The Jeep Wrangler is a legendary off-road SUV nameplate. It’s known for conquering trails and being surprisingly resilient over long periods of ownership. Jeep offers several Wrangler configurations with varying degrees of power and capability. However, only one of Jeep’s Wrangler small SUVs features a mighty eight-cylinder engine. The Rubicon 392 model is the lone Wrangler keeping the V8 engine alive.

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 has V8 power

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the only version of the small SUV to feature a V8 engine. It’s also the most expensive Wrangler by leaps and bounds.

But that leads us to the question, why is an eight-cylinder engine important? The V8 engine is dying a slow death as automakers find alternative solutions to delivering power without sacrificing fuel economy. An alternative powertrain option that many automakers are using is a mild hybrid system that features a V6 engine and electric motor(s) to produce exhilarating power and decent gas mileage.

The V8 engine isn’t necessary for performance in the eyes of many brands and consumers. The lack of standard V8 engines makes models that use eight-cylinder engines even rarer. The high-flying motor options often produce notable power outputs that improve a vehicle’s driving and ownership experience.

The Toyota Tundra was a vehicle that became known for its V8 engine before ditching it. Jeep’s small SUV certainly doesn’t come standard with a V8, but one of its best configuration options features the desirable powertrain.

How much horsepower does the Wrangler V8 make?

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 makes a massive 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque using its 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. It features an eight-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler Rubicon 392 is remarkably powerful for its small size. It can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds.

The 6.4-liter HEMI V8 is such an integral part of the Rubicon 392’s appeal that Jeep even features an audio clip of how it sounds on its website. After all, few gearheads can resist the growl of a powerful eight-cylinder engine.

Jeep’s range-topping Wrangler configuration has impressive performance specs. But should drivers pay its sky-high starting price, or are there better Wrangler configurations in the American brand’s lineup?

How much does the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 cost?

The 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 starts at $82,495. So, is the Rubicon 392 something the average driver should consider? Probably not.

Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon 392 is the ‘everything but the kitchen sink’ configuration that only a select few drivers will want. That being said, if the powerful small SUV is within your budget, few models in its segment offer as much power for the money. It’s designed for fans that want the ultimate Wrangler experience. So, if the shoe fits, the Rubicon 392 is worth wearing. It’s a worthy offering from the brand that has become synonymous with capability. Additionally, it’s the last Wrangler that still carries the V8 torch.