What we can tell you for sure is that Jeep is 100 percent on the money with the JK. From the first time you sit in the new Wrangler and realize the seating position and view over the hood is the same as it always has been to the first time you tackle a new trail with the top down, you realize that the classic Jeep has only been improved upon, not changed. It still exudes character, as the shape is pure Jeep, the windshield still folds down, there are still solid axles underneath, and you'll still need to have the top down to get someone in to the back seat.
Refinements can be found everywhere you look, from an upgraded dash to an incredibly improved highway ride and enhanced cargo and storage room. For the first time a navigation system and satellite radio is offered, along with power windows and door locks. All this without affecting its off-pavement capability, which is improved over the TJ in almost every way.
It may be bigger, but trust us, the size only makes it more comfortable and more stable. With its 4:1 transfer case, lockers, disconnecting sway bar, 32-inch BFG Mud-Terrain tires, rocker guards, and 4.10 gears, the mighty Wrangler Rubicon-the 10th Jeep vehicle to win Four Wheeler of the Year-sets a new standard in the industry for what is possible from the factory and makes for one helluva foundation for building up the trail rig of your dreams.
Specifications As Tested
GENERAL |
| Vehicle/model | Chevrolet Suburban 1500 Z71 | Chevrolet Tahoe Z71 LT | Hummer H3 | Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon | Kia Sorento EX | Toyota FJ Cruiser |
| Base price | $39,665 | $37,665 | $29,355 | $26,090 | $28,235 | $26,195 | $23,300 |
| Price as tested | $52,710 | $50,475 | $40,010 | $31,010 | $33,380 | $30,065 | $29,883 |
| Options as tested | LT3 Equipment Group ($4,050); second-row seat power release ($425); third-row seat ($100);rain-sensing wipers ($95); electric sliding sunroof ($995); power liftgate with liftglass ($350); second-row heated seats ($200);premium paint ($395); rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295); navigation radio with CD/DVD/MP3 ($2,145); rearview camera system ($195);luggage rack ($45); heated washer-fluid system ($85);Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package ($1,795);destination ($875) | Tahoe LT3 Equipment Group ($3,650); second-row seatpower release ($425); third-row seat ($860); rain-sensing wipers ($95); electric sliding sunroof ($995); power liftgate with liftglass ($350); rear-seat entertainment system ($1,295); navigation radio with CD/DVD/MP3 ($2,145); rearview camera system ($195); luggage rack ($45); heated washer-fluid system ($85);Z71 Off-Road Suspension Package ($1,795);destination ($875) | Luxury Package ($3,230); power sunroof ($950);chromed-aluminum 16-inch wheels ($900);chrome apprearance package ($400); XM satellite radio ($325); Home Link universal transmitter ($175);navigation radio ($1,720); black wrap-aroundbrushguard ($600); trailer hitch and wiring ($390);Off-Road Suspension Package ($1,375);destination ($590) | Customer Preferred Package 24R ($1,585);Power Convenience Group ($800);supplemental front-seat side airbags ($490);four-speed automatic transmission ($825);AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash six-disc DVD/MP3 player ($350); Sirius satellite radio ($195);locking fuel filler cap ($15);destination ($660) | Red Rock Crystal Pearl Coat exterior paint ($225);Dual Top Group ($1,585);Power Convenience Group ($800);supplemental front-seat side airbags ($490);four-speed automatic transmission ($825);AM/FM stereo radio with in-dash six-disc DVD/MP3 player ($350); Sirius satellite radio ($195); locking fuel filler cap ($15);destination ($660) | Appearance Package ($3,000);rear spoiler ($200);destination ($670) | Convenience Package ($1,840);curtain shield airbags with front-seat side bolsterairbags ($650); running boards ($345);Upgrade Package No. 2 ($2,620);carpet floor mats and cargo mat ($199);towing hitch and wiring harness ($349);destination ($580) |
ENGINE |
| Type | OHV V-8 | OHV V-8 | DOHC | OHV V-6 | OHV V-6 | DOHC V-6 | DOHC V-6 |
| Displacement (ci/liter) | 325/5.3 | 325/5.3 | 223/3.7 | 230.5/3.8 | 230.5/3.8 | 230.56/3.8 | 241.4/4.0 |
| Bore x stroke (in) | 3.78 x 3.62 | 3.78 x 3.62 | 3.76 x 4.00 | 3.78 x 3.43 | 3.78 x 3.43 | 3.779x3.425 | 3.70x3.74 |
| Compression ratio | 9.9:1 | 9.9:1 | 10.0:1 | 9.6:1 | 9.6:1 | 10.4:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Induction | SFI with Active Fuel Management | SFI with Active Fuel Management | SMPI | SMPI | SMPI | MPFI | SFI |
| Mfg.'s power rating @ rpm (hp) | 320 @ 5,300 | 320 @ 5,300 | 242 @ 5,600 | 202 @ 5,000 | 202 @ 5,000 | 262 @ 6,000 | 239 @ 5,200 |
| Mfg.'s torque rating @ rpm (lb-ft) | 340 @ 4,200 | 340 @ 4,200 | 242 @ 4,600 | 237 @ 4,000 | 237 @ 4,000 | 260 @ 4,500 | 278 @ 3,700 |
| Mfg.'s suggested fuel type | Regular unleaded or E85 | Regular unleaded or E85 | Regular Unleaded | Regular unleaded | Regular unleaded | Regular unleaded | Premium unleaded |