About a decade ago, Jeep->ke40 came out with a pretty smart idea. With the Wrangler serving the purpose as the brand’s resident off-road warrior, the automaker decided to introduce a new variant of the Wrangler. Jeep called it the "Rubicon" model, an ode to the one of the most grueling off-road trails in the world.

A decade later and the Wrangler Rubicon is as popular as it was -- maybe even more -- than when it first came out. To pay tribute to the popular off-road vehicle, Jeep has decided to bestow it with the honor of having a 10th Anniversary model.

As such, the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition is born.

Mike Manley, president and CEO of Jeep, knows the significance of the model to the brand’s most passionate enthusiasts. "This Wrangler Rubicon is for them," Manley said.

"It is a unique vehicle that we expect will long be sought after; a Wrangler that offers an unprecedented level of capability once only attainable by long hours of custom aftermarket preparation crafted in the garages of the most avid Jeep enthusiasts in the world."

Find out more about the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition after the jump

2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2013 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V6
  • Horsepower: 285
  • Torque: 260
  • Transmission: six-speed manual transmission
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

As an anniversary model, the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition has to have exterior modifications that make it stand out from the rest of the Wrangler lineup. The model is available in the following colors: Billet Silver, White, and the 10th Anniversary Edition-exclusive Anvil.

A Premium Sunrider soft top is standard, but you can opt for a black three-piece Freedom hardtop or body-color hardtop. Black front and rear steel off-road bumpers have also been added to give the off-road vehicle a tougher look. Jeep designed the front bumper to be winch capable and a set of removable end caps allow the Wrangler Rubicon to climb obstacles without any problems while the edges of the bumper dragging.

A dual-intake “Power Dome” has also been added to help keep the Wrangler’s engine cool, plus it just looks cool. Red tow hooks on the front and rear bumpers help get the Wrangler out of sticky situations and Mopar rock rails provide added protection from any kind of trail damage the vehicle might be subjected to. Speaking of Mopar, Chrysler’s in-house tuning firm also gave the Wrangler a black fuel filler door and taillight guards.

For aesthetic purposes, Jeep plastered a "10th Anniversary" badge on the fenders and a red-silhouette "Rubicon" decal on the sides of the hood. Rounding out the exterior modifications is a set of 17-inch satin-black Rubicon aluminum wheels with polished faces and a red Jeep Wrangler "icon" logo on the outer lip. The rims are embraced by meaty BF Goodrich KM2 265/70R17 tires. For good measure, Jeep also added an extra 1/2-inch to the Wrangler’s standard ride height.

Interior

Though not as comprehensive as the exterior modifications, the Wrangler Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition’s cabin also got some extra touches, highlighted by red leather seats with "Rubicon 10th Anniversary" embroidered into the seatbacks. The same red stitching can also be found on both the leather-wrapped steering wheel and the center console. The final touch is a "10th Anniversary" signature on the instrument gauge cluster.

Performance

Just like the Wrangler Rubicon that it’s based on, the 10th Anniversary Edition carries a 3.6-liter V-6 Pentastar engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and mates to either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual transmission.

The model is available in either a two- or four-door body and features a part-time four-wheel-drive system that’s fitted with electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles. Power heads to these axles via a Rock-Trac transfer case with a "4-Low" ratio of 4-to-1. A 4.10-to-1 axle ratio and Tru-Lok locking differentials are standard on the front and rear of this 10th anniversary model. .

Pricing

Jeep has yet to release pricing for the Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition. However, if you’re looking at an estimate, the Rubicon’s $30,000 price tag can be considered a conservative number for the special-edition model.

Competition

The Jeep Wrangler is not the kind of vehicle that the aesthetically vain can be proud off. Off-road ruggedness is its middle name and getting down and dirty is its game.

Should you fancy something similar to the Wrangler Rubicon, the Toyota FJ Cruiser comes pretty close. The FJ Cruiser comes with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers a total of 260 horsepower and 271 pound-feet of torque. The FJ Cruiser’s numbers aren’t too far off from the 2012 Wrangler, but considering that the Wrangler in question is a special edition model that carries its fair share of modifications, we’ll give the nod to the American bad boy.