Out on the road, it’s tempting to play with the throttle to bounce the exhaust note off nearby buildings and feel the Jeep rear up on its haunches and raise the front end like a boat in the water.
Engaging the dual-mode exhaust on the Rubicon 392 opens additional baffles, providing a deep, throaty soundtrack that announces every burst of acceleration. It’s a visceral experience that reminds you this is no ordinary Wrangler.
The Rubicon 392 comes equipped with Jeep’s full-time Selec-Trac four-wheel-drive system, featuring a two-speed transfer case and front and rear locking differentials. The 285/70R17 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires may favor off-road traction, but the 4WD system ensures the V-8’s power is efficiently transferred to the ground without excessive wheel spin.
Even with all that traction, hard launches require careful throttle modulation to achieve Jeep’s quoted 0–60 mph time of 4.5 seconds and a 13-second quarter-mile. It’s astonishing to consider that a Wrangler with this ride height and removable top can accelerate like a dedicated performance SUV.
Jeep’s torque reserve strategy prevents engine bogging by precisely managing fuel flow and spark timing, while the AMAx transmission optimizes shifts to ensure maximum power delivery. These features make high-performance launches smoother and more controlled.
Suspension and braking systems have been upgraded to handle the additional power. Reinforced front frame rails, heavy-duty Dana 44 axles, Fox performance shocks, and revised suspension geometry provide exceptional stability both on the road and off it. Brakes are slightly larger than standard Rubicons, ensuring confident stopping power.
The modern four-door Wrangler body style adds 21.6 inches to the wheelbase, helping to tame the tip-prone dynamics of a high-powered SUV. Combined with advanced suspension technology, the Rubicon 392 is remarkably composed despite its V-8 grunt and tall ride height.
The Rubicon 392 can ford up to 32.5 inches of water thanks to Jeep’s Hydro-Guide air intake system, which separates water from incoming air and allows engine breathing even in extreme conditions. Other off-road features include an electronically disconnecting front sway bar, Off-Road Plus drive mode, a 48:1 crawl ratio, and robust 33-inch tires mounted on beadlock wheels.
Pricing starts at $74,995 for the 2026 Rubicon 392, with our Firecracker Red tester totaling $78,545, including options like the Sky One-Touch Power-Top. While it’s a premium price, the combination of V-8 performance, advanced suspension, and off-road capability makes it a compelling option for enthusiasts seeking both daily usability and trail dominance.
Despite the extraordinary power and capabilities, the Rubicon 392 remains unmistakably a Wrangler: recirculating ball steering, body lean, and rugged ride characteristics persist, preserving its off-road heritage. Yet the combination of modern suspension, V-8 torque, and technological refinements makes it one of the most thrilling Wranglers ever built.
In short, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 delivers an unparalleled mix of power, off-road capability, and everyday usability, making it a standout in the Wrangler lineup and a modern icon for performance-oriented off-road enthusiasts.
Credit: Kirk Bell and Jeep
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