It used to be that people bought a new Jeep Wrangler and then had to spend thousands on bigger wheels and tires, lockers, low-range T-case gears, and lift kits to turn them into true off-roading machines. Then, in the early 2000s a few genius engineers convinced the automaker to equip a factory vehicle with those goodies, and thus the Jeep Rubicon badge was born.
To commemorate the 20th anniversary of that brilliant decision, Jeep is offering a special limited edition of the Rubicon, including a V-8 392 and a plug-in hybrid. The Rubicon has lasted 20 years because it's a popular factory-ready off-road vehicle with a loyal fan base. For those who are serious collectors, there's even a $113,820 version of the Rubicon.
The 20th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Is Loaded
The limited edition 20th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is available in either a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) 4xe or HEMI V8-powered 392. Either way, they are loaded with goodies like a new redesigned seven-slot grille design, a set of beadlock-capable wheels, an 83-piece tool kit, a triple hoop grille guard, steel bumpers, a half-inch suspension lift, red interior highlights, and special 20th-anniversary decals.
The 4xe comes equipped with a 2.0L DOHC DI Turbo I4 engine and an electric motor that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of instant torque. The 20th Anniversary edition also has 33-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires on 17-by-7.5-inch beadlock-capable wheels, heavy-duty steel rock sliders, and an integrated front trail camera. The inside is done up with black and red leather.
The 396 is equipped with a 6.4-liter V8 HEMI engine that cranks out 470 horsepower and makes 470 lb.-ft of torque. This power plant can push the Rubicon from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and down a 1/4 mile strip in 13 seconds. The Rubicon, however, is not a street racer — it's an off-road monster, so the 20th-anniversary edition also comes with a bigger set of 35-inch K02 tires on 17-by-8.0-inch wheels and a 4.56 rear axle ratio. The coolest thing added to this beast is an on-board air compressor that is integrated into the tailgate.
The Rubicon 4xe starts at $71,380 and the Rubicon 392 begins at $92,690. While that may seem like a lot of money to spend on a Jeep, there's a way to push this celebratory package into the 6 figure realm.
There's More Room For Goodies On The $113,820 Rubicon
For those who want a 4x4 at supercar prices, Jeep offers an optional Rubicon 20th Anniversary Level II upfit from American Expedition Vehicles. This special edition of the special edition is limited to 150. It's unclear if that's a total of 150 or 150 4xes and 150 392s. In either case, this is a rare and collectible, if not expensive, vehicle.
The AEV Rubicon upfit comes with 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires, which are the largest chunks of rubber Jeep has ever offered on a vehicle. It also includes a special American Expedition Vehicles-specific suspension with an additional 2.5-inch DualSport RT lift with Bilstein 5100 shocks that increase the ground clearance to 14.7 inches and water fording capability to 37.1 inches. This also gives the Jeep a 50-degree approach angle, 33-degree break-over angle, and 43-degree departure angle.
Additionally, the AEV Rubicon comes with a Warn VR EVO 10-S winch, AEV 7000 Series off-road lights, as well as unique bumpers and skid plates. To top it off, it's also equipped with an AEV tire carrier, AEV off-road jack base, AEV ProCal SNAP module, AEV steering damper, AEV vehicle build plaque, and Mopar performance wipers with integrated washer jets. This is a more-than-capable off-roading machine that can conquer anything the trail can throw in its path.
Capability isn't free, however, so this AEV upfit adds $22,987 to the base price of the Rubicon 4xe and $21,130 to the Rubicon 392. Some quick math shows that a 20th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with AEV upfit for the 4xe costs $94,367, and the 392 goes for an astounding $113,820. For those wondering what a six-figure Jeep looks like, this is it.
The $113,820 Rubicon May Not Be For Everyone
4x4s are built to take off-road, through the brush, over rocks, and into the mud. That is to say, they were designed to beat the hell out of, and it may be hard to put a $113,820 vehicle through that kind of abuse for most people. Then again, the price and limited numbers mean most people won't be getting their hands on the 20th Anniversary Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with AEV upfit.
In 2003, when it was first introduced, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon was priced at $24,385, so 4-plus could be had for what the top-tier anniversary edition is going for. The Rubicon was named for the legendary California trail near Lake Tahoe, where Chrysler execs and top managers used to make an annual corporate outing to, but it's doubtful anyone one will be taking their six-figure version out there.