Difference Between Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon

Jeep is a brand known for its iconic off-road vehicles. Among these, the Wrangler and Rubicon are two of the most popular models, particularly among off-road enthusiasts. While these two vehicles share many similarities, there are some significant differences between them that make each of them unique. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the differences between the Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon.

What is Jeep Wrangler?

The Jeep Wrangler is a compact SUV that is known for its rugged off-road capabilities and iconic design. It is manufactured by the American automobile company, Jeep, which is a division of Stellantis.

The Wrangler was first introduced in 1986 as a replacement for the Jeep CJ, and it has since become one of the most recognizable and popular vehicles in the SUV market. The Wrangler is built on a body-on-frame chassis, which is designed to handle tough off-road conditions, and it features solid axles and a rear-wheel-drive layout.

One of the key features of the Wrangler is its removable roof and doors, which give drivers and passengers the feeling of being exposed to the elements. The Wrangler is also known for its iconic seven-slot grille, round headlamps, and squared-off body shape, which have remained relatively unchanged over the years, giving the vehicle a timeless look.

The Wrangler is available in several different trims, including the Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon. Each trim level comes with its own unique features and capabilities, allowing buyers to choose the one that best suits their needs and budget.

The Jeep Wrangler is a highly capable and versatile SUV that has a dedicated following of off-road enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. Its rugged design, off-road capabilities, and open-air driving experience make it a truly unique and iconic vehicle in the SUV market.

What is Rubicon?

The Rubicon is a specific trim level of the Jeep Wrangler that is designed for off-road use. It is named after the Rubicon Trail, a famous off-road trail located in the Sierra Nevada mountain range of California.

The Rubicon trim is the most capable and off-road-ready version of the Wrangler, offering a range of features and enhancements that are designed to tackle even the toughest terrain. Some of the key features of the Rubicon include:

  1. Heavy-duty axles: The Rubicon comes with front and rear Dana 44 axles, which are stronger and more durable than the axles on the standard Wrangler.

  2. Locking differentials: The Rubicon has electronic locking differentials, which lock the front and rear wheels together for maximum traction in slippery or uneven terrain.

  3. Off-road tires: The Rubicon comes with 33-inch all-terrain tires, which provide additional ground clearance and improved traction in off-road conditions.

  4. Advanced four-wheel-drive system: The Rubicon comes with a Rock-Trac four-wheel-drive system, which features a 4:1 low gear ratio for increased torque and crawling ability.

  5. Electronic sway bar disconnect: The Rubicon comes with an electronic sway bar disconnect system, which allows the front wheels to articulate more freely for better off-road performance.

  6. Skid plates: The Rubicon comes with heavy-duty skid plates to protect the vehicle's underbody from damage during off-road use.

  7. Premium interior features: The Rubicon comes with leather-trimmed seats, a 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system, and a larger touchscreen display than the standard Wrangler.

The Rubicon is designed to be the ultimate off-road vehicle, offering a range of advanced features and capabilities that make it one of the most capable SUVs on the market. While it is more expensive than the standard Wrangler, it is a great choice for off-road enthusiasts who want the best possible performance and capabilities in their vehicle.

History of the Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon

Before we dive into the differences between the two vehicles, it's important to understand their history and how they came to be.

The Jeep Wrangler was first introduced in 1986 as a successor to the popular Jeep CJ. Like the CJ, the Wrangler was designed primarily for off-road use and came equipped with four-wheel drive and a solid front and rear axle. Over the years, the Wrangler has become an icon in the off-road community, known for its ruggedness and versatility.

The Jeep Rubicon, on the other hand, is a more recent addition to the Jeep lineup. It was first introduced in 2003 as a trim level for the Wrangler, and was named after the famous Rubicon Trail in California, which is known for its challenging terrain. The Rubicon was designed to be the most capable off-road version of the Wrangler, with additional features and enhancements to help it tackle even the toughest terrain.

Exterior Differences

One of the most noticeable differences between the Wrangler and Rubicon is their exterior design. While both vehicles share a similar body style and shape, there are some key differences that set them apart.

One of the most significant differences is the Rubicon's wider stance. The Rubicon is slightly wider than the Wrangler, thanks to its wider fender flares. This wider stance helps to improve stability on off-road terrain, particularly when navigating over rocks and boulders.

Another exterior difference between the two vehicles is the Rubicon's signature hood. The Rubicon features a unique hood design with two functional vents, which help to improve engine cooling and performance. This hood is not found on the standard Wrangler.

The Rubicon also comes standard with a few additional exterior features that are not available on the standard Wrangler. For example, the Rubicon comes with rock rails, which help to protect the body of the vehicle when navigating over rocky terrain. It also comes with special off-road tires that are designed to provide maximum traction on a variety of surfaces.

Under the Hood

While both the Wrangler and Rubicon are known for their off-road capabilities, there are some differences under the hood that set them apart.

The standard Wrangler comes equipped with a 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The Rubicon, on the other hand, comes with a more powerful 3.6-liter V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, just like the standard Wrangler. However, the Rubicon also comes with a more advanced four-wheel drive system that includes heavy-duty axles and locking differentials. This system allows the Rubicon to tackle more challenging off-road terrain than the standard Wrangler.

Interior Differences

While the exterior and under-the-hood differences between the two vehicles are significant, there are also some interior differences that set them apart.

One of the most noticeable differences is the Rubicon's unique interior styling. The Rubicon comes with special red accents throughout the interior, including on the seats, dashboard, and steering wheel. These accents help to give the Rubicon a more aggressive and sporty look.

The Rubicon also comes with some additional interior features that are not available on the standard Wrangler. For example, it comes with a 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, which is an optional upgrade on the standard Wrangler. Additionally, the Rubicon also comes with a 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system, which is not available on the standard Wrangler.

Off-Road Capability

While both the Wrangler and Rubicon are capable off-road vehicles, the Rubicon is designed specifically to tackle the most challenging terrain.

One of the key differences between the two vehicles is the Rubicon's advanced four-wheel drive system. The Rubicon comes with heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, which are much stronger and more durable than the standard Wrangler's axles. Additionally, the Rubicon also comes with locking differentials, which allow the wheels on each axle to turn at the same speed, providing maximum traction and control on uneven terrain.

The Rubicon also comes with an electronic sway bar disconnect system, which allows the driver to disconnect the sway bar with the push of a button. This helps to improve suspension articulation on uneven terrain, providing better traction and stability.

Another off-road feature unique to the Rubicon is its Rock-Trac transfer case. This transfer case provides a 4:1 low-gear ratio, which allows the Rubicon to crawl over rocks and obstacles at a slower speed with more torque, giving the driver more control and precision.

The Rubicon also comes with additional off-road features, such as skid plates, tow hooks, and off-road tires. All of these features work together to make the Rubicon the most capable off-road version of the Wrangler.

Price Difference

Another important consideration when comparing the Wrangler and Rubicon is their price. The Rubicon is significantly more expensive than the standard Wrangler, due to its additional off-road features and enhancements.

As of 2021, the starting price of a standard Wrangler is around $28,000, while the starting price of a Rubicon is around $42,000. This price difference can be significant for budget-conscious buyers, especially if they don't plan on doing a lot of serious off-roading.

Comparison

Difference Between Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon.

To summarize, the key differences between the Jeep Wrangler and Rubicon can be seen in their off-road capabilities, design, and price.

  • Off-road Capabilities: The Rubicon is designed specifically for off-road use and comes with heavy-duty axles, locking differentials, and an advanced four-wheel-drive system, making it the most capable off-road version of the Wrangler. On the other hand, the standard Wrangler is also capable off-road, but it lacks some of the advanced features and enhancements that make the Rubicon so capable.
  • Design: The Rubicon has a unique design with its front bumper, fender flares, and off-road tires. The Rubicon also comes with an electronic sway bar disconnect system, a Rock-Trac transfer case, and skid plates. Additionally, the Rubicon comes with more premium interior features than the standard Wrangler, such as leather-trimmed seats and a 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system.
  • Price: The Rubicon is significantly more expensive than the standard Wrangler, with a starting price of around $42,000, while the standard Wrangler starts at around $28,000. This price difference can be significant for budget-conscious buyers, especially if they don't plan on doing a lot of serious off-roading.

Ultimately, the choice between the Wrangler and Rubicon will depend on the buyer's needs and preferences. If the buyer is looking for a capable off-road vehicle with advanced features and is willing to pay a premium price, the Rubicon is the best option. However, if the buyer is looking for a more budget-friendly option with decent off-road capabilities, the standard Wrangler may be a better fit.

It's important to note that both vehicles are highly customizable, allowing buyers to add or upgrade certain features to meet their needs. For example, the standard Wrangler can be upgraded with a range of off-road enhancements, including locking differentials and skid plates. On the other hand, the Rubicon can be upgraded with premium interior features, such as a larger touchscreen display and a premium audio system.

Conclusion

While the Wrangler and Rubicon share many similarities, there are some significant differences between them that make each of them unique. The Rubicon is designed specifically for off-road use and comes with additional features and enhancements that make it the most capable off-road version of the Wrangler. However, these additional features come at a significant cost, making the Rubicon a more expensive option for budget-conscious buyers. Ultimately, the choice between the two vehicles will depend on the buyer's budget, driving needs, and off-road aspirations.