2006 Jeep Wrangler JK Rubicon 3.6L V6 5AT AWD (284 HP)

Vehicle Overview

While the rest of the Wrangler JK range could be excellent companions for school runs and drives around towns, the Rubicon was among the best off-road vehicles available.

The launch of the Wrangler generation started a new chapter in the nameplate’s history. Not only was it the first of its kind available in a five-door configuration, but it was also fitted with the best available off-road dedicated parts and features. The reinforced transmission, the larger wheels, and the higher power transformed the regular Wrangler into an off-road beast able to pass over the most difficult obstacles met on a trail in the woods. Jeep didn’t design the Rubicon alone. It asked enthusiasts, spare parts partners, and specialists. As a result, the car came fitted with all the necessary equipment so it could go through some of the most difficult off-road trails right off the showroom floors. Its short wheelbase, heavy-duty axles, and mind-boggling low-range gear transformed the vehicle into a serious contender against vehicles such as the G-Class and the Land Cruiser. Last but not least, it was fitted with all the required amenities to make it a comfortable urban vehicle.

There was something about the car’s front fascia that made it look slightly different than its stablemates. There was a gap that separated the wheel arches from the front bumper, and the ground clearance was obviously higher, thanks to the larger wheels. In addition, the automaker installed the fog lamps closer to the vehicle’s center, not below the headlights, like its siblings. Still, the recessed headlights, the tilted-rearward seven-slat grille, and the round turn signals were shared with the rest of the Wrangler range.

From its profile, the higher ground clearance became even more obvious, resulting in a taller vehicle stance. Instead of side steps, it featured a set of skid bars, which protected the bodywork when the car was rock-crawling. The black door mirrors and door handles were similar to the rest of the Wrangler JK range. Out back, the gap between the wheel arches and the tires was big enough to allow the long-travel suspension to do its work. Behind them, the automaker placed the fuel-filler cap in a black plastic surrounding. The back of the vehicle sported a side-hinged door and a cradle, which supported the spare wheel. Like the rest of the range, the Wrangler Rubicon was available with a modular removable hard top, and it could be driven with the doors off and the windshield folded while the passengers were protected by the heavy-duty roll cage.

The cabin looked similar to the rest of the Wrangler range, featuring a modular plastic dashboard. Its instrument cluster was filled with large dials for the speedometer and the rev counter, as well as smaller gauges for the fuel level and the coolant temperature. Besides the stereo, the center stack also housed the buttons that could lock the axles and disengage the stabilizer bar. Between the front occupants, on the center console, the automaker placed the gear stick (or the gear selector of the automatic transmission, depending on the option) and the lever for the transfer case. Like in any other three-door Wrangler, the rear passengers didn’t have too much legroom despite the two-inch (5 cm) longer wheelbase compared with the Wrangler TJ.

Under its skin, the Rubicon was a different kind of off-road beast. Its Dana 44 heavy-duty axles with locking front and rear differentials were specific for the model. It also featured a 4.0:1 low-range gearing, which was unique on the market. Its non-Rubicon sibling had a 2.7:1 gearing. Power came from a 3.8-liter V6 gasoline unit or a 2.8-liter turbodiesel supplied by VM Motori, depending on the market.