Recently, many people are going crazy over the Jeep Gladiator truck, which is a great new vehicle, but the Jeep Wrangler is a classic Jeep that still has a lot to offer.
The Jeep Wrangler is a popular off-road SUV. The Rubicon is one trim level of the Jeep Wrangler. With the Wrangler Rubicon, you get a vehicle that is ready for the off-road adventurer. This trim offers you the most off-road features so that you can have a very capable performance. Below, check out an overview of the Jeep Wrangler and the specific features that can be found on the Wrangler Rubicon trim level.
Jeep Wrangler Overview
Many people say that the first iteration of the Jeep Wrangler happened in 1941. At this time, a company called Willys-Overland created a small vehicle for the military to use in World War II. This vehicle was an MB, but it was nicknamed the “jeep.”
In 1987, we got a more modern version of the Jeep Wrangler called the Jeep Wrangler YJ. This was the first-generation Wrangler, and it was in production until 1995. That Wrangler was followed by the TJ generation. Next up was the JK generation from 2006 to 2018, and the current Jeep Wrangler SUVs are known as the JL generation.
Throughout the years, the Jeep Wrangler has improved its technology and its capability, but it has also stayed true to its performance and off-road roots. Learn more about the Jeep Wrangler and the Wrangler Rubicon below.
What’s New for the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon?
The main change for the 2020 Rubicon is the addition of a new engine option. This vehicle now has an available turbo-diesel engine. The engine is a 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine that is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. With the turbo-diesel engine, you can expect to get 260-horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque.
This engine is an exciting new option that could make your Rubicon’s off-road performance even more appealing.
Wrangler Rubicon Two-Door vs. Rubicon Unlimited
When it comes to your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, you have two different options in terms of size. You can choose the two-door Rubicon or the four-door Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. These two options differ in price, as well as size, cargo space, and performance.
Your two-door 2020 Rubicon will have an MSRP of $38,695, while your 2020 Unlimited Rubicon will have an MSRP of $42,440. You are paying more for that additional space and seating in the Unlimited.
The two-door version is about 166 inches long, with seating for just four people. Your Unlimited version has four doors, seating for five people, and it is about 188 inches long. You will also get more cargo space when you choose the Unlimited option. Your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon will give you 32 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 72 cubic feet of cargo space with those rear seats folded down. Your two-door version will give you 13 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 32 total cubic feet with those seats folded down.
People also talk about the performance differences when it comes to choosing between the two different Jeep Wrangler SUVs. These vehicles offer you the same performance features, but many people think that the two-door Wrangler can offer you better off-road performance because it has a better turning radius and better break-over angle. However, the four-door Unlimited is said to provide you with a better highway ride, as well as the ability to offer you more towing capacity. With the Wrangler, the two-door gives you a 2,000-pound towing capacity, and the four-door gives you a 3,500-pound towing capacity.
Which option is right for you? Think about what you plan to use your Jeep for regularly. If you think you will regularly carry four or five passengers as well as cargo, you might want to go with the Unlimited, but if you want a more traditional off-road Jeep, the two-door option might be the one for you.
Performance and Engine Options
Next, let’s take a look at the powertrain options you have with your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. There are three different engines for the 2020 model year, which allows you to get more of the performance you are looking for with your vehicle.
- 3.6-liter V6 – Your base engine in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This 285-horsepower engine gives you plenty of capability to take on daily driving and more. The Pentastar V6 engine is paired with a six-speed manual transmission, but there is an optional eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine also gives you 260 pound-feet of torque, and it offers you 18 city and 22 highway mpg in terms of fuel economy.
- Turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder – Another engine option for the Wrangler Rubicon is the 270-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This engine is great because it offers you even more torque for your off-road capability; you can get 295 pound-feet of torque with this engine option. The turbocharged engine is also automatically paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. When it comes to fuel economy with this engine, you can expect around 22 city and 24 highway mpg.
- 3.0-liter Turbo-diesel V6 – For 2020, there is a new engine available with the Jeep Wrangler. This engine is a diesel engine option. It will be available later in the year, but it is an excellent option for those looking for even more torque. The 3.0-liter turbo-diesel V6 engine gives you 260-horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, and it is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The engine options are not the only factor that goes into the performance of your Jeep. This vehicle also offers you plenty of off-road features and capabilities. Check out some of these off-road features below.
Off-Road Features
The Rubicon trim for the Jeep Wrangler is known for its off-road capabilities and performance. This trim has some off-road features that the other trims do not offer. If you plan to go off-roading regularly, this trim is the one for you. Learn more about the specific off-road features you get below.
- 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty 4WD System – This 4x4 system allows you to improve your off-road performance. It gives you a 4:1 low range transfer case that offers the ability to crawl at a lower speed. This can give you more control when you are going off-road.
- Anti-Lock Heavy-Duty Brakes – These brakes are heavy-duty four-wheel disc antilock brakes. They help you maintain control of your vehicle because they help prevent wheel lockup. They also have larger pads for improved stopping distance.
- Performance Suspension – The Wrangler Rubicon also gives you a performance suspension with monotube gas shocks and upgraded springs.
- Skid Plates – Your Jeep Rubicon has skid plates on the underside of the body to protect your Jeep from any damage from rough and rocky terrain.
- Rock Protection Sill Rails – These rock rails add additional protection to your Jeep while you are on rocky terrain. They run under the side of your Jeep to the front and rear fender flares to offer excellent protection, and they are made from steel to give you great strength and protection.
- All-Terrain Tires – With the Rubicon, you get special off-roading tires. These tires are 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires that can give you excellent ground clearance; you can get nearly 11 inches of ground clearance in the Wrangler Rubicon. You also get a larger surface area on these tires that gives you improved traction and control when you are off-road.
- Tow Hooks – If you or a friend gets stuck in a tough spot, the front red tow hooks can help you out.
- Electronic Locking Differential – When you are driving on uneven terrain and surfaces, it is essential to be able to evenly distribute power and torque because this will give you better traction. The Tru-Lok front and rear electronic locking differentials help you out with this.
- Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect – This feature helps you have more off-road capability. The sway bars in your vehicle help you maintain balance, but they can interfere with wheel articulation when you go off-road. The Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect allows you to disconnect this system for your off-roading and reconnect when you get back on the highway.
As you can see, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon offers you the ability to take the path less traveled with its off-road features and capabilities. What else does this vehicle offer you? Learn more below.
Exterior Style and Features
The exterior of the Jeep Wrangler has a classic look starting with its round headlights. The Wrangler Rubicon offers you exterior features like standard halogen headlamps, daytime running lamps, and front fog lamps. The Rubicon also offers you several exterior color options so that you can customize the vehicle how you want to. Your exterior color options include Hellayella, Sting-Gray, Billet Silver Metallic, Black, Firecracker Red, Punk’n Metallic, Bright White, Granite Crystal Metallic, Bikini Pearl-Coat, and Ocean Blue Metallic.
You can choose to get your Rubicon Wrangler in the two-door version or the four-door Unlimited version. Whichever option you select still allows you to have that open-air Jeep access that you love. This vehicle comes standard with the Black Sunrider Soft Top, but there is the optional 3-Piece Hardtop and optional Sky One-Touch Power Top if you want something different. You can also learn more about some of the great interior features this vehicle offers you below.
Interior Features and Technology
On the inside of the Wrangler Rubicon, you have seating for four or five people, depending on whether you choose the two-door or four-door option. You also get standard features like a leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, premium cloth seating, and a 60/40 folding rear seat. You also have dual-zone air conditioning in your Wrangler Rubicon. You have the option to upgrade to leather-trimmed seating. Your cargo space on the interior also depends on which Rubicon model you choose; with the Unlimited model, you have up to 72 cubic feet of cargo space, and the two-door model gives you up to 32 cubic feet of cargo space.
When it comes to technology, the Rubicon trim has you covered. You get the Uconnect infotainment system with a 7-inch touchscreen display standard. You also get an 8-speaker audio system standard with the option of upgrading to the Alpine premium audio system. To stay connected to your technology, you also have features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard that allow you to sync your smartphone with your vehicle. Bluetooth, USB ports, keyless entry, two auxiliary power outlets, and Sirius XM and satellite radio are also standard technology features in the Rubicon. Check out some of the safety technology found in this vehicle below.
Driver Assistance and Safety
How safe is your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon? This vehicle has several standard and available safety and driver assistance features. You get features like advanced multistage front airbags and seat belt alerts standard. This vehicle also gives you electronic roll mitigation, electronic stability control, hill start assist, a security alarm, traction control, and a rearview camera standard.
With your Wrangler Rubicon, you get the safety and security features discussed above, but you also can add on safety features like those discussed below. Check them out.
- Blind Spot Monitoring – This safety feature tells you if there is a vehicle in your blind spot by using radar-based sensors. It alerts you if there is a vehicle there to help you avoid a potential collision.
- Rear Cross Path Detection – With Rear Cross Path Detection, you are alerted if someone is crossing behind you as you are trying to back up or back out of a parking space.
- Rear Park-Assist Sensors – These sensors can help you safely park. These will alert you if you are too close to a vehicle or another object when you are backing up.
All of these standard and available safety features will look out for you when you are driving your Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. Now that you know more about what can be found in the Rubicon trim, you can decide if this option is the right one for you.
Is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Right for Me?
The Rubicon is just one of several trim options for the Jeep Wrangler. There are several other options out there, so how do you know which one is right for you? It is essential to think about your needs and your priorities when you are considering purchasing a vehicle.
With the Wrangler, there are trims like the Wrangler Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Black & Tan, and more. Each of these offers you different features, and they come at a different price. The Rubicon trim is an off-road-focused trim level. This means it offers you more of the off-road features and capabilities that can help you handle your next adventure. If off-roading is important to you, the Rubicon is the Jeep Wrangler model that you are looking for.
When purchasing a vehicle, it is also essential to ask yourself if you want a new car or a pre-owned car. A used Jeep Wrangler could be an excellent option for you if you are looking to save some money and still get a great vehicle. If you have any questions about your next vehicle purchase, you can always reach out to us at Left Hand Garage. At Left Hand Garage, we know all about Jeep vehicles, as well as other makes and models like Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, and more. Let us help you!