2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4x4 (photos)
The Jeep Wrangler gains quite a few creature comforts and high-tech gizmos, but doesn't loose its off-road edge in the process.
2012 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4x4
The Jeep Wrangler gains quite a few creature comforts and high-tech gizmos, but doesn't loose its off-road edge in the process.
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71 years of tradition
Jeep proudly proclaims "Since 1941" on a plate in the Jeep Wrangler's cabin. After 71 years, the iconic grille hasn't changed much.
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3.6-liter V-6
Under the Wrangler's hood breathes a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Output is rated at 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
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Two shifters
The Wrangler's center tunnel is home to two shifters: one for the transmission (either a five-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox) and another for the 4WD system.
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4x4 system
A 2WD mode optimizes efficiency for on-road performance, but users can also select between two 4WD modes (with low and high gear ratios) for maximizing off-road grip.
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Electronic off-road aids
At the push of a button, users can lock the front, rear, or both differentials. There's also an electronic anti-sway bar that can be disengaged to increase individual wheel articulation over extremely uneven surfaces.
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Aerodynamics
The 2012 Wrangler is more aerodynamic than previous generations, but it's still a bit of a flying brick.
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Ground clearance
The short overhangs and high ground clearance help the Wrangler Rubicon to traverse almost any terrain.
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Spare tire
Cargo area
The rear door swings aside and the rear glass swings up to reveal the cargo area.
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Folding rear bench
There's not a ton of space behind the rear seat. Fortunately, the whole assembly folds and flips forward.
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Freedom Top
Removable roof
The driver can easily remove one or both of the front roof panels in seconds. The entire roof can be popped off by two adults after removing a few bolts.
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Open air
Optional leather seats
Leather seats with heated front buckets are a $900 option that seem a bit out of place in a rugged ride with drain plugs in its floor.
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Interior
For what it's worth, the Wrangler Rubicon's interior does look nice. Many of the dashboard bits have been upgraded with soft-touch materials, but overall it's still pretty plasticky.
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Instrumentation
Instrumentation is simple, but a small monochromatic LCD below the speedometer can be used to display a digital compass and thermometer. The tachometer features green color coding to indicate the "green" driving zone and a small ECO light.
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Infinity audio
In the rear hatch storage area is a powered subwoofer--the star of the seven-speaker Infinity premium audio system.
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Sound quality
Dashboard mounted tweeters, and four mid-range speakers on the lower dash and roll cage perform valiantly, but are ultimately overwhelmed by bass and road noise without a bit of EQ tweaking.
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Steering wheel
The steering wheel is comfortable, which is good because you'll be gripping it in fear when a crosswind gets the Wrangler rocking and swaying at highway speeds.
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Uconnect Bluetooth
The optional Uconnect system really should be standard and adds hands-free calling with voice dialing, Bluetooth Audio streaming, and USB connectivity for MP3 playback.
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Cruise control
Cruise control is standard on the Wrangler Rubicon, but we're sure that most of you are more interesting in hill decent and traction control.
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Media Center 130 basic receiver
The basic Media Center 130 receiver gets the job done with CD/MP3 playback. Two navigation options are available.
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110-volt power
A powered 110-volt outlet keeps your equipment and gadgets powered in the great outdoors.
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Metadata over Bluetooth
When streaming audio via Bluetooth or reading from an MP3 CD or USB device, metadata is displayed on the Media Center 130's very basic display.
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Satellite radio
Voice command
After syncing your address book, the Uconnect system can be used to dial by voice.
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Check out the full, rated review.
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