Has it really been 20 years?
Jeep introduced the Rubicon nameplate for the TJ-generation Wrangler at Moab’s Easter Jeep Safari in 2002, and it was something of a watershed for the brand. DaimlerChrysler had finally equipped the original all-American sport utility vehicle with a legit factory off-road accessory package for the first time. The ur-Rubicon featured 31-inch tires, front and rear locking differentials, a walking-pace 4:1 Rock-Trac low-range transfer case, 4.10-geared Dana axles, and body armor.
The OG 2003 TJ Wrangler Rubicon
All these upgrades, previously available only from the aftermarket or at the Mopar counter, came straight from the assembly line and were backed by the manufacturer’s regular warranty. The Rubicon Wrangler would be tough enough that the owner could drive straight off the dealer lot and conquer California’s eponymous trail without breaking a sweat.
Since then, Rubicon Wranglers have been the standard bearer for rough-trail capability in the American market, with continuing improvements on the JK and JL generations (like electric sway-bar disconnects and ultra-low crawl ratios). The 2023 20th Anniversary Edition Rubicon, revealed today at the Chicago Auto Show, isn’t quite as revolutionary as the original—it’s primarily an appearance package, with a few notable exceptions. It will be available on the 392 and the hybrid 4xe versions of the Wrangler and includes special 20th Anniversary badging, decals, and a unique seven-slot grille protected by a triple-hoop grille guard. The interior features new red and black two-tone leather seating and extended leather surfaces on the dash.
Beyond the aesthetic enhancements, there are some key mechanical improvements over the standard Rubicon as well. These include a 1/2-inch suspension lift, bumping the Wrangler’s ground clearance to 11.2 inches, steel rock sliders, and a winch-ready front bumper. Seventeen-inch bead-lock capable wheels ride on 33-inch BFGoodrich A/T rubber, and the 392 version will also have a brand new integrated accessory air compressor. A bespoke 82-piece tool kit adds some panache and utility to the trim. The 20th Anniversary 392 will ring up at $69,585, and the 4xe comes in at a college-fund-pillaging MSRP of $90,895. Note that dealer markups surely will be common and bloated due to the short production run.
For the lucky few, exclusive to the Rubicon 20th Anniversary editions and limited to just 150 units, an available Level II upfit by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) will bring 37-inch tires to the Wrangler for the first time, and incorporates a whole host of other off-road goodies:
- AEV 17-inch Savegre II wheels
- 37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 tires
- AEV 2.5-inch Dual Sport RT Suspension with Bilstein 5100 shocks
- AEV bumpers, body armor, and spare wheel carrier
- Warn VR EVO 10-S winch
- AEV badging
- 4.56:1 axle ratio on the 4xe
Rubicon 20th Anniversary Level II by American Expedition Vehicles (AEV)
The upshot of the suspension, wheel, and tire upgrades on the AEV Level II package is a class-leading 14.2 inches of ground clearance and a whopping three feet (37.1 inches) of water fording. If you find yourself with one of the handfuls of first-come, first-serve orders for the AEV version of the 20th Anniversary Rubicon you’ll pay an extra $21,000 for the privilege ($21,983 for the 392 and $20,135 for the 4xe). We’re straying well into six-figure territory here before the inevitable “market adjustments”.
The 2023 20th Anniversary Wrangler Rubicon will hit dealer lots later this spring. Keep an eye out, too for OG 2003 TJ Rubicons coming soon to an online auction site near you.
Images: Jeep/Stellantis
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