2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon new car review

There are few cars on the road that have the appeal of this tough four-wheel drive and it has some truly bonkers features that others wouldn’t dare include.

2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon.

There are few vehicles that stand out on the road as much as the Jeep Wrangler and the most hardcore version turns the dial all the way up.

Here are five things you need to know about the Wrangler Rubicon.

There is nothing quite like a Wrangler Rubicon.

IT’LL GO NEARLY ANYWHERE

The Rubicon can go as far into the wild as any vehicle on sale. On previous tests it’s climbed up rough and rocky trails, traversed deep river crossings and bound up sandy dunes without breaking a sweat.

Massive 32-inch off-road tyres deliver purchase on slippery and rocky trails, while other off-road hardware includes front and rear locking differentials, high and low gears and rock crawling tech.

Numerous off-road modes can be selected to suit different terrain such as rocks, gravel and sand.

Bush bashing enthusiasts will appreciate the extra underbody protection, rock sliders and heavy duty front and rear Dana axles.

A programmable auxiliary switch bank helps power accessories such as spot lights.

It’s not the best thing to drive on the road.

THERE ARE BIG COMPROMISES, THOUGH

All that off-road focus comes at the expense of the on-road drive experience.

The giant tyres, tall ride height and softly sprung suspension make commuting around town a chore.

On the freeway, the Rubicon tends to wander in its lane, requiring constant steering wheel movements to keep it in check. The chunky tyres can struggle for grip on smooth bitumen, especially in the wet.

On the plus side potholes and speed bumps have little impact on comfort levels in the cabin.

Power comes from an old-school 3.6-litre V6 petrol engine that makes 209kW and 347Nm, matched to an eight-speed auto.

It’s a thirsty unit, drinking a claimed 10.3L/100km. Expect to use much more if driving around town or off-roading.

The cabin has a cool retro edge to it.

THERE’S NOTHING QUITE LIKE IT

There is no mistaking the Wrangler on the road: it’s big, bold and brash with styling cues that date back to the original Willys Jeep of World War 2.

You can remove the doors and roof and fold down the windscreen to really immerse yourself in nature, just don’t do it on public roads.

Huge “Rubicon” decals and a rear-mounted full-size spare tyre add to the visual drama.

Inside the Wrangler’s military-style switches and buttons make it feel like you’re ready for active duty. The hose-out interior is a godsend for people who like to drive the Rubicon the way its makers intended.

It’ll go pretty much anywhere.

IT’S NOT CHEAP

The Wrangler Rubicon four-door we tested is the most expensive variant in the line-up, costing about $98,500 drive-away.

An equally rugged but ancient Toyota LandCruiser 76 Series wagon will set you back about $90,000 drive-away. It comes with V8 diesel power but has much less tech and safety gear.

There are cheaper Wranglers in the range such as the base Night Eagle for $74,950 and mid-tier Overland for about $95,000.

They are still capable off-road but don’t have the hardcore mechanicals of the Rubicon.

There is also a short wheelbase two-door version of the Wrangler Rubicon that can be yours for about $92,000.

It’s costs nearly $100,000 drive-away.

YOU’LL JOIN AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB

Buying a Jeep grants you access to a community of like minded drivers. For years I thought it was a myth but the “Jeep Wave” is a thing and you’ll receive them regularly from other Wrangler motorists.

They are a loyal bunch that overlook the vehicle’s sub-par warranty, which only offers cover for five years and 100,000km, rather than the unlimited-kilometre guarantee of rivals.

Jeep does cover the Wrangler with a fixed price servicing program that costs a reasonable $399 for each of the first five services.