The 2021 Rubicon 392 V8 went on sale in January, and as you might expect, it’s the most expensive Wrangler. A base Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 V8 will set you back $74,995. That’s way more than what you’d pay for Ram 1500 TRX, priced at $71,690. Conversely, a standard 2021 Wrangler Rubicon without the V8 costs a reasonable $42,390.

Looking at those figures, one might argue that Jeep’s first V8 Wrangler in four decades is wildly overpriced. So, is it worth it?

2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 V8 at a glance

This midsize SUV is based on the Rubicon Unlimited and, thus, is available only in a four-door version. Although Jeep retained the iconic rugged look, it made noticeable exterior changes to enhance the vehicle’s off-road capabilities. A height increase of two inches, along with standard 17-inch wheels and 33-inch tires, offers you 10.3 inches of ground clearance for better off-road performance. 

The Rubicon 392 comes with unique styling features, including bronze accents at the front and rear, hood, and tow hooks. The most distinctive exterior feature is the 1.57-inch hood scoop allowing the Hemi V8 to breathe. And it adds an even more aggressive stance to the 392. 

Familiar exterior styling cues on this body-on-frame SUV include LED headlights, a steel bumper, and optional body-color flares. The Rubicon 392 is available in nine eye-catching colors: Sarge Green Metallic, Bright White, Black, Billet Silver, Sting-Gray Metallic, Snazzberry Metallic, Punk ‘n’ Metallic, Firecracker Red, and Granite Crystal Metallic. 

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 V8‘s styling

MSN suggests the 392’s interior bears a close resemblance to a standard Rubicon. Nonetheless, a couple of upgrades give it a more polished look. For starters, the leather-wrapped steering wheel featuring aluminum paddle shifters is a first in the Wrangler lineup. 

The black interior has bronze stitching that matches the bronze trim on the exterior. As the top-of-the-range Wrangler, the 392 comes with an 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system as standard. Everything else is similar to what you’d find in other Wrangler models, which is somewhat disappointing.  

What’s under the hood?

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The 2021 Rubicon 392 V8 finally got the engine it deserves, which is why every off-road fanatic should own it. To understand why the 2021 Rubicon 392 is so expensive, you have to remember it’s the first Jeep Wrangler with a factory V8 engine. Wranglers feature a relatively small engine compartment for carrying four-cylinder and V6 motors. It must’ve taken considerable ingenuity to squeeze a V8 into the 392’s engine compartment.

The 6.4-liter Hemi is the heart of the 2021 Wrangler Rubicon 392 V8. It harnesses 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Jeep claims that with these numbers, the SUV can reach 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The engine pairs with an 8HP75 eight-speed computerized auto transmission system, which manual lovers will find a little disappointing.  

Under the hood, an air induction system diverts up to 4.5 liters of water per minute from the engine. The 392 V8 also features a secondary intake that keeps the engine running even when mud blocks the functional hood scoop during off-roading. A Selec-Trac full-time four-wheel-drive system further enhances its off-road capabilities.

Is it worth the price?

The 2021 Rubicon 392 V8 is the fastest, loudest, and most powerful Jeep Wrangler. Thanks to the stiff chassis, raw power, and overall driving performance, it’s an amazing partner on the highway and the trail. If you’re an adventuresome driver looking for an iconic SUV offering impressive capability and the sheer power of a V8, the 392 won’t disappoint.