FCA is not just going to sit tight and wait for Ford to overtake the market with the new Bronco. The carmaker recently updated the Wrangler lineup, both two- and four-door versions. Now, it is time for further upgrades, under the hood. The Rubicon edition is ready o provide a lot of excitement driving the Wrangler off the road. But, the V8 engine is going to enhance the ride for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler. Plus, the new model, Wrangler 392, with a set of off-road features will make the SUV even meaner and more capable.
A V8 engine is not the only possible addition for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler. A hybrid unit is on the way as well. However, this kind of powertrain should be a better fit for some other SUVs, for example, Compass or Grand Cherokee. But, the FCA wants to make a statement. Spy photos of the 2022 Wrangler PHEV are already available. It is the final step before the complete electrification. However, the Wrangler EV is not coming so soon, although we could see the first concepts in 2022.
2022 Jeep Wrangler V8 Rubicon 392
Stories about the V8 engine for the legendary SUV are here for quite a while. However, it finally happens. FCA has a few powertrains to offer. There are a 5.7-liter displacement and a 6.4-liter Hemi, both there for Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango. Also, a 6.2-liter Supercharged Hellcat engine is now available in more models than before (Durango SRT and Ram 1500 TRX truck).
Wrangler never had an eight-cylinder unit in its lineup. However, Concept 392 is bringing a V8 as one of the upgrades. Engineers decided to go with a 6.4-liter mill and they tune it to 450 hp. In Durango, it offered 475 ponies, and rumors spoke that output could go up to 500 horsepower.
This is the key upgrade, but not the only one. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 392 Rubicon is also enhancing an off-road drive with a set of features that will bring a new dimension. Dual exhaust tips and the Fox shocks will smoothen the drive. The 392 concept is an upgrade for the Rubicon model, which is already know as one of the best off-roaders.
2022 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid
This version is already in production and it is coming out in 2022. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid 4xe model is getting power from a 2.0-liter turbo-four drivetrain and bursts 375 horsepower with 470 lb-ft of torque. Still, it is not confirmed for the 4-door Unlimited version. The plug-in hybrid configuration allows you to drive the SUV 25 miles before the battery runs out.
Logically, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Electric is the next step in evolution. However, we are still not sure what it will be. The 4×4 SUV needs power for extreme situation, and EV is focused on other segments, not performance. On the other hand, we have pretty powerful and capable concepts, but the prices of these vehicles are hefty. There are no doubts that we will see an electric version of Wrangler someday. But, it is not going to happen so soon. Definitely not in 2022.
Packages, Colors
The Rubicon 392 V8 is a new trim, but the 2022 Jeep Wrangler will offer plenty of other options for building. First of all, you need to pick between 2- and 4-door versions. A bigger vehicle is also available with a V6 unit. Base trim levels are Sport, Sport S, Sahara, Rubicon, and Altitude. Jeep will also offer special packages, like the 392 concept, such as Willys or Recon. Not all are available for 2-door and Unlimited versions.
The base offer includes manual gearbox and a 5-inch display. By the time the 2022 Wrangler comes out, the new Uconnect 5.0 system should be out, with a lot more features and accessories. The Sahara is a lighter 4×4 package, but if you want a real deal, then the Rubicon is the trim for you. Special axles, shocks, and brakes will make Wrangler go over any obstacle, including water fording of 30 inches.
The new SUV for 2022 will carry over the same color palette. That means the base package offers five standard paintjobs and two premium. Bright White, Sarge Green, Firecracker Red, Sting-Gray and Black are free from charge, and you will have to pay extra for Granite Crystal and Billet Silver. Higher trims will add more options, such as Ocean Blue and Hellayella Yellow for Rubicon and Sahara.
When Will Wrangler V8 Be Available?
According to the latest reports, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 392 package with V8 engine is entering production in 2021. So, the sales should start in the second half of the season. Experts predict that this 4×4 SUV is going to cost around $65,000 with all the upgrades it brings. That means the 392 concept is becoming the most expensive package in the lineup.
