2024 Jeep Wrangler 392 Review: Off-Road Beast or Overpriced Toy?

If you’ve ever dreamed of hearing the roar of a 6.4L HEMI V8 engine while conquering a mountain trail, then the 2024 Jeep Wrangler 392 might be your spirit animal. However, before you plunk down your hard-earned cash (or credit), let’s take a deep look at this off-road bruiser. Spoiler alert: it’s as bold as a rock crawler and as thirsty as a frat party!

What’s the 392 All About?

The Jeep Wrangler 392 isn’t just a Wrangler with a lift kit and some beefy tires. Nope, Jeep went all-out and shoehorned a 6.4L HEMI V8 under the hood. Translation? You get 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque in a package that looks like it just rolled out of an off-road enthusiast’s fever dream. It’s fast, loud, and unapologetically fun.  However, all this fun doesn’t come cheap with a starting price north of $85,000! Yeah, you read that right.

Trims: A Quick Roll Call

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler comes in several trims, from basic to baller. Here’s the lineup:

1. Sport
2. Willys
3. Rubicon
4. Rubicon X
5. High Altitude
6. 392

The 392 sits at the top of the food chain.  Think of it as the king of the Wrangler jungle as it comes loaded with features like leather-trimmed seats, off-road suspension, and a whole lot of “get outta my way” attitude.

Key Specs That’ll Make You Go “Whoa”

Let’s break down the Wrangler 392 with some juicy stats:

• Engine: 6.4L HEMI V8
• Horsepower: 470 hp
• Torque: 470 lb-ft
• 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds (in a Wrangler!?)
• Towing Capacity: 3,500 lbs
• Fuel Economy: A laughable 13 MPG city / 17 MPG highway
• Ground Clearance: 10.3 inches
• Water Fording Depth: 32.5 inches
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters

What’s It Like to Drive?

Driving the Wrangler 392 is like taming a wild horse… except the horse has a serious caffeine addiction and is built like a linebacker. Around town, the V8 growls with authority. Tap the gas, and you’ll feel like you’re about to launch into orbit.  This trick may be perfect for highway merges or flexing on the neighbor’s Tesla (well, not the Plaid models).

Off-road? This thing is a beast. With Jeep’s legendary 4×4 system, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and Fox shocks, the 392 can tackle rocky trails, deep mud, and sand dunes with ease. But let’s be real: most buyers won’t even take this baby off-road. They’ll be too busy parking it outside Whole Foods and letting the V8 rumble do the talking.

Jeep Wrangler 392 Pros & Cons

Pros:

• Unmatched Power: Nothing else in the Wrangler lineup comes close.
• Off-Road Prowess: It’s a Wrangler, after all.
• Bragging Rights: A HEMI-powered Wrangler is the ultimate flex.
• Features Galore: Heated seats, a premium sound system, and all the tech you’d expect at this price point.

Cons:

• Price: $85K+ for a Wrangler? Ouch.
• Fuel Economy: You’ll make friends with every gas station attendant in town.
• Practicality: The ride can be stiff, and storage space is limited.
• Overkill: Do you really need 470 horsepower for the grocery run?

The Competition

Here are some rivals of the Wrangler 392 that could possibly steal its thunder:

1. Ford Bronco Raptor

• Power: 418 hp, 440 lb-ft of torque
• Price: Starts around $75,000
• Why It’s Great: Rugged, modern design with serious off-road chops.
• Why It Falls Short: Not as powerful or iconic as the 392.

2. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro

• Power: 270 hp, 278 lb-ft of torque
• Price: Starts around $53,000
• Why It’s Great: Legendary reliability and resale value.
• Why It Falls Short: Way less power and tech compared to the 392.

3. Land Rover Defender 110 V8

• Power: 518 hp, 461 lb-ft of torque
• Price: Starts around $120,000
• Why It’s Great: Luxurious and incredibly capable off-road.
• Why It Falls Short: Eye-watering price tag and maintenance costs.

4. Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 Bison

• Power: 310 hp, 430 lb-ft of torque
• Price: Starts around $48,000
• Why It’s Great: Excellent off-road performance at a more affordable price.
• Why It Falls Short: Not as iconic or flashy as the Wrangler.

Should You Go Get One?

The 2024 Jeep Wrangler 392 is the automotive equivalent of a midlife crisis, but in the best possible way. It’s bold, it’s brash, and it’s utterly impractical… and that’s exactly why we love it. If you have the budget and a soft spot for ridiculous fun, the 392 will deliver smiles for miles and even if those miles cost you a small fortune in gas.

Then again, if you’re looking for practicality, better fuel economy, or something a tad more understated, you’ve got options. The Ford Bronco Raptor and Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro are rad alternatives that won’t make your accountant cry.

So, is the 392 worth it? If you want the ultimate Jeep experience and don’t mind the price tag, absolutely. Just be prepared to explain to your friends why your “off-road beast” spends most of its time in the Starbucks drive-thru.