One Lucky Reviewer Spends a Week Thrashing the Rubicon 392 Final Edition
Spoiler alert: The V-8 exhaust note alone makes it superior to Ford’s Bronco Raptor
In a move that’s eerily similar to the Dodge Durango Hellcat reboot, Jeep recently announced the return of the Wrangler Rubicon 392 for the 2025 model year. Owners of 2024 Rubicon 392 Wranglers won’t be thrilled about this development since it takes away from the exclusivity of owning the last of a breed. However, prospective buyers that missed out on a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 now have another shot at automotive nirvana. With that in mind, automotive reviewer Zack Pradel — who’s the front man for the YouTube channel Shooting Cars — got to thrash a 2024 Final Edition version for a full week.
The focal point is under the hood
Of course, the epicenter of this special Wrangler is its 392 cubic inch Hemi V-8 (6.4 liters in metric measurement) powerplant. Per Zack, it’s “essentially the Scat Pack engine from the [Dodge] Challenger and Charger under the hood.” In the Wrangler, this engine is rated a healthy 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Our reviewer comments that while the vehicle is quick, “it doesn’t make insane power.” Did you ever think we would live in an era where 470 horsepower is only mediocre? Yet here we are.
Note that the Rubicon 392 is only available as a four-door and the transfer case doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive setting. Four-wheel auto is as close as it gets to two-wheel drive for pavement cruising. Likewise, an 8-speed automatic is the only transmission pairing.
Speaking of pavement cruising, while it might be fun to mash the gas pedal and sprint to 70 or 80 miles per hour, maintaining that speed is decidedly less fun. The Rubicon 392’s knobby all-terrain tires and brick-like aerodynamics make for an experience that requires — for better or worse — more input and attention from drivers. In the unlikely event that you’re wondering about fuel economy, the top-dog Wrangler averaged 13.2 miles per gallon during the test period.
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is pricey
Starting MSRP for the 2024 Final Edition is approximately $101,000, However, the test example cost about $108,000 with options. At first glance, over six-figures for a Wrangler does seem rather insane. But is it so crazy if buyers are obviously willing to pay it? Adding insult to injury, that lofty price tag doesn’t factor in scarcity premiums in excess of MSRP that many dealerships and flippers will demand.
Speaking of options, Zack’s test truck has a couple of pretty pricey boxes checked. The Sky One-Touch Retractable Roof alone rings in at nearly $4,000. Though to be fair, it’s highly praised in the review as a unique and desirable distinction against competitors like the Bronco Raptor.
Next is an onboard air compressor for filling your tires back up after lowering the tire pressure for off-road excursions. The air compressor honestly doesn’t look or sound like anything special, yet it costs $2,000 extra. Just, wow. Also housed in the tailgate is a metal fold-down table for tailgate parties and such. The surface of the table and cupholders kinda sorta mimics the iconic Jeep front grill. Mercifully, the folding table is part of the Final Edition package. Ditto for an 8,000-pound Warn winch.
The 392’s exhaust is a Raptor-killer
A recurring theme throughout the video is the reviewer’s fondness for the Rubicon 392’s exhaust note. In particular, the irresistibly aggressive sport exhaust mode. In fact, Zack confesses that sport mode only got turned off late at night to avoid waking up the neighborhood. The Rubicon 392’s throaty roar is so intoxicating that this reviewer rates the Jeep higher than Ford’s Bronco Raptor based on that metric alone. If you agree, act quickly because 2025 will be the final Final Edition. Jeep promises.
Photos: Shooting Cars/YouTube
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