Jeep Wrangler vs. Jeep Rubicon: Which one is right for you?

Jeep Wrangler vs Jeep Rubicon driving in a desert.

Jeep Wrangler vs. Rubicon. When you say Rubicon, you’re talking about more luxury, like a pimped-up Wrangler. To determine which one, between a Jeep Wrangler and a Jeep Rubicon, is a better fit for you, here’s a comparison that will help you decide which is the best SUV for you.

Jeep Wrangler vs. Rubicon

Available in two or four-door versions, the Rubicon comes in five models, namely:

  • Rubicon;
  • Rubicon 4-door;
  • Rubicon X;
  • Rubicon X 4-door;
  • Rubicon 392.

The latter is only available as a 4-door model.

Front view of the Jeep Rubicon X outdoors.

2024 Jeep Rubicon X

Key Differences

Compared to other Wrangler models, Jeep Rubicon SUVs have various features that enhance their off-road capabilities, such as:

  • Electronic locking Tru-Lok differential;
  • Electronic disconnecting sway bar;
  • Wide Tru-Lok Dana M210 front and Dana M220 rear axles;
  • 115-volt auxiliary power outlet;
  • Rock-Trac 2-speed transfer case with a 4:1 low range ratio.

The Rubicon X model takes the equipment up a notch and adds features like:

  • Steel bumpers capable of receiving a winch;
  • Integrated off-road camera;
  • Reinforced suspension with gas shocks;
  • Premium Alpine audio system;
  • Heated steering wheel.

With the Rubicon 392, you step up to a higher level in several ways, thanks to:

  • A 470-horsepower 6.4L V8 HEMI engine with 470 lb-ft of torque;
  • Black embroidered leather upholstery;
  • Xtreme 35-inch tires;
  • LED fog lamps;
  • Rubicon 392 suspension;
  • Park-Sense rear park assist system.
The 2024 Jeep Rubicon 392 driving in a desert.

2024 Jeep Rubicon 392

Power

Except for the Rubicon 392, which features a V8 engine, both the Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon share the same engine, namely:

Engine 3.6L Pentastar V6
Power 285 HP
Torque 260 lb-ft
Transmission 6-speed manual

Looking at the Sahara model of Jeep Wrangler vs. Rubicon 4-door, the former starts at a price of $62,160 and the latter at $65,360, a $3,200 difference. Here’s where some of this difference lies:

Rubicon Sahara
Red tow hooks Black tow hooks
Electronic sway bar disconnect ND (Not Available)
Front and rear Tru-Lok axles ND (Not Available)
Rock-Trac transfer case Command-Trac 4×4 system
Performance suspension Reinforced suspension with gas shocks
Stone protection trim ND (Not Available)
Sunrider black soft top Black Freedom Top hardtop with three sections
ND (Not Available) Heated steering wheel and seats
17-inch wheels 18-inch wheels
Black fender flares Body-color fender flares
The Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon lineup in a desert.

Among the offered colors, aside from the new Bikini shade in teal tones, you can find others including:

  • Bright White;
  • Silver Zynith;
  • Earl Grey;
  • Granite Crystal;
  • Sky Gray;
  • Black;
  • Hydro Blue;
  • Firecracker Red;
  • Velocity Blue;
  • Sarge Green.

In Summary

Of course, it all depends on the budget you’re willing to allocate. As you’ve seen, with a budget of around $65,000, you have an ultra-capable utility vehicle in both the Wrangler and the Rubicon. Each of them offers unique features, such as 17- or 18-inch wheels, or a heated steering wheel.

In the end, it’s all a matter of taste, budget, and priorities, in whichever order you prefer. But it’s safe to say that no matter whether you choose the Wrangler vs. Rubicon, they share the same DNA that makes them highly competent and fun-to-drive off-road SUVs.

Your Des Sources Chrysler dealership in Pointe-Claire invites you to come and discover what the Wrangler and Rubicon have to offer. And here’s the list of 2024 Jeep Wrangler versions and prices, as of writing these lines:

Model Engine Power
Sport V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Sport S V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Sport 4-door V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Willys V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Sport S 4-door V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Rubicon V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Willys 4-door V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Sahara 4-door 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo 270 HP
Rubicon 4-door V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Rubicon X V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Rubicon X 4-door V6 Pentastar 3.6L 285 HP
Rubicon 392 6.4L V8 HEMI 470 HP
Model Torque Price
Sport 260 lb-ft $46,660
Sport S 260 lb-ft $49,465
Sport 4-door 260 lb-ft $51,660
Willys 260 lb-ft $53,660
Sport S 4-door 260 lb-ft $54,465
Rubicon 260 lb-ft $62,860
Willys 4-door 260 lb-ft $58,660
Sahara 4-door 295 lb-ft $62,160
Rubicon 4-door 260 lb-ft $65,360
Rubicon X 260 lb-ft $74,105
Rubicon X 4-door 260 lb-ft $76,155
Rubicon 392 470 lb-ft $119,660
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