Car Reviews
Jeep’s Most Powerful Wrangler Ever – And It Might Be the Last of Its Kind!
The Jeep Wrangler has always been a symbol of rugged capability, adventure, and a go-anywhere attitude. But what happens when Jeep decides to cram a 470-horsepower, 6.4-liter HEMI V8 under the hood of its most off-road-ready model? You get the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition — the fastest, most powerful, and most extreme factory Wrangler ever built. With a 0-60 mph time of just 4.5 seconds and a price tag north of $100K, the question isn’t whether this thing is a beast (it absolutely is), but whether it’s truly worth the price—especially when Jeep is calling it the “Final Edition.” So, is this the last hurrah for the V8 Wrangler, or is there more to the story?
Design & Special Final Edition Features
At a glance, the Wrangler 392 Final Edition doesn’t look radically different from a standard Rubicon, but a closer inspection reveals some key upgrades. Thanks to the Xtreme 35 Package, the Final Edition sits taller and wider, riding on 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires wrapped around 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels. The half-inch suspension lift and heavy-duty Dana 44 wide-track axles give it a more aggressive stance, while the special hood and fender decals, bronze accents, and 392 Final Edition badging set it apart from lesser Wranglers.
One of the most significant additions to this trim is the standard Warn 8,000-pound winch, mounted neatly into the steel front bumper. Jeep also includes a Mopar fold-out swing gate table, a monogrammed 392 shifter medallion, and an 83-piece Jeep-branded toolkit, all exclusive to the 2024 Final Edition. Add in the Mopar triple loop grille guard, and this Wrangler is as much about style as it is about serious off-road function.
Cargo & Rear Hatch Practicality
Despite its performance focus, the 392 Final Edition remains a Wrangler at heart, meaning it still offers some practicality. With the rear seats up, you get 31.7 cubic feet of cargo space, and folding them down expands that to 72.4 cubic feet. The traditional side-swinging tailgate with a flip-up glass window remains, which is functional but can be cumbersome in tight parking spaces. The addition of the fold-out swing gate table is a nice touch for overlanding and trail use, making it easier to prep gear or take a break on the go.
Interior & Technology
Inside, Jeep gave the Final Edition a premium feel without straying too far from its rugged roots. The seats are wrapped in Nappa leather with contrast stitching and embossed 392 badging, offering a level of refinement that isn’t always found in a Wrangler. Heated front seats and a heated steering wheel come standard, ensuring comfort on colder days.
Tech-wise, Jeep has equipped the 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, built-in navigation, and a 9-speaker Alpine premium audio system. The 7-inch driver display provides key performance and off-road metrics. While these features help modernize the Wrangler, the interior still prioritizes function over luxury—which is exactly what Jeep fans expect.
Heart of the Beast: Engine & Powertrain
The star of the show is undoubtedly the 6.4-liter HEMI V8, producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This powerplant transforms the Wrangler into a true muscle truck, delivering a 4.5-second 0-60 mph time and a quarter-mile sprint in just 13 seconds. The 8-speed automatic transmission keeps power delivery smooth, whether you’re tearing up the pavement or tackling rough terrain.
Unlike most Wranglers that feature a part-time 4WD system, the 392 gets a full-time Selec-Trac 4WD setup, meaning power is always being sent to all four wheels. Jeep also equips the Final Edition with Tru-Lok electronic locking differentials, an electronic front sway-bar disconnect, and heavy-duty rock sliders, ensuring it remains an off-road powerhouse despite its street-racer speed.
On-Road Performance: Fun, but Far from Refined
Driving the Wrangler 392 on pavement is an absolute thrill. The deep, throaty exhaust note can be adjusted with the dual-mode exhaust, letting you toggle between a tame rumble and full-blown V8 roar. However, despite its power, it still drives like a Wrangler. The ride is bouncy, the steering is vague, and at higher speeds, wind noise is significant. Compared to the Bronco Raptor, which has a more refined suspension setup, the Wrangler 392 feels a little less planted on the road.
Off-Road Dominance
Where the 392 truly shines is off-road. The 35-inch tires, 11.6 inches of ground clearance, and 34.5-inch water fording capability make it an absolute beast on the trails. Whether you’re rock crawling, blasting through sand, or tackling mud, the instant torque from the V8 makes easy work of obstacles. The Selec-Trac full-time 4WD system simplifies things, allowing you to stay in four-wheel drive without constantly shifting.
The Warn winch and locking differentials are invaluable when tackling more technical terrain. However, for those purely focused on off-roading, the standard Rubicon or the 4Xe hybrid may offer similar capability at a lower price.
Price & Competition
And now, the painful part—pricing. The Wrangler 392 Final Edition starts at $91,545, but with options, expect to pay well over $108,000. That puts it in direct competition with the Ford Bronco Raptor ($90K), the Land Rover Defender 110 V8 ($115K), and even the F-150 Raptor R ($110K+). While the Bronco Raptor offers better on-road manners, and the Defender V8 brings luxury to the table, neither delivers the old-school, raw V8 power of the Wrangler 392.
Final Verdict: The Ultimate Wrangler or Just Overkill?
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition is an absolute blast to drive. It’s fast, loud, insanely capable off-road, and feels like a true enthusiast’s dream. But at over $100K, it’s hard to justify as a daily driver. The Wrangler 4Xe offers similar off-road chops with better efficiency, and the Bronco Raptor is more refined on the highway.
So, is it worth it? If you’re a Jeep purist who wants one last, no-compromise V8-powered off-roader, then yes. But if you’re looking for the best balance of capability, value, and daily drivability, this might be more of a collector’s item than a practical purchase. Either way, if this really is the last V8 Wrangler Jeep will ever make, at least they made sure it went out with a bang.
