2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon: Off-Road Review

Although it’s a modern vehicle, the current Wrangler still maintains a strong lineage to past Jeeps, even the old American Motors built CJs, still popular with 4×4 enthusiasts today. For our test, we saddled up a four-door Rubicon Unlimited and went playing. Since the current truck was introduced, as a 2007 model, it’s been the recipient of both praise and criticism. One of the most controversial aspects concerns the engine. In place of the gruff, old 4.0-liter straight six, the current truck is powered by a 3.8-liter V6, a variation of that found in Chrysler Minivans, rated at 202-hp and 237 ft-lbs of torque. It’s actually more than the old I-6 made (190-hp, 230 ft-lbs), but because it has a much greater rev range, it generally doesn’t feel as punchy at low rpm.

The V6 is offered with either a six-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic. In our opinion, the six-speed manual gets the nod – long throws and woolly linkage it may have, but in first or second gear, it allows you to better exploit the engine’s power band, particularly on trail driving.

All Wranglers now come with standard electronic throttle control. On the open road, it’s linear and progressive, but where it really comes into its own is on the trail. Selecting low range via the floor mounted lever (Wrangler continues to use a part time 4WD system with a two-speed transfer case), the throttle feels impressively smooth over the rough stuff – gone is the instant punch and jerky nature prevalent on the old straight-six-powered Wrangler.

Although three basic models are offered, X, Sahara and Rubicon, when it comes to the rough stuff, the latter is where it’s really going on. Rubicon models feature special 32-inch trail tires, electrically lockable front and rear differentials, plus a special crawler ratio on the two-speed transfer case and a front sway bar that can be electronically disconnected for greater suspension movement on really rough stuff.

The word “impressive” probably isn’t enough to describe this rig on the trail. Even the Unlimited model, with its extended wheelbase, just gets on with the job. Superb ground clearance allows for almost 45 inches of approach and over 40 degrees in departure angles. What that means, essentially, is no matter the size of rock, ditch or rut in front of you, it’s easy to maneuver around it or even over it, where many other SUVs will get stuck.

The Wrangler’s very tight turning circle is another boon on the trail, allowing superb agility while that crawler ratio and locking front diff, mean the steepest inclines and slipperiest surfaces are child’s play. The truck’s gearing allows the engine torque to really work to your advantage in these situations, so even when you come to a complete stop, on a mud or ice laden incline and engage the Hill Start Assist, the Wrangler comes on like a CAT bulldozer – progressively apply the throttle, and off you go – the traction is always there.