Jeep, through its local distributor Inchcape Philippines, has unveiled the latest edition of its off-road icon, the Wrangler Rubicon. Celebrated as the most capable 4×4 in the world, the new Wrangler builds on its legendary history with an unmatched combination of off-road capability, authentic Jeep design, open-air freedom, advanced powertrains, superior on- and off-road dynamics, and a host of innovative safety and advanced technology features.
The latest iteration of the 4×4 legend stays true to the Wrangler template while sporting a bolder seven-slot Jeep grille, new infotainment system, bigger tires, upgraded off-road features, luxurious premium seats, and enhanced state-of-the-art safety features.
Aside from the aforementioned new seven-slot Jeep grille, the new Wrangler is now fully illuminated with LED daytime running lamps, automatic headlamps, Headlamp Off Time Delay, LED front fog lamps, and LED premium reflector headlamps.
The new model sports the classic and distinctive Rubicon hood decal, red-and-grey Jeep badge, Wrangler decal, and Trail Ratedbadge. Power heated mirrors are also exclusive on the Rubicon, while LED tail lamps and full-size spare tire are mounted in the traditional Jeep way at the rear.
Topping off the new Wrangler Rubicon is its Integrated windshield antenna, Corning Gorilla Glass windshield and black 3-piece removable hard top.
The new Wrangler Rubicon is powered by a very energetic 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission that channels an impressive 268hp at 5,250 rpm and 400Nm of torque at 3,000 rpm.
The newest Wrangler is fully loaded with 4×4 features and heavy duty components such as the new 4:1 Rock-Trac HD Full Time 4WD system, first and increased Dana M220 Wide Full Floating Rear Axle, Dana M210 Wide heavy-duty tube front axle, E-Locker front and rear Axle, 4.10 rear axle ratio, front disconnecting stabilizer bar, performance suspension, high clearance fender flares, rock protection sill rails, skid plates, Aux switches, integrated off-road camera, with integrated washer, and front and rear tow hooks.
It sits on a 17-inch black aluminum wheels, wrapped with new and biggest-ever 285/70 33-inch all-terrain tires—the largest OE tires that can be fitted to a Wrangler without having to lift the body.
All Jeep Wranglers are awarded with the Trail Rated badge, thoroughly tested for their ability to maneuver well on trails with obstacles and rough terrain. The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is meticulously designed to excel in the five following 4×4 key areas:
Water Fording – Electrical connections and body openings are sealed, and the air intake is positioned high to protect the vehicle when driving through creeks, streams and floods. The Rubicon has a 34-inch water-fording capability.
Ground Clearance – High ground clearance allows plenty of room between the underside of the vehicle and the terrain, allowing you to drive over rocks and logs without underbody damage. The approach angle, breakover angle and departure angle are all maximized, giving the driver more options to go over when going around isn’t possible.
Articulation – The best adventures usually take place on the roughest terrain, but good articulation doesn’t just come in handy when off-roading. Higher levels of articulation help your wheels remain stable and engaged when one or more tires are off the ground.
Maneuverability – Swiftly dodge obstacles on the trail, veer around narrow gaps and safely navigate the gauntlet of everyday adventure. Thanks to precision steering and optimized wheelbases, the Trail Rated 4×4 Wrangler can handle tight trail switchbacks and other extremely challenging situations.
Traction – Designed to handle some of the harshest, most unpredictable driving conditions and the toughest terrain on earth, the Jeep Wrangler is engineered to handle it all.
The new Wrangler Rubicon presents a sophisticated and highly functional interior, with its new and plush Nappa leather seats, which now boast new 12-way power adjust front seats. Yet another new feature is the new 12.3-inch touchscreen – the most advanced and largest display ever offered on Wrangler – with the fifth-generation award-winning Uconnect 5 system that sits prominently atop the center stack.
Uconnect 5 delivers operating speeds that are five times faster when compared to the previous generation. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Wired Google Android Auto, GPS Navigation, Off-Road Info Pages, five user profiles plus a valet mode – customizable music preferences, apps and climate comfort levels, and a fully customizable home screen for quick access to frequently used features and one-touch operation.
It also has Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio that allow you to connect two phones. Mated to the Wrangler Rubicon’s infotainment system is the superb 9-speaker Alpine sound system.
Functionality is enhanced for front-row passengers with standard USB Type C ports that allow devices to charge up to four times faster. Standard 12-volt accessory outlets are also found in the center console and cargo area of the new Wrangler.
There is also a 7-inch TFT color instrument cluster and steering wheel audio controls as well as a Remote Start System to allow the driver to start the engine with just a press of a button from the key fob.
The new Wrangler Rubicon features more than 85 available active and passive state-of-the-art safety and security features. Some of these are first- and second-row side curtain airbags, which complement standard driver and passenger front airbags and front seat-mounted driver and passenger side airbags.
The Rubicon also boasts various driver-assist features like Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop, Selec-Speed Control, Advanced Brake Assist, Electronic Roll Mitigation, Anti-Lock 4-Wheel FNC Disc HD Brakes, Electronic Stability Control, Full Speed Forward Collision Warning Plus, Hill Start Assist, Traction Control, Trailer Sway Damping, Blind Spot Monitoring, ParkSense Rear Park Assist System, and ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera.
The new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes in nine eye-catching colors—Bright White, Black, Sarge Green, Granite Crystal, Earl Grey, Anvil, Silver Zynith, Firecracker Red, and Hydro Blue—and is priced at PhP 5,780,000, while the 2-Door Rubicon retails at PhP 5,590,000. This iconic model is available at any of the five Jeep dealerships in Alabang, Cebu, Clark, Greenhills, and San Fernando.
Photos by Mica de los Reyes
