The Wrangler Rubicon: Jeep’s Ultimate Off-Road Conqueror

Anyone seeking to get muddy on back-country trails at an affordable price should be browsing used Jeep dealer lots for the most capable of all off-road vehicles: a used Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. The Wrangler replaced the well-loved CJ model in the 1980s, and many were dubious about that decision, but the Wrangler soon proved itself worthy of the Jeep name. By the time the Rubicon trim was introduced in 2003, off-road enthusiasts had become enamored with the off-road capabilities of this one-of-a-kind machine. A used Jeep Wrangler Rubicon will also hold its value over time if you plan to purchase an off-road-ready Jeep loaded with all the tools you need for the trail. Here we’ll share everything you need to know about the Rubicon since it arrived on the scene almost two decades ago.

Jeep Introduces the Rubicon

Wranglers had been around since 1986 and were a staple of the off-road vehicle market almost from day one. When the Rubicon was revealed in 2003, Jeep made a choice to go against the grain of what most SUV brands were doing: instead of just making the SUV more comfortable for city driving, Jeep made it better for rougher terrain. But while off-road performance was Jeep’s goal, that didn’t mean the Rubicon would go without comfort. Granted, large off-road tires aren’t going to be a quiet ride on the highway, but the Rubicon was given upgrades to make up for the knobby tires and deliver a surprisingly pleasant cruise.

However, the real concern for an off-road enthusiast wouldn’t be whether or not you get leather seats. The bigger draw would be the Dana 44 axles with front and rear locking differentials, the transfer case with a low-range ratio, and the 30-inch tires. All this and more were to be found on the original Wrangler Rubicon back in 2003, and the Rubicon instantly became an off-road favorite. With on-the-fly locking differentials, larger approach and departure angles, and the desirable features for trail riding like tow hooks and removable doors, the Rubicon had everything you could desire straight from the factory.

Inside the Rubicon would be found upgraded seats to provide better support for off-road action and a rear bench seat that could either be folded down or removed entirely for more cargo space. But even in these earliest models, the Rubicon included the LATCH system to accommodate child seats so you can still ferry your little ones to school or even take them on the trail if you want to include them in your adventure. Lucky buyers can find the limited edition Tomb Raider trim, which was available only for 2003, but only 1,000 of these Jeeps were produced.

Wrangler Unlimited Adds Rubicon Trim

In 2005, Jeep began offering the Rubicon for the Wrangler Unlimited model, which meant that it could be purchased as a four-door SUV with a lengthened wheelbase. While excellent for off-roading agility and better-suited to rock-crawling maneuvers, the shorter two-door Wrangler does not make for a roomy vehicle if you want to bring family or friends along for your off-road riding. Thus, Jeep delivered the larger Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited with an extra ten inches added for more room in the back seat and rear cargo space. While the Rubicon was clearly the most capable trim of the Wrangler, the Unlimited version added a new level of practicality for everyday use. Even the earliest Rubicon Unlimited models are great options for anyone searching for a larger off-road machine.

Pentastar Engines Rev Up the Horsepower

2007 marked a new age in the Wrangler lineup, with Jeeps receiving powered accessories, on-board navigation, and electronic disconnecting sway bars. This would mark the third generation of Wranglers, and the Unlimited models became particularly popular for their roomy interior. Jeep enjoys partnering with brands that bring fun features to its lineup, and in 2011, the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 edition of the Rubicon was made available. If you are looking for a used Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, finding one of these special editions can make for an even more unique purchase.

In 2012, Jeep made the bold choice to swap out the old 3.8-liter V6 engine for the new Chrysler Pentastar engine. This 3.6-liter V6 increased output to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, offering a quicker zero to sixty time and better off-road capability. The old four-speed automatic transmission upgraded to a five-speed, but the already solid six-speed manual remained unchanged. The extra gear in the automatic allowed Jeep to rearrange the gear ratios, giving you more torque at the low end without hurting top speed or fuel economy.

In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the 2012 models offer more interiors features as well. Comforts such as automatic climate control, heated seats, and more insulation to buffer against highway noise make this a more comfortable vehicle year for daily driving around town. So if you plan to purchase a used Jeep Wrangler Rubicon as your primary vehicle, you probably want to look for a 2012 or newer model.

The Latest Jeep Generation Upgrade

Jeep upgraded the Wrangler again in 2018 with another redesign, once again offering the Rubicon as its ultimate off-road-ready trim level. The previously integrated Pentastar engine continues to allow the Rubicon to dominate the trails, but a newer eight-speed automatic was made available. This year also saw the new eTorque mild hybrid system offered for the first time, further improving low-end torque and fuel economy.

The Wrangler Rubicon was also offered with a new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, which provides 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Jeep has continued adding more engine options to the Wrangler, but the available 3.0-liter Ecodiesel is still a rarity on used car dealership lots. However, you will be getting a powerful and capable vehicle no matter which engine option you choose for your used Wrangler Rubicon.

Rubicon’s Exclusive Features

Rubicon features not available on other trims make it especially worthy of off-roading. Rock rails, also known as rock sliders, protect the underside of the Jeep when driving on particularly uneven terrain, actually allowing the Jeep to “slide” along rocks if the underside of the vehicle makes contact while traveling over them. The Rubicon also exclusively includes Jeep’s top-of-the-line Rock-Trac 4x4x system, which boasts an ultra-low crawl ratio for maximum torque at low speeds. If you plan to explore serious trails, the two-door Wrangler Rubicon is likely to be the better Jeep than the larger Unlimited. The smaller wheelbase will offer better handling and approach and departure angles for uneven terrain.

Used Jeep Wranglers of any year hold their value well, especially if they have been well maintained with regular fluid changes, tire rotations, and other important services. No matter what model year of the Rubicon you find as a used vehicle, the Rubicon has always been the top-of-the-line Jeep trim and will be a good value. However, buyers who want to get the most updated version of Jeep’s convenience features like remote starting, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and the satellite navigation system that will stay operational even in remote areas should look for a 2018 or newer model.

The Wrangler Rubicon is the ultimate Jeep to buy for off-roading, but it’s also comfortable and convenient if you need a vehicle that can serve as a family SUV during the week. Like all Wranglers, the removable doors and top will make your days in the outdoors that much more exhilarating, and the more recent Jeeps offer advanced technology to make both daily driving and off-roading easier. Every year of the Rubicon will be a good year, so buyers can choose whether a newer used Jeep with more electronics or an older used model with a classic vibe will be more their style.

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