Four-Wheel Drive
- Base Trim Horsepower
- 470 HP @6000 RPM
- Base Trim Torque
- 470 lb.-ft. @ 4300 RPM
- Make
- Jeep
- Model
- Wrangler Rubicon 392
- Segment
- Midsize SUV
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and an exclusive guided drive of the Rubicon Trail with Jeep. All images were captured using a Z6III mirrorless camera provided by Nikon.
Power Does Matter
Efficiency is great, especially in something likethe 4Xe model, but sometimes all you need is a good ol' V-8 in your life. With an abundance of power, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 feels unstoppable, literally. On our journey across the Rubicon Trail, the Jeeps were all set to low-range gearing. This meant the 470 horsepower, but more importantly, the 470 pound-feet of torque could be deployed instantly, allowing the 392 to quite literally crawl along over most terrain with little to no throttle input. The natural loping of the engine gives an entertaining chug-along feel that's unmistakably the product of a Hemi V-8.
Performance Specifications
Engine | 6.4-Liter V-8 |
Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
Horsepower | 470HP @ 6,000RPM |
Torque | 470LB-FT @ 4,300RPM |
Fuel Economy (CMB) | 14 MPG |
0-60 MPH | 4.5 Seconds |
Top Speed | 112 MPH |
Towing Capacity | 3,500 Pounds |
Show And Go
The feeling of endless power is satisfying, but then there's the signature sound. It's no secret that "normal" Jeep Wranglers are missing a roaring sound. Sure, they can all get the job done as it relates to off-road performance, but the theater of the 392 is unmatched. Even rivals like Ford'sBronco Raptor can't compete with the drama of the Rubicon 392. This type of thing, as I found out while testing the 392, does make a difference. It's one of those "you don't know you need it until you have it" kind of engines. When jumping out of the 392 and into a 3.6-liter Jeep, I instantly missed the character of the Hemi. Initially, I thought it would be overkill, and it is, but the whole point of these types of activities isto be silly, and just have a good time. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 fulfilled that desire to be a bit more bold in an already bold setting.
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Split Personality
One Jeep Does It All
Fans of Mopar will instantly be familiar with the powertrain and transmission. It's the same recipe used in many ofAmerica's favorite muscle cars, the Charger and Challenger. A new era has begun with those cars becoming one, and a myriad of powertrains, but the Wrangler 392 is a nod to the not-so-distant, louder and rowdier past. As much as I love this powertrain for its rambunctiousness, the truth is, when slow-speed crawling, it can actually become quite docile and friendly. You still hear it and are always aware of its presence, but it's never annoying or overbearing. In fact, if anything, it's better to know exactly where the engine is in the rev range by listening rather than looking down and away from obstacles up ahead.
Off-Road Fuel Economy Hits Different
On the Rubicon Trail, the 392 models seemed to return similar fuel economy to that of the other models. This could be that the engine was so underwhelmed by the low speeds, or that it didn't run at higher revs, and therefore, the same amount of fuel was used along the trail. In any case, it wasn't the 392 models that desperately needed to refuel by the end of the trail, but rather one of the base 3.6-liter models that was thirsty for more.
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Legendary Off-Road Chops
It's not all running between streetlights and burnouts. The 392 ethos, as it turns out, is just as much at home out in the dirt as it is on the pavement. Yes, the 392 is a hooligan on the streets, but those decals on the hood aren't just there for show. A Jeep Rubicon modelmust be able to conquer the actual Rubicon Trail. Not only can the 392 tackle or "wrangle" with all the obstacles that every other Wrangler could while on the trail, but it did so without having a tire change. It's standard 35-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrains are standard on this model, but not on some others. I thought the heavier V-8 would pose a slight threat to its maneuverability or ability to climb, but that wasn't an issue ever.
Tricks Up The Sleeve
Aside from the burly V-8, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon models, including the 392, utilize a host of off-road-focused equipment that we ended up using here and there. All along the Rubicon Trail, you'll find vastly different terrain, ranging from steep rock walls to muddy river crossings. From large boulders to the silty, rutted, and intensely challenging inclines that are "Cadillac hill", the Rubicon 392 took it all in its stride, no problem.
Thanks to electronically disconnecting sway bars, front/rear electronically locking differentials, and, of course, the low-range four-wheel-drive, there wasn't anything that posed a serious threat to any of the Rubicon Wranglers. During our run, or rather, crawl up Cadillac Hill, the entire group was waiting for another group of non-Jeeps that were stuck on obstacles ahead. They required the use of their winches to get free, and although our Jeeps were equipped with them, none of us needed to use them once. The Rubicon 392 safely, securely, and boldly delivered its drivers to Rubicon Springs, where we would rest and relax before heading out the next day to finish the legendary trail.
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One For The Fans
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is a case of the vehicle that everyone was asking for. Jeep finally had the nerve to pull it off, and even at its sky-high price of over $100,000, the true fans are happy to pay for it.
A Missing Ingredient
Jeep Wranglers have always been capable. There was never a question of their ability to climb, crawl, and remove the drama from intense off-road situations. The problem was that fans of off-roading quickly became obsessed with having an all-in-one package. They wanted the slick off-road capability, the looks of a serious machine, but then the sounds and power of a much more reckless one. The aftermarket took to engine-swapping Wranglers. Out went the old four or six-cylinder engines and in went Hemis or even GM LS engines. Some even managed to fit supercharged Hellcat engines under the hood of the humble Wrangler.
Jeep officially introduced the Wrangler Rubicon 392 in 2021, and now, in 2025, we are driving the "final edition" vehicles. Jeep is set to close this chapter of the Wrangler, and although we aren't sure if another 392 variant will come with the next-generation Wrangler, you can bet that we are glad they stuck with it for a generation. From pavement to campsite, the Jeep Rubicon 392 is a joy to drive, and out on the Rubicon Trail, it shines like the star the Wrangler was always meant to be.
