There are off-roaders, and then there are off-roaders—people whose idea of a normal weekend is trekking through the Appalachian Mountains or diving headlong into mud, bogs, and swamps. When these folks go to their local Jeep dealer in search of a new ride, not just any old off-road vehicle will do; not just any old Jeep will do, either.
If you found yourself nodding in agreement, the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X is your kind of machine. Ten years after it was first seen (and marking the 70th anniversary of the Sierra Nevada trail it’s named for), the Rubicon X is back for off-roaders who have an intensely adventurous spirit. With the entire Jeep Wrangler lineup getting a mid-cycle refresh for 2024, it means the Wrangler Rubicon X is better than ever, too.
Today, we’re taking the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X for a virtual test drive, starting with a little background on this noteworthy vehicle…
What Is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X?
A Wrangler Rubicon X is for people who want to take their off-roading passion to the next level. It was originally introduced in 2014 as a limited-edition trim based on the Jeep Rubicon, which has been around since 2003. Now, it returns for a tenth-anniversary engagement. Fitted with the latest in off-road performance parts and technology, it comes ready to take on anything you can think of. The off-road world is your oyster!
Of the available Jeep Wrangler trims this year, the Rubicon X is considered the second-highest-ranking vehicle, trailing only the out-of-this-world Rubicon 392. It’s also the topmost Wrangler trim that you can purchase as a two- or four-door model. (The Rubicon 392 is only available as a four-door.) So right away, if you wanted an upgrade to the Rubicon while keeping the two-door design, the Rubicon X marks the spot.
Should You Get the Two- or Four-Door Model?
With options come choices, and deciding on a two-door or Unlimited Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X is about more than just the number of doors. Here’s what off-roaders should consider when picking their door count…
Benefits of a Two-Door Rubicon X
- Since this vehicle is a little shorter, it has a tighter turning radius for sharp bends and is more agile on rocky terrain.
- The breakover angle is better for clearing peaks and obstacles.
- The two-door Jeep costs a little less and gets a little better fuel economy.
Benefits of a Four-Door Rubicon X
- The heavier weight and lower center of gravity make this vehicle more stable for hills and highway driving alike.
- There is more rear legroom and easier access for teenage and adult passengers.
- You get significantly more cargo space, which is ideal for long trips.
What’s the Difference Between the Rubicon and the Rubicon X?
The names, of course, beg the question: Why should you shell out the extra dough for a Wrangler Rubicon X instead of a Rubicon? Both are impressive off-road vehicles, yet it costs about $10k more for the Rubicon X, so we’re sure people want to know what they’re getting for that extra letter. Here are some of the ways the Rubicon X rides at a different altitude than the Rubicon…
Performance
The Rubicon already has a lot of great off-road performance upgrades, such as a full-floating rear axle to bear more weight and locking differentials to increase traction. But for high-intensity off-roaders, the Rubicon X steps things up a few notches. The BFGoodrich all-terrain tires increase from 33 to 35 inches when you get the automatic transmission, improving traction and ground clearance. The transfer case goes from part-time to full-time, so both axles are constantly receiving at least some power. Both bumpers are made of heavy-duty steel that can support the available Warn winch, and with the forward-facing off-road camera, you can see every potential obstacle ahead.
Exterior
Want to enjoy the sun on your face while sojourning up mountains or cruising on the highway? The 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X has a first-row sunroof made of durable composite material, and easy manual operation lets you open and close it in seconds. The Rubicon X is also available with a convertible hardtop rather than a soft top, so you can bask in the light and feel the breeze while still getting the best impact protection. When the rear windshield gets dirty, a fixed-interval rear wiper will clean it up fast. Last but not least, the fender flares match the body color instead of being black like other Jeep trims, giving this vehicle an unmistakable look.
Interior
The weather isn’t always going to be nice when you’re off-roading, but that’s part of the fun. When you’re crawling through the woods in cold rain or snow, heated front seats in the Rubicon X keep you warm. The front seats both have eight-way power adjustments, including multi-way lumbar support, for customized comfort versus the 6/4-way manual adjusters in the Rubicon. Instead of cloth seats, the Rubicon X is fully decked in black leather upholstery that resists moisture and stains. A rear armrest is the final touch to help passengers get cozy.
Driver Assistance
As free-spirited as you are, it’s good to have a guiding hand when you need it. The Rubicon X comes through with an integrated, voice-activated navigation system that will get you back on track if you’ve wandered a little too far. In addition to the Rubicon’s useful technology, like the onboard compass, automatic emergency braking, and automated LED high-beam headlights, you also get a blind spot warning system and rear parking sensors to alert you to potential hazards.
Entertainment
The sounds of nature are fun to listen to, but sometimes you want a different soundtrack. With the Rubicon X, you’ll hear songs and shows in concert-level quality with an upgrade from the standard eight-speaker sound system to an Alpine nine-speaker system. You also get HD Radio on top of the satellite options. Use the steering wheel or voice-activated controls to run everything while keeping your eyes on the path ahead.
One Tough Jeep
Everything we just mentioned makes the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X perhaps the best off-road vehicle in its class. A powerful V6 engine? Check. A choice of transmissions for precise torque? Check. Hood air vents, cargo tie-downs, all-LED lighting, and everything else for a thrilling, fun, and safe journey? Checkmarks left and right.
As we mentioned before, the Jeep Wrangler got a refresh this year, which means you’re receiving updates such as a huge 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, a new seven-slot front grille, standard side airbags, and an available Trails Offroad map app. If you don’t quite have the bankroll to splurge for the Jeep Rubicon 392 but still want something more than the already-remarkable Jeep Rubicon, the 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X is perfect.
At this time, it’s unclear whether the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X is another one-off trim or if it could potentially become a standalone model. Regardless, even if it’s only for one year, we’re thrilled to see it return. Just in case it ends up being another ten years before a new version graces the roads again, we highly recommend heading to a Jeep dealer near you and trying out the Rubicon X while you still have the chance.
