The 2022 Jeep Wrangler: The Best Off-Roading Trims

Jeep Wrangler offers more trims than most competing models. In fact, over the years, Jeep has made several special edition trims in addition to their mainline trim levels like the Rubicon and the Sahara. To compile a full Jeep Wrangler buyer’s guide would be an ambitious task due to so many variations over the years. Instead, we’re going to focus on the 2022 model’s best Wrangler trims for off-roading. Sure, any Wrangler can tackle alternate terrains with ease when compared to other models, but some are more off-road-capable than others. The team at Orange Coast CJDR can help you choose the best off-road Wrangler for you, so read on to learn more!

The best three models for off-roading (in order) are the Willys, the Rubicon, and the newer Rubicon 392. If you’re looking for a good daily driver that is also off-road capable, the Willys is a great option. Hardcore off-roaders, on the other hand, will benefit most from the Rubicon and Rubicon 392 models. While the Rubicon is known for its off-roading power, the Rubicon 392 takes it a step further with a ridiculously powerful 6.4-liter HEMI engine that pumps out up to 470 horsepower.

The 2022 Wrangler Willys Trim

Whether you’re going camping in the wilderness or visiting your friend’s farm pond, the 2022 Wrangler Willys trim is going to take you there with no questions asked. Out of the box, the 2022 Willys model comes with 32-inch mud-terrain tires, a Trac-Lok Limited Slip Differential, rock rails, an underbody skid plate, and bright LED headlights. Put simply, the Trac-Lok Limited Slip Differential is designed to help the Willys better maintain road grip during slippery situations such as mud or even ice. Those rock rails and the underbody skid plate help protect the Jeep from off-roading body damage, as well as protecting its gas tank, transmission, and other important assets.

This has been the Willys’ standard setup since its debut, but the 2022 model comes with something even more exciting, the optional Xtreme Recon Package. This package is only available on the Willys and Rubicon models. The Xtreme Recon Package ups the ante by adding even larger 35-inch all-terrain tires, a suspension lift, and a 4.56:1 axle ratio which helps the Willys achieve best-in-class approach and departure angles, along with water fording capability and ground clearance (keep an eye on this one, Ford Bronco!)

One key difference between the Willys trim and the Rubicon is their four-wheel drive systems. Wrangler offers three different four-wheel drive configurations: the Selec-Trac, Command-Trac, and Rock-Trac options. Selec-Trac is what comes standard across regular Wrangler trims and, while off-road-capable, is best suited for average commuters. The Command-Trac system is what comes with the Willys trim. It’s more capable than the Selec-Trac system, offering a 2.72:1 low range that helps drivers tackle rough and steep roadways better than the Selec-Trac system can. Overall, the 2022 Willys trim falls perfectly in between the standard Wrangler and the hardcore off-roading Rubicon models, making it a great daily driver but also a fun off-road companion when the time comes.

The 2022 Wrangler Rubicon Trim

It’s no surprise that the Rubicon is the trim you need for serious trailing. In fact, the Rubicon was designed by folks who were determined to make the Wrangler a much more off-road-capable model by creating this trim, and they succeeded. Initially, Chrysler felt that the Rubicon idea was too risky and pricey to invest in, making the Rubicon development an uphill battle. Two determined engineers, Dave Yegge and Mike Gabriel, took matters into their own hands by creating a more “off-road-worthy” Wrangler to hit the trails with. People were impressed, and the two engineers continued proving how valuable this prototype could be. Eventually, the evidence was undeniable, and that’s why we have the Rubicon today.

The key difference between the 2022 Rubicon and other Wrangler models is its impressive Roc-Trac system. This name carries itself well, as the Rubicon has an impressive 4:1 low gear ratio which allows it to “crawl” better. This is why people like the Rubicon for rock crawling as opposed to mudding, although it’s certainly capable of handling both. The Rubicon also comes with Dana 44 axles, all-terrain tires, a Tru-Lok Electronic Locking Differential, an Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect, and rock rails.

The 2022 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Trim

Want to race, head off-road, or do a mixture of both? This is where the new 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 model comes into the picture. For the first time ever, you can purchase a Wrangler with a 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine. This means that in addition to more torque, you’re also gaining more horsepower than any Wrangler has ever had before. You’ll get 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque ratings out of the box with this model, meaning that you can go from 0 to 60 in only 4.5 seconds, and travel up to 1/4 a mile in only 13 seconds. Just keep in mind that you’re still driving a top-heavy Wrangler, so while it’s fun in the straight stretches, you don’t want to be taking any quick turns.

There are some other important upgrades on the Rubicon 392 that pair with its high-speed capability. You’ll get a heavy-duty braking system to better slow things down once you’ve tested the waters. Fox Racing Shocks are also included to help you get the full racing experience, balancing on-pavement dampening with off-pavement performance. 33-inch all-terrain tires come standard on this model, but just like with the other two models, you can add the Xtreme Recon Package to access those 35-inch tires.

The 2022 Rubicon 392 also includes steering wheel paddle shifters, dual-exhaust that can be toggled on and off, and a Hydro-Guide Air Induction System that cools the engine better while also helping to protect the engine from water when you’re fording through creeks or small rivers. You can safely push through up to 33.6 inches of water in the Rubicon 392, but just be sure you know the water’s height before treading through, as it may be deeper than it appears.

Which Off-Roading Machine Is for You?

Now that you know more about Wrangler’s top three best off-roading trims, how do you choose which one is best for you? While the Rubicon 392 is the most capable model overall, that doesn’t mean it’s the best match in your scenario. It all depends on what kinds of off-roading you plan on doing. Customers in and around the Costa Mesa, CA, area definitely benefit from either Rubicon model because of their rockier trails; however, if you solely go “mudding” and prefer mud and dirt trails over rocky ones, the Willys trim is all you’ll ever need.

When choosing between the regular Rubicon and the Rubicon 392, you’ll want to remember a few things. The Rubicon 392 is the most powerful option available, so if you’re a hardcore off-roader who wants the best trailing setup out there, opt for the 392. It’s also good to choose the 392 if you enjoy a roaring, sports-car-level engine that is race-capable. But if you’re looking for an off-road model that you also want to use as a daily driver, remember that the Rubicon’s fuel economy is much more efficient than the Rubicon 392’s. The regular Rubicon is your best bet if you plan to balance casual commuting with weekend off-roading trips.

Still not sure which model works best for you? That’s why Orange Coast CJDR is here to help. Feel free to ask us about any of these models, and we will do our best to hook you up with the one that best meets your needs!