When I saw the price of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition, I was astounded by its $91,545 base price and MSRP of $108,475.

I looked twice. Then I considered all of the other cars I could put in my garage for that amount of lucre. Only after I wandered through my mind’s car dealership did I realize that this vehicle’s main competitor, the Bronco Raptor, is similarly spendy. Both vehicles come with incredible off-road abilities that will — sadly — rarely be exploited.

Of course, this isn’t just any Jeep Wrangler Rubicon. It’s the 392 Last Edition, the final gasp of V-8-powered Jeeps, according to the manufacturer. At least, that’s how it was sold until June 18, when it was announced that the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition would actually be the Almost Final Edition, as the model proved popular enough to continue for 2025. But I didn’t understand the attraction, given this Jeep’s stratospheric pricing. After all, this kind of money could get you a Jeep Grand Wagoneer.

Then I drove it and I understood.

Much like the high-performance Hellcats that have emanated from Dodge, the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition is a resplendent anachronism, a hairy-chested, fire-breathing SUV that brooks no opposition. After all, this is the most powerful Wrangler ever built, powered by a 6.4-liter Hemi V-8 rated at 470 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. It delivers a 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds and runs the quarter mile in 13 seconds. That’s pretty impressive for a mud-slinger. Given that it’s placed in a boxy, high-riding SUV, it’s little wonder that it sports a combined EPA-rated 14 mpg in combined city/highway driving, with my own test returning 11.7 mpg, about the same as many brougham barges from the 1970s. And it requires premium unleaded.

All thoughts of wallet-emptying thirst disappear once you step on the loud pedal, and the exhaust barks its exquisite symphony.

But capability is still built into this rig, as it comes with a standard 8,000-pound-capacity Warn winch, 11.6 inches of ground clearance, 34 inches of water fording and a 48:1 crawl ratio. To accomplish that, it's fitted with heavy-duty rock sliders, Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case, intuitive full-time four-wheel drive, heavy-duty wide track Dana 44 axles with electronic locking differentials, electronic front sway-bar disconnect and 35-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires.

I didn’t get the chance to venture off-road, so there was no opportunity to test its 46.7-degree approach, 24.5-degree breakover, and 39.8-degree departure angles. But this Jeep’s on-road manners were surprisingly satisfying. Putting this much power in a Jeep might have you concerned as to its stability, but it proves to be better than you’d expect, with its loud exhaust and tall overall height combining to ward off negligent motorists who might try to wander into your lane. Yes, the steering is a bit loose on center, and there’s an astounding amount of noise at highway speed — neither of which will put off Jeep aficionados. But the fat off-road rubber at all four corners and the off-road compliant suspension make for an SUV that soaks up the rough stuff better than you’d expect.

And at this price, you’ll also get all of the mod cons you’d expect, including the power sliding soft top, which opened the interior up in a way no panoramic sunroof can. And it has some quirks, like the power window switches, which are located in the center of the instrument panel. Unusual? Not for a vehicle with removable doors. Also, the audio system wasn’t that impressive. But given the noise generated once underway, you’ll never hear it, let alone miss it.

And while its overall goodness is commendable, it’s eye-watering price is not. Still, where else can you find a riotous, four-wheel-drive party, one that proclaims its identity with an exhaust note that reverberates loudly from the 20th century?

2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition

Base price: $91,545

Engine: 6.4-liter SRT HEMI OHV V-8

Horsepower/Torque: 470/470 pound-feet

EPA rating (combined city/highway): 14 mpg

Fuel required: Premium

Length/Width/Height: 188/79/80 inches

Ground clearance: 11.6 inches

Curb weight: 5,245 pounds

Cargo capacity: 32-72 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 3,500 pounds

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