Jeep Wrangler 2021-2023

The Ultimate Overlanding Machine In Existence

World War II created one of the most iconic and celebrated nameplates for the automotive industry. Yes, we are talking about Jeep. Designed to transport troops in nearly every possible terrain, the Jeep did eventually take a civilian route. Resultantly, the masses too got a flavour of the terrain-trotting machine called the Jeep. Fast forward to 2024, the Jeep as a brand has grown bigger. It now sells more pompous vehicles. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has its roots in the good old days of pure offroading capabilities. Based on the 5-door Wrangler, the American offroader is a head-turner in urban environments and a goat at high altitudes. Is that all it’s about? The answer is no. 

Pros and Cons 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Exterior Design 

In the outgoing JL format, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has not lost its charm. It is by far the perfect amalgamation of modernity and Jeep’s old-school design traits. The front fascia is accentuated by the 7-slat grille and flanking circular LED headlamps. The bumper gets a functional hood vent, hiding the washer nozzles for a clean look. LED DRLs are mounted to the chunky fenders that are designed to house tyres larger than 33 inches that come as part of the standard kit. The India-spec Rubicon gets a large awkward-looking bumper, due to pedestrian safety norms. The international model gets a more practical unit.

On the side, the Wrangler Rubicon feels large. The knobby 33-inch tyres are wrapped in two-tone 17-inch rims, which go well with the butch appeal of the SUV. Design elements like exposed hinges, chunky door handles, fender-mounted antenna, and bold “RUBICON” decals make it look brute. Around the rear, the design is very utilitarian with a tailgate-mounted spare wheel. The tail lamps protrude outwards slightly, as they house sensors for blind-spot monitoring.

To sum up, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon looks enticing. The design takes a function-over-form approach to most things, elevating the ruggedness of the off-roader. For those who aren’t bothered about the design’s functionality, the Rubicon will leave them impressed with its daunting road presence.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Interiors

Getting inside the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a task. The door sill is high, and it is probably the highest we have experienced in any car’s stock configuration. Kind engineers at Jeep have added grab handles to help occupants get in and out. Once in, the Wrangler Rubicon treats you to a neatly laid-out dashboard, packed with retro-charm, a sense of familiarity, and modern equipment. The multi-function steering wheel gets a slew of buttons, and a large instrument cluster sits behind it. The speedometer and tachometer are analogue, while everything else is displayed on a 7-inch LCD squeezed between them.

Taking centre stage is a. 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Jeep’s UConnect suite, along with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. There are multiple buttons on the dashboard but you’ll find them confusing to operate. Thankfully, the Rubicon stays away from using touch-sensitive buttons. Since the interior is designed to serve a purpose, seats lack electric adjustability but are comfortable even on long hauls. However, the same cannot be said for the rear bench. It is firm and upright with compromised under-thigh support. The boot space is in abundance, and the removable top is another neat feature the Wrangler Rubicon gets. The parts on the front roof are removable by unlatching a few locks. 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Comfort

The Rubicon rides on rigid axles at both ends, sourced from Dana and uses a coil spring setup for enhanced off-roading capabilities. Combined with 255/75-section tyres, the setup looks super comfortable on paper. The situation, in reality, is different. With high unsprung weight and a rather high-set centre of gravity, the low-speed ride is stiff. The body roll is prominent too. However, take bad roads, drop the air pressure in the tyres by a couple of PSI, and the Rubicon feels at home.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Performance and Handling

Under the mean-looking bonnet of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon sits a 2.0L, 4-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine that delivers a peak power output of 263.44 bhp and 400 Nm of max torque. The 4-cylinder engine seems small on paper but has enough grunt to move this behemoth with grace. Channelling power to wheels is an 8-speed torque converter automatic gearbox that is paired with a 4:1 Rock-Trac transfer case that further offers a crawl ratio of 77:1. In short, the Rubicon can handle the worst Mother Earth has to offer.

The wheel articulation with solid axles is great for mild off-roading. For serious trails, the front swaybar can be disconnected while the front and rear differentials can be locked. The chassis on the Rubicon is stiff, no signs of flex can be observed during trail bashing or rock crawling. The setup is designed to take you places without breaking a sweat. Also, it is rather easy on the pocket with a real-world mileage of over 8 km/l, combined.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Key specifications 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Safety Features

The safety suite on the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is pretty extensive. The SUV is loaded with 75 safety features as standard. The list includes multiple airbags, rear parking sensors and camera, parking aids, ABS with EBD, ESP, hill hold assist, hill descent control and more. The Jeep Wrangler, however, has scored a poor Euro NCAP crash test rating of 1-star.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Technology and Infotainment

The Wrangler Rubicon comes with rather capable and practical gears. The touchscreen is an 8.4-inch unit that comes paired with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Jeep’s connected car tech — UConncet, is part of the bundle. The sound output from the speakers is praiseworthy, elevating the overall driving experience.

Is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for You?

Think of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as a Swiss Military Knife. You must have it, but you cannot always put it to use. When the situation demands, the Swiss Army knife will prove its mettle. Likewise, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a cool lifestyle product that can work as your weekend vehicle, but can take you to the swampiest, muddiest, rockiest, and maddest of places with ease. The highlight is, it will also bring you back home. So, if you can live with the rugged, masculine, and not-so-warm nature of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, do not think twice before signing the cheque.