- Hard-core 4x4 Rubicon added to Wrangler 2.0 lineup.
- Next-gen HD Dana 44 Full-Float rear axle.
- Brace yourself for $20k premium over Wrangler Overland.
Jeep has added a Rubicon version of the new 2.0-litre Wrangler to its New Zealand lineup. The new turbo-petrol 4-cylinder engine was launched late last year in luxury-themed Overland specification; Rubicon signals a more hard-core 4x4 state of play.
“The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has always been a symbol of freedom and adventure,” says Sarah Williams, head of marketing for Jeep NZ. “As the icon of the Jeep brand, it embodies the ‘go anywhere, do anything’ ethos. Now, with the new 2.0 powertrain, we’re giving Kiwis even more ways to conquer off-road trails from mountain passes to coastal adventures.”
The Wrangler Overland starts at $84,990, while the new Rubicon begins at $104,990.
The 200kW/400Nm 2.0-litre engine is unchanged across the two models, but the Rubicon adds heavy duty 4x4 specification including Dana solid axles, a 2-speed transfer case, four skid plates, and a "Rock-Trac" transmisison with a 4:1 low gear ratio and 77.2:1 crawl ratio.
Jeep says the "next-gen" HD Dana 44 Full-Float Rear Axle allows for better weight distribution and supports aftermarket tyre upgrades.
The Rubicon also features a TrailCam off-road camera, designed to elimante blind spots while navigating
challenging terrain.