20,000 sMiles Later: Jeep Rubicon 392 1-Year Review

[@tallballer09]

I own a 2021 Jeep Rubicon 392 that now has 19000 miles on it. I have loved this Jeep since I have owned it. I’m 75 now but I will never sell it! I have been a rebel forever!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Sounds like you’ve found the right vehicle! Enjoy it!

[@marshallgerston4809]

I know its apples to oranges, but when everyone complains about the high cost of these, on the one hand, I agree. But I was a shop owner for 30 years working on all manner of vehicles. The amount of tech built into these is huge and amazing. As for the apples to oranges, I know LOTS of people who have almost this much tied up in there new RZR Pro Ultimate SxS. Which has no air bags, no windows, no air conditioning, no safety equipment, on and on. And don't even get me started on comparing a 392 to some kind of Range Rover...392 will literally run circles around it.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Very true! And if you compare it to something similar like the Mercedes G Wagen (solid axles, body on frame, fast v8) it also starts to not seem as far fetched what they charge for these. The 2024 V6 JLU Rubicons can be optioned up there pretty high and the MSRP on those is getting really close to (or above) what you can find some decent used 392s from 21-22. In the end, it’s all about what satisfies you for the money you are spending. Great perspective!

[@marshallgerston4809]

There is a saying out there that justifies all this. When you go out to the parking lot to turn your car on, it should return the favor! That pretty much sums it up.

[@Craig-cn8ry]

I have one. i just put a peddle commander in it and wow the power is amazing

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

That is awesome!

[@blakemarchand6650]

It’s hard for it to be a lifestyle Vehicle, you have to be kinda badass to buy/own one of these things. Beautiful rig man

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Thank you! Very true! Not a lot of people use it like that but you sure can if you want to! With a 392 you've got options!

[@drjeffdaniels]

Thank you for your analysis - great video, informative, helpful, and very detailed. Subscribed!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Thank you! Glad you found it helpful!

[@warmeds2009]

My only complaint is the MDS.... Other than that zero complaints on my 392..Great video

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I’m glad you’re enjoying your 392! And thank you!

[@bobbymuy989]

For the slight squeaky sound inside the cabin next to the rear view mirror is the plastic cover around the adaptive cruise control it comes and goes whenever…😊

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Yeah it seems to have a mind of it's own. Lol! So annoying but doesn't always do it so not really a big deal. I just happen to mention it as a "con" in my 6-month review.

[@TimT0564]

I have an AEV JL370 and and I agree with you. You should try the optional Bilstein 8100 shocks. Amazing. I damaged the steering stabilizer offroad and and have upgraded the undercarriage with Steersmart, Artec, and a few other parts. Now, it is time to upgrade to a 392 AEV build..... but the cost!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I think I'll definitely look at getting the 8100s down the road. How do you like the steersmart setup?

[@TimT0564]

@@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI I'm now on 38s with Terraflex brakes. With all of the other weight that has been added to the Jeep, the Steersmart track bar and other parts made a huge difference in stiffening the steering. It was a great suggestion by a local Jeep shop. So glad I listened.

[@bigoper]

NEW SUB HERE :) Thank you so much for doing this! SOOOOO useful :) I was wondering, if you're on the fence go buy one: should I go with a USED or NEW? - I'm having hard time trusting dealerships with USED vehicles. Thanks!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I guess it depends on what you can afford. If you can afford new, definitely go new. There’s been lots of incentives, even on 392s lately. Although, the used ones are getting pretty cheap. I bought mine used in spring 2023 for $76k, 16k miles, 2021 XR. Its been great and hasn’t had hardly any issues. In fact, no major issues. I did do a lot of general maintenance to ensure that. But I’ve been real lucky with this one. Hope that helps! And thanks for watching!

[@MrMikek71]

with that lift how much height do you have now including the 37 inch tires. i have a 2022 392 with 37 inch tires. i measured aev's lift with standard capacity and it raises vehicle 1.5 inches for a 3.5 rt lift with standard springs. i was wondering if the coils you have added more height. second is would you know the difference in handling from the coils on highway. from what i have researched everyone loves the lift on highway over stock with standard coils. so i was wondering how you like your coils. i'm torn as to which coil to get, i really don't hall much weight but when i do i want the jeep to be able to handle it. great looking ride.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I saw right about 2.5 inches above the Xtreme Recon 392 height. The high capacity springs ride stiffer than most springs. But if you've ever ridden in a 3500 truck with leaf springs, it's not even close to being as harsh as some of those can be. I actually think it rides pretty well on road, where it spends most of it's time. And it handles great. Not just because of the spring, but because the control arm relocation brackets, along with the caster alignment washer, help to set a proper caster angle and keeps the front lower control arms parallel with the frame, and this reall helps add stability to the Jeep. Especially when under load. It can be a tough choice. For most people, the standard capacity AEV springs will be more than enough. I just know how much I can load my Jeep on a mulit-day trip and knew it would be money well spent. Even though that's not the majority of the driving it sees. Thank you!

[@superseven36]

Good info on the AEV lift. I'm thinking of getting it and wasn't sure whether to go normal or heavy on the springs..In stock XR form I don't find the suspension soft however.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Glad it could helps. Either one will give you a high quality kit with added benefits.

[@kris_Hendo]

Well done!

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Thanks!

[@jeffd3976]

That's so weird. I got that same rattle in the windshield sensor behind the mirror. It's comes and goes too

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Yeah I think it’s a fairly common problem with the sensor assembly. I hear it’s not an issue with the Gladiators and Wranglers without the adaptive cruise control.

[@sebastianurdaneta4558]

Amazing video🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Thank you! 🤗

[@donsmith3038]

We’ve had ours for about 1200 miles. I’m not digging the 4.56 gears one bit. It is so bad-that if I don’t get them changed, I’ll get rid of this brand new JEEP.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Sorry to hear that. What do you not like about the 4.56 gears?

[@nbomar]

Who makes that cooler slide out for the rear? I have a Smittybuilt cooler that looks identical to the one you have.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

It’s made by Camco. It’s their medium sized fridge slide. And yeah, I think I saw an ad for the Smittybilt fridge that looks identical to my BougrRV fridge. I bet they are built in the same factory, just under different names. Just like so many other things are these days. 😂

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

camcooutdoors.com/portable-refrigerator-slide-medium-fits-cam-350-450-550/

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I had to build my own version of a goose gear rear plate system in order to mount it properly. If you’re interested, I made a video about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHndgJV5oKmhba8

[@searles400]

Can you tell me your overall height with this setup

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Just measured it. 78 inches from it's highest point at the rear (has a slight forward rake when unloaded).

[@yegman]

cabin noise? good or bad. can you talk to the passenger without screaming on the highway speeds

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

I’d say this is relative to what you are used to. I don’t find myself screaming. But it’s not as quiet as other modern vehicles either. It’s definitely a lot quieter than a TJ or JK with a soft top!

[@donsmith3038]

I’ll answer this. When you let off the gas and it drops to four calendars, the drone is positively brutal. I find myself easily getting a headache.

[@Brads_adventures]

Well the 392 is definitely more that 50% quicker than your original Red JK Rubicon lol

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Haha! “Horsepower!!!”

[@SOLDOZER]

You never mentioned the totally absurd price. You're paying almost $35K more just for the 392. This Jeep cost more that a loaded 2024 Ford F250 Super Duty.

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Have you priced out a loaded V6 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon? If you fully load a V6 Rubicon the same way the 392s come standard, you're looking anywhere from the upper $60k's to low $70k. The 2024 Rubicon 392s start at $93,400, but they come almost fully loaded with many items you'd have to option on the V6. I purchased mine used, a year ago, for $76k. And the MSRP on it when it was new (2021) was $82,860. So, it's only $35k more if you take a low optioned V6 Rubicon and compare it to a highly optioned 2024 Rubicon 392. If you search the used market and compare it to high optioned V6s, it's only around $10k to $25k more. Doing a Hemi swap will cost you more than that and it won't have a factory warranty. To me, that is absolutely worth it for the added power and uniqueness of the vehicle. Not a con, in my opinion. But hey, to some people that extra power and fun-factor are not that important so to them, it would be a huge con. To me it's worth every penny. When comparing to a 2024 Ford F250 Super Duty, or any full-sized, purpose built truck, the two are completely different animals. The Jeep Rubicon was made to take on serious off-road trails whereas a standard F250 Super Duty was not. Even the Tremor isn't going to take you on the kinds of trails the Rubicon does in stock form. And it's relatively easy to modify to handle even harder trails. Combine that with the powerful hemi engine and you have something very rare and unique. And rare and unique usually = more $$$.

[@joevara1349]

$38k ,2023

[@MotoringAdventures_KE7SAI]

Miles? Condition?