Price (as tested) 💲: $90,245
Powertrain ⚙️: 6.4-liter HEMI V8
Output 💪: 470 hp/470 lb-ft of torque
Transmission 🕹: 8-speed automatic
0-60 MPH 🚦: 4.5 seconds
Top Speed 💥: 111 mph
MPG (as tested) ⛽️: 13 city/17 hwy/14 combined
Curb weight ⚖️: 5,103 lbs
Jeep Wranglers aren’t great SUVs.
Solid axles make for a bumpy ride, removable door and roof panels let in a lot of road noise, and narrow dimensions restrict cabin volume. I remember complaining about each of these things during the three years I owned a JK when I wasn’t cruising PCH with the top down, or sliding across snowy parking lots in Boston, or trudging up muddy hillsides in New Hampshire.
Truth is, there wasn’t much time to complain with all the adventures I was having.
Buying a Wrangler is committing yourself to a “yes” way of life. You almost feel guilty seeing your truck parked on pavement, as if it’s homesick for dirt or snow or sand. That’s probably why they make such terrible commuters – it’s just not natural.
Yet the Jeep Wrangler 392 tries its best to accommodate all environments. Comfy leather chairs take the edge off a jostling ride, a power operated soft top adds a little convenience to the joy of driving topless, and the latest steering tweaks cut out some play from the rack.
Oh, and this is the best sounding V8 of any car on sale, whether you’re hearing it during a highway pass or a trail blast.
It’s not for everyone; even if you can put up with the livability compromises, you’re going to need at least $88K for this Jeep Wrangler 392 Xtreme Recon. Bronco Raptors come cheaper and ride nicer.
But when logic comes knocking, drown out the sound with HEMI thunder.