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Jeep Wrangler

Doors off, 470 hp on tap: the JL Rubicon 392.1

Researched October 25, 2026 from 34 sources

Also called

  • LJEnthusiasts' name for the stretched two-door Unlimited introduced in 2004.2

At a glance

0250500
112–470 hpPower
01020
4.5–15.4 s0–60 mph
0100200
130–161 km/hTop speed
0400800
183–637 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,295–2,428 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.123891112

Engine
Gas: 2.0–6.4 L I4/I6/V6/V8; diesels: 2.2–3.0 L; 4xe plug-in hybrid37
Layout
Front engine, body-on-frame; 4WD or RWD (JK Unlimited)16
Gearbox
5/6-speed manuals; 3/4/5/8-speed automatics, depending on generation3467
Built at
YJ: Brampton Assembly, Canada; Toledo Complex, US; JL: FIAPL, India37
Units built
YJ: 685,071; JK: 2,165,67823

The story

AMC's CJ replacement aimed to win daily drivers through better road manners. Across YJ, TJ, JK and JL, it kept a separate frame, live axles and removable doors.13

1986: YJ debuts for the 1987 model year19861996: TJ trades leaf springs for coils19962002: Rubicon brings lockers and 4:1 low range20022004: Unlimited begins with two doors20042006: JK turns Unlimited into a four-door20062017: JL brings an eight-speed automatic20172021: 4xe adds 375 hp and plug-in power · Rubicon 392: 470 hp, 4.5 seconds to 60 mph20212024: Rubicon gains a full-float rear axle2024 Jeep CJ (CJ): 1944–1986CJJeep Wrangler (YJ) (YJ): 1986–1995 (U.S./Canada production)YJJeep Wrangler (TJ) (TJ): 1996–2006 (production)TJJeep Wrangler (JK) (JK): 2006–2018 (production)JKJeep Wrangler (JL) (JL): 2017–present (production)JL 19501960197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones123467111821
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1944–1986Jeep CJ (CJ)
1986–1995 (U.S./Canada production)Jeep Wrangler (YJ) (YJ)
1996–2006 (production)Jeep Wrangler (TJ) (TJ)
2006–2018 (production)Jeep Wrangler (JK) (JK)
2017–present (production)Jeep Wrangler (JL) (JL)
1986YJ debuts for the 1987 model year
1996TJ trades leaf springs for coils
2002Rubicon brings lockers and 4:1 low range
2004Unlimited begins with two doors
2006JK turns Unlimited into a four-door
2017JL brings an eight-speed automatic
20214xe adds 375 hp and plug-in power
2021Rubicon 392: 470 hp, 4.5 seconds to 60 mph
2024Rubicon gains a full-float rear axle
  1. 1986

    YJ debuts for the 1987 model year

    The 1987-model CJ replacement starts in Brampton. Canada/USA production runs March 1986–December 1995; Toledo takes over in 1992. Chrysler buys AMC in 1987.13

  2. 1996

    TJ trades leaf springs for coils

    The 1997-model TJ brings round headlights, coil springs and a 4.0 L inline-six. Toledo production runs January 1996–July 2006.14

  3. 2002

    Rubicon brings lockers and 4:1 low range

    Shown in spring 2002 and built that summer for 2003, the TJ Rubicon adds locking Dana 44 axles, rock rails and 31-inch tires.5

  4. 2004

    Unlimited begins with two doors

    From 2004–2006, Unlimited means a stretched two-door, nicknamed LJ, with 10 extra inches of wheelbase. A Rubicon Unlimited joins for 2005.124

  5. 2006

    JK turns Unlimited into a four-door

    Launched for 2007, the JK is built in Toledo August 2006–April 2018. Its cabin is redone for 2011; the new 3.6 L V6 delivers 285 hp for 2012.26

  6. 2017

    JL brings an eight-speed automatic

    Unveiled for 2018, the JL adds an eight-speed automatic option and zipperless soft top. Toledo production starts in November 2017 alongside the outgoing JK.17

  7. 2021

    4xe adds 375 hp and plug-in power

    A turbo four and two motors deliver 375 hp. EPA ratings are 49 MPGe and 21 electric miles, but testing reveals jarring gas-electric transitions.78

  8. 2021

    Rubicon 392: 470 hp, 4.5 seconds to 60 mph

    The JL's 6.4 L Hemi V8 arrives with stronger frame rails, a factory 2-inch lift and heavy-duty brakes; an eight-speed automatic handles the torque.19

  9. 2024

    Rubicon gains a full-float rear axle

    The JL refresh adds a 12.3-inch screen and side-curtain airbags. Rubicon gets a Dana 44 HD full-float rear axle and an optional factory Warn winch.710

Every generation

  • Willys MB
    MB
  • Jeep CJ
    CJ1944–1986
  • Jeep Wrangler (YJ)
    YJ1986–1995 (U.S./Canada production)
  • Jeep Wrangler (TJ)
    TJ1996–2006 (production)
  • Jeep Wrangler (JK)
    JK2006–2018 (production)
  • Jeep Wrangler (JL)
    JL2017–present (production)

Power over the years

From 112 hp to 470 hp in 34 years.

0200400600 1990199520002005201020152020 hp 1987 · 112 hp · YJ 4.2 L carbureted six1987 · 117 hp · YJ 2.5 L fuel-injected four1991 · 130 hp · YJ 2.5 L port-injected four1991 · 190 hp · YJ 4.0 L injected six2006 · 190 hp · TJ 4.0 L six, 6-speed manual2007 · 202 hp · JK 3.8 L V62012 · 285 hp · JK 3.6 L Pentastar; JL from 20182018 · 197 hp · UK JL 2.2 L diesel, 8-speed auto2018 · 270 hp · JL 2.0 L eTorque turbo; 8-speed auto2020 · 260 hp · JL 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6 (North America)2021 · 375 hp · 4xe 2.0 L PHEV; 8-speed auto2021 · 470 hp · JL Rubicon 392 6.4 L Hemi V8 470 hp JL Rubicon 392 6.4 L Hemi V8 112 hp YJ 4.2 L carbureted six
13467111213
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
1987112YJ 4.2 L carbureted six
1987117YJ 2.5 L fuel-injected four
1991130YJ 2.5 L port-injected four
1991190YJ 4.0 L injected six
2006190TJ 4.0 L six, 6-speed manual
2007202JK 3.8 L V6
2012285JK 3.6 L Pentastar; JL from 2018
2018197UK JL 2.2 L diesel, 8-speed auto
2018270JL 2.0 L eTorque turbo; 8-speed auto
2020260JL 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6 (North America)
20213754xe 2.0 L PHEV; 8-speed auto
2021470JL Rubicon 392 6.4 L Hemi V8

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Base / S / SE (YJ)

    Standard

    Base / S / SE (YJ)

    1987–1995

  • Sahara

    Standard

    Sahara

  • Unlimited (LJ)

    Standard

    Unlimited (LJ)

    2004–2006

    190 hp
  • Willys

    Standard

    Willys

    2024

  • Performance

    Rubicon X

    2024

  • Special

    High Tide (including Jeep Beach)

    2022

    5,000 built

  • Limited

    Rubicon 392 Final Edition

    2024

    470 hp

  • Limited

    Rubicon Tomb Raider

    2003

  • Limited

    Unlimited Rubicon Sahara

    2005

    190 hp

    1,000 built

  • Limited

    Rubicon 20th Anniversary AEV Level II

    2023

How to spot one

Look for

  • A tapering nose framed by flared fenders.1
  • Boxy cabin, exposed door hinges and jutting fenders.18
  • Removable hard or soft roof, with doors that can be removed.1
  • YJ: rectangular headlights and wipers parked on the windshield.3
  • JL: seven-slot grille with round lights biting into the outer slots.719

Year by year

  1. 1992 YJ

    Curved rear family roll-bar sections replace the early diagonal rear braces.11

  2. 1997 TJ

    Round headlights replace the YJ's rectangles; the wipers no longer rest prominently on the windshield.13

  3. 2007 JK

    A much wider body brings angular fenders; Unlimited changes from a stretched 2-door to a 4-door.18

  4. 2011 JK

    Sahara gains a body-color hardtop; larger rear windows and a redesigned dashboard distinguish the refresh.215

  5. 2018 JK versus JL

    JL adds grille-overlapping headlights, fender indicators, side vents and pull handles; reverse lights sit mid-lamp and the plate moves to the bumper.20

  6. 2024 refresh

    Reworked grille, windshield antenna, new wheels and a 12.3-inch display above a slim rectangular center vent.10

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Jeep Wrangler
    Wrangler
    Photo of a Ford Bronco
    Ford Bronco

    Ford Bronco

    Wrangler hinges are exposed and its mirrors mount on the doors; Bronco mirrors sit at the windshield base.12

  • Photo of a Jeep Wrangler
    Wrangler
    Photo of a Jeep CJ-7
    Jeep CJ-7

    Jeep CJ-7

    Rectangular lights and wipers parked on the glass identify the YJ; its body otherwise closely resembles the CJ-7.321

  • Photo of a Jeep Wrangler
    Wrangler
    Photo of a Jeep Gladiator
    Jeep Gladiator

    Jeep Gladiator

    The Gladiator shares Wrangler JL styling but adds a pickup bed.7

Against its rivals

  • Jeep Grand Cherokee (1997)

    Wrangler vs Jeep Grand Cherokee (1997)

    Ground clearance

    Wrangler8.2 in
    Jeep Grand Cherokee (1997)8.2 in
    22

Prices

Value today $7.5K–$22.3K1726

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 1990200020102020 Value today: $7,500–$22,250 1987 · $8,995 · US base MSRP, 1986 launch2003 · $28,815 · US Tomb Raider; incl. destination2007 · $21,000 · US Unlimited, launch price2011 · $30,625 · US Black Ops 2dr; incl. $750 dest.2011 · $33,500 · US Black Ops 4dr; incl. $750 dest.2021 · $53,190 · US Rubicon 4xe base2021 · $62,415 · US Rubicon 4xe as tested2023 · $69,585 · US Rubicon 4xe 20th; +$1,795 dest.2023 · $90,895 · US Rubicon 392 20th; +$1,795 dest.2024 · $99,995 · US 392 Final; +$1,895 dest. 1987 · $8,995 MSRP · US base at 1986 launch, 1987 model year 2025 · $15,000 · 2015 Sport, 71k miles, BaT2025 · $7,250 · 1997 SE 5-speed, 177k miles, BaT2025 · $17,750 · 1990 Islander 4.2 5-speed, 124k miles shown, BaT2025 · $25,250 · 2006 Unlimited Rubicon 6-speed, 31k miles, BaT2026 · $22,250 · 2005 Unlimited Rubicon Sahara, 64k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $7,500 · 1988 4.2, 91k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $17,500 · 2006 Unlimited 6-speed, 72k miles, Bring a Trailer2026 · $65,500 · 2025 Rubicon 392 Final Edition, under 12k miles, BaT2026 · $33,251 · 2023 4xe Rubicon, 24k miles, BaT2026 · $17,250 · 2020 Sport S, 65k miles, BaT $65.5K BaT, 2026
356789151617262728293031323334
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1987Launch price$8,995US base at 1986 launch, 1987 model year
1987Price when new$8,995US base MSRP, 1986 launch
2003Price when new$28,815US Tomb Raider; incl. destination
2007Price when new$21,000US Unlimited, launch price
2011Price when new$30,625US Black Ops 2dr; incl. $750 dest.
2011Price when new$33,500US Black Ops 4dr; incl. $750 dest.
2021Price when new$53,190US Rubicon 4xe base
2021Price when new$62,415US Rubicon 4xe as tested
2023Price when new$69,585US Rubicon 4xe 20th; +$1,795 dest.
2023Price when new$90,895US Rubicon 392 20th; +$1,795 dest.
2024Price when new$99,995US 392 Final; +$1,895 dest.
2025Auction sale$15,0002015 Sport, 71k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$7,2501997 SE 5-speed, 177k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$17,7501990 Islander 4.2 5-speed, 124k miles shown, BaT
2025Auction sale$25,2502006 Unlimited Rubicon 6-speed, 31k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$22,2502005 Unlimited Rubicon Sahara, 64k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$7,5001988 4.2, 91k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$17,5002006 Unlimited 6-speed, 72k miles, Bring a Trailer
2026Auction sale$65,5002025 Rubicon 392 Final Edition, under 12k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$33,2512023 4xe Rubicon, 24k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$17,2502020 Sport S, 65k miles, BaT
2026Value today$7,500–$22,250

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 13 stories from its legend
    • “Two Rubicons reached 6,646 meters”
    • “The Jurassic Park Jeeps were 1992 Saharas”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 6 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 34 sources
  1. Jeep Wrangler - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Used Jeep Wrangler Buying Guide caranddriver.com
  3. Jeep Wrangler (YJ) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  4. Jeep Wrangler (TJ) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  5. Two Decades of Rubicon: Jeep® Brand Reveals 20th Anniversary Editions of 2023 Wrangler Rubicon 4xe and 2023 Wrangler Rubicon 392 | Stellantis Blog blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
  6. Jeep Wrangler (JK) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  7. Jeep Wrangler (JL) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. Tested: 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Complicates a Simple Machine caranddriver.com
  9. Goodbye to the Grrr-Eight One: Jeep® Brand Announces 2024 Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition | Stellantis Blog blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
  10. Jeep® Brand Introduces New 2024 Wrangler | Stellantis Blog blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
  11. Buyer's Guide: Is the YJ the Best Value in Used Jeep Wranglers? onallcylinders.com
  12. 2021 Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Comparison Test Review: 4x4 Face-Off motortrend.com
  13. Used Jeep Wrangler (Mk4, 2018-2026) buyer’s guide: iconic 4x4 is flawed but fun | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  14. 2022-2023 Jeep Special Editions: The Coolest Jeeps You May Never Own motortrend.com
  15. Jeep® Brand Partners With Activision Publishing, Inc. on Call of Duty®: Black Ops prnewswire.com
  16. Motor Trend: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Tomb Raider motortrend.com
  17. No Reserve: 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon Sahara for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $22,250 on January 30, 2026 (Lot #228,317) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  18. First Drive: 2007 Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited caranddriver.com
  19. Jeep Wrangler 2018 Designer Interview - Mark Allen Explains JL Redesign roadandtrack.com
  20. JL or JK? How to tell whether your 2018 Wrangler is a JK or JL | ExtremeTerrain extremeterrain.com
  21. Jeep CJ - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Tested: Eight-Way 1997 Truck and SUV Off-Road Challenge caranddriver.com
  23. The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Story - Jp Magazine motortrend.com
  24. Reference: Jeep Wrangler Guide | Jurassic Park Motor Pool | JPMotorpool.com jpmotorpool.com
  25. Spreading cheer is just ‘Ducky’ for Jeep® brand vehicle owner | Stellantis Blog blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
  26. No Reserve: 1988 Jeep Wrangler 4.2 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,500 on March 24, 2026 (Lot #234,774) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  27. 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,500 on April 29, 2026 (Lot #240,224) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  28. No Reserve: 1997 Jeep Wrangler SE 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $7,250 on July 14, 2025 (Lot #200,374) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  29. 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $65,500 on September 14, 2026 (Lot #263,012) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. 2023 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $33,251 on February 5, 2026 (Lot #229,011) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport S for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,250 on February 3, 2026 (Lot #228,802) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $15,000 on December 26, 2025 (Lot #224,862) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1990 Jeep Wrangler Islander 4.2 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $17,750 on June 19, 2025 (Lot #196,857) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 31k-Mile 2006 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 6-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,250 on June 7, 2025 (Lot #195,020) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • caranddriver.com
  • blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com
  • onallcylinders.com
  • motortrend.com
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • prnewswire.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • roadandtrack.com
  • extremeterrain.com
  • jpmotorpool.com

Photo credits

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