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Photo: Beverly Braga
The Jeep Wrangler needs no introduction. With a design as unwavering as its four-wheel-drive (4WD) capability, the midsize SUV epitomizes this off-the-grid heritage even at idle. Born of battle and with 85 years under its belt, the Jeep brand knows how to keep an icon iconic. To celebrate its decades of off-road-defining prowess, Jeep is launching its Twelve 4 Twelve Program for 2026, rolling out a new special edition Wrangler every month. The first of these is the Wrangler Moab 392.
This top-of-the-line Wrangler features a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Its high-performance powertrain delivers 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Standard features include four doors, 4WD, a 4.56 rear axle ratio, and 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels wrapped in 35-inch all-terrain tires. The Moab 392 also includes a 2.72:1 Selec-Trac full-time transfer case, a disconnecting front stabilizer bar, heavy duty axles, and Tru-Lok front and rear locking differentials.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Despite its name, I did not test drive the new Wrangler on Utah's famed Moab trails. Instead, I was invited to join Jeep Jamboree USA's annual off-roading experience, somewhere a tad more infamous: the Rubicon Trail. Gulp. Full disclosure: my preferred OHV POV is from the passenger seat. But at least I had the confidence of my steel steed to draw on if needed.
The keys in my hand were for a Bright White Wrangler Moab 392 with extra features, mostly in the comfort category. Those factory add-ons included a Sky One-Touch power top, a Warn Winch, a Mopar multi-function accessory rail, and all-weather floor mats. These brought the total price to $85,725, including the $1,995 destination charge. That is more than twice the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) for an entry level four-door Wrangler Sport ($41,035). But if you are going to use a Wrangler as intended, the added capability is worth the price of admission, especially on the Rubicon Trail.
Photo: Beverly Braga
Nestled in the Sierra Nevadas and reaching elevations of up to 7,000 feet, the Rubicon Trail carves a path unlike any other. Although considered a public road, in this case, "road" is a misnomer. The Rubicon is actually an unmaintained 22-mile trail that passes through two counties—El Dorado and Placer—and is accessible via the Eldorado National Forest and private lands.
While the Northern California mountain scape is breathtaking, the Rubicon Trail is not for the faint of heart or solo adventurers. Because of its technical and hazardous terrain, the difficulty of the Rubicon is generally rated a 10 out of 10. Tire-size requirements, a buddy system, and pre-trip preparedness lists are required because this is not a quickie stroll.
Yet these intimidating aspects are also what make the Rubicon a permanent fixture on off-roading bucket lists, while adding to my nerve-racking anxiety. I have actually been on the trail before, but that trip was cut short due to inclement weather. This time around, our itinerary called for overnight camping to cover 16 miles of 5-mph creeping and crawling. Although it was peak summer, the mid-July highs were in the low 80s and pleasantly partly cloudy.
Essentially in the middle of nowhere, who knew my best tool would be a Jeep? Jeep did, of course. The Wrangler's factory-built capability made up for my lack of off-road proficiency. Never mind the distressing body-flex whines and skid plate screeching. It was all part of the plan.
With 11.1 inches of ground clearance, tire pressure dropped to 20 psi, a slew of built-in, trail-friendly features, and the extra eyes of numerous trail guides, the Rubicon Trail was conquerable, albeit very slowly. Off-Road Plus, for example, is like adaptive cruise control for off-roading. When traveling at less than 5 mph in 4WD low, the system adjusts the throttle, gearing, and traction so you do not have to white-knuckle through ruts, gullies, and washouts (unless you want to).
This is not a failsafe against getting stuck, because sometimes avoiding a boulder means your Wrangler gets trapped in a tire-sized chasm you literally have to dig yourself out of. But that is part of the fun and a good excuse to stretch your legs.
Photo: Beverly Braga
In terms of excitement, the Rubicon Trail is a slow burn, but it is well worth the hype and prestige. The Jeep Wrangler, however, is not about hype. It simply is. Sure, other midsize SUV 4x4s can take on the Rubicon. The purpose-built Ford Bronco also comes to mind. But without specialty equipment or aftermarket tools, the Wrangler remained steady and poised even when I was not. Unflappable. Unfazed. Always ready. Being able to trust your vehicle on one of the more dangerous off-road trails speaks volumes about not only Jeep's engineering but also the confidence the brand can instill in first timers and the faithful alike.
I only wish every Jeep owner actually did Jeep things. Remove the top. Remove the doors. Experience the outdoors. You do not have to challenge yourself on the Rubicon Trail. But sometimes it takes something extreme to truly appreciate how far and where your Wrangler can take you.
A seasoned content creator and communications professional, Beverly Braga previously managed product communications for Kia and Mazda. On the editorial side, in addition to jdpower.com, Beverly has developed and produced numerous video series for Hagerty and has written for Capital One, CarGurus, Digital Trends, The Drive, Motor1, and The New York Daily News.
