Jeep marks 20th anniversary of Wrangler Rubicon with limited edition model

Jeep USA has marked the 20th anniversary of its iconic Rubicon models by releasing a limited run of special editions in its home country.

Limited to just 150 vehicles based on the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Rubicon 4xe variants, neither of which are offered in Australia, the Anniversary Editions are sure to sell out fast.

The Rubicon moniker refers to the legendary Rubicon Trail in Northern California that was forged by pioneers in early Jeeps and is still used today to validate the off-road capabilities on the new ‘Trail Rated’ Jeep models.

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The first Wrangler Rubicon was unveiled at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, in spring 2002. It was a 2003 TJ Wrangler, while the current generation of Wrangler Rubicon is the JL model.

The 150 Anniversary Editions are beefed up with the inclusion of a host of extras to further improve their leading off-road capability, many of them from leaving aftermarket company, American Expedition Vehicles (AEV).

Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary extras

Other cool features include a Gorilla Glass front windscreen, a new design grille, a red leather wrapped dash panel and an 83-piece tool kit.

The extra feature on these exclusive models create what Jeep claims to be the “the most capable Wrangler ever” and with off-road spec’s including 360mm of ground clearance, 942mm water fording ability, a 50° approach angle, 33° breakover angle and a 43° departure angle, we have no reason to question that claim.

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Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand – North America, with the AEV-fettled limited edition Wrangler

The Rubicon 20th Anniversary kit adds USD$21,983 to the cost of the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe which starts at USD$54,735 in the USA, and USD$20,135 to the Wrangler Rubicon 392 which will set you back at least USD$82,495. Even at these high prices, they are expected to sell fast.

A regular JL Wrangler Rubicon with the 3.6-litre V6 engine and small tyres, starts at AUD$90,450 here in Australia.

AEV is a Michigan-based, Montana-born designer and manufacturer that has been creating parts and vehicles since 1997. Many of those vehicles were show specials commissioned by Jeep, and parts that have been officially licenced by Jeep.

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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 - 20th Anniversary edition

AEV was doing Hemi V8 conversions in Wranglers long before Jeep built the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and created the Brute ute that bares more than a striking resemblance to the current Jeep Gladiator.

While the 20th Anniversary Rubicon models are not being built in right-hand drive so they are not for Australia, you can buy AEV products here via the official agents and Jeep specialists, Jeep Konnection in Melbourne and Murchison Products in Brisbane, or at www.upfitter.com.au

Get in touch with team to create your own special edition Wrangler Rubicon.