Your Jeep Wrangler Buyer’s Guide: Orange Coast Edition

Are you ready for an adventure that ends with the sun in your face, the wind in your hair, and a little mud on your tires? If you’re thrilled by the idea of venturing off the pavement and off the beaten path, then you’ll love what we have in store for you with this Jeep Wrangler buyers guide where we break down the different Wrangler models and everything they have to offer. We’ll talk about Wrangler basics and what you can expect from the models, whether you’re venturing down Back Bay Loop Trail, navigating the Pacific Ridge Trailhead, or taking in the scenery of Boomer Canyon and Canyon Park. You’ll find everything you need for your next off-road adventure in the Wrangler lineup!

Wrangler Rubicon 392

We’re starting our guide off strong with the quickest and most powerful Wrangler ever made – the Rubicon 392. Slotted to arrive at dealerships in late 2021, the Rubicon 392 is a warrior both on and off the road. It delivers legendary power and capability thanks to the 6.4-liter HEMI V8 engine under the hood that produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. This power pushes the 392 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, which is 40 percent faster than the V6-equipped Rubicon. Also delivering a 13-second quarter-mile, there’s no doubt the Rubicon 392 is a beast!

That beast is a powerhouse that can take you from the highway to the trail and back home with a smile on your face and plenty of mud on the tires. This Jeep SUV passed extensive trail-rated tests where its greater approach and departure angles, as well as its 32.5-inch water fording ability, proved its capability of handling the harshest environments and most demanding terrains. So, what gives the Rubicon 392 its exceptional capability?

The Rubicon 392’s prowess is the combination of its advanced technology and rugged components working together, from its HEMI engine and TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic transmission to its aggressive 33-inch tires and high-performance shocks. Jeep upgraded the Rubicon 392’s frame rails and added a 2-inch lift to boost the Rubicon’s height for improved ground clearance. Of course, the amenities don’t stop there, with Jeep delivering custom drive modes like Off-Road Plus that allows you to lock the rear axle at high speeds while moving in 4-High for improved performance and handling off the pavement.

Wrangler Limited

Aside from the Rubicon 392 road warrior, Jeep offers plenty of variety in the Wrangler lineup between the two-door Limited and four-door Unlimited models. The Limited is available in the Wrangler Sport, Sport S, Willys, Willys Sport, Islander, Freedom, 80th Anniversary, and Rubicon for 2021. The Limited models all seat four and come standard with four-wheel drive. From there, the models differ based on the trim.

The Sport and Willys Sport are great entry-level models that can get you behind the wheel of a Wrangler and introduce you to the Jeep family. These trims offer the bare bones when it comes to amenities and, without an air conditioner, really encourage you to roll those manual windows down for open-air driving! Other standard features on the models include an AM/FM radio and 8-speaker sound system, manual seats, manual door locks, and cruise control.

While the Willys and Freedom offer a few upgrades like a manual air conditioner, the Wrangler Islander delivers even more luxury with an automatic air conditioner, power door locks and windows, and remote keyless entry. The 80th Anniversary adds to these features with the Rubicon offering every upgrade available on the Wrangler Limited lineup from illuminated cup holders and a touchscreen display to a voice-activated dual-zone front air conditioner. Now that’s impressive!

Wrangler Unlimited

As we mentioned, the most obvious difference between the Wrangler Limited and Unlimited models is the number of doors. However, there are plenty of other differences beyond this. The four-door Unlimited models offer seating for five and are remarkably longer than the two-door Limited. The Unlimited measures 188.4 inches long compared to the shorter 166.8-inch Limited.

Unlike the Limited that’s only available on certain trims, the four-door Unlimited is available on every trim in the Wrangler lineup. It’s also exclusive to trims like the Sport Altitude, RHD, Sahara, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude, and Rubicon 392. The Unlimited models offer a unique suite of features that distinguish them from one another. These features include luxuries like leather seating and a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, as well as customization options like the choice between a body-color 3-piece hardtop, a premium black Sunrider soft-top roof, or a Sky one-touch power top.

When comparing the low and high-end Unlimited models (the Sport and High Altitude, respectively), you’ll see the vast differences and range of features. These differences start under the hood with the Sport equipped with Jeep’s standard 3.6-liter V6 engine and 6-speed manual transmission. The High Altitude delivers more power with its 2.0-liter turbo engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. The High Altitude also exchanges the Sport’s cloth interior with leather and adds heated front seats, an oversized 8.4-inch touchscreen display, and connectivity features like a 4G LTE Wi-Fi hotspot and a high-definition radio that can keep you connected and entertained wherever the road takes you.

Wrangler 4xe

You might be surprised to learn that the Wrangler lineup isn’t complete without an electric option, and that brings us to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe. Available in late 2021, the 4xe proves that you can help save the environment without sacrificing power and performance whether you’re on or off the trail. That ability comes to the tune of the 4xe’s impressive plug-in hybrid turbocharged engine that delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of almost instantaneous torque. This makes the 4xe one of the most fun Wranglers to drive because of its exceptional handling and responsiveness whether the road is paved or not.

The Wrangler 4xe is designed with the environment in mind, and that’s reflected in its 25-mile electric-only driving range. These 25 miles offer a nearly silent driving experience that takes driving a Wrangler in the great outdoors to a new level. When you take the top off and remove the doors, you’ll have a fully immersive driving experience on the trail without the overwhelming roar of the engine.

Another huge perk that comes with the 4xe is its exceptional efficiency and capability. The hybrid engine combines two electric motors, a 400-volt battery pack, and a turbocharged four-cylinder engine to deliver an average of 49 MPGe. This efficiency minimizes any concern for running out of “power” or “fuel” on the road and means you can focus your attention on navigating the trail ahead with Jeep’s innovative four-wheel drive technology and E-Selec modes that customize your experience behind the wheel. Add in the fact that the 4xe is available on trims like the Sahara and Rubicon, and it’s easy to see why so many Wrangler fans are chomping at the bit to get behind the wheel of this hybrid beast!

Which Wrangler Is Right for You?

There’s no question that you have plenty of options when it comes to choosing the right Jeep Wrangler for your needs. If you’re new to the Jeep brand and are looking for a great entry-level model but don’t need a lot of bells and whistles, then you’ll love Limited models like the Sport and Willys or Unlimited trims like the Freedom and Rubicon. Of course, you might have a real need for speed, and that’s what Jeep is counting on with the Rubicon 392, which delivers the most power you’ve ever seen in the Wrangler lineup. What’s not to love in an adventure-ready powerhouse that can reach 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds?

Whatever Wrangler you choose, you’ll discover why so many are loyal to the Jeep brand and are proud to be part of a family known for its camaraderie. After all, that’s what the Jeep is all about. So, which Wrangler is right for you? Will you find yourself behind the wheel of new models like the Rubicon 392 or the 4xe, or will you stick with classics like the Willys? The choice is all yours. Contact us today to schedule a test drive.