The most rugged of Jeep's 2008 Wrangler offerings, the Rubicon differs from the other trims by offering beefed up off-road performance. This two-door convertible utility vehicle is equipped with part-time four-wheel drive, a 4WD transfer case, high- and low-range gearing, standard skid plates, 10 inches of ground clearance, and a front stabilizer bar that can be disengaged electronically to add more clearance. The Rubicon also comes with locking front and rear differentials, and the rear is limited slip. It's powered by the same 202-hp, 3.8-liter V6 and 6-speed manual powertrain as the other trims, and also offers an optional 4-speed automatic. 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires replace the 18-inch wheels on the Sahara.
Safety features include 4-wheel ABS brakes with electronic brakeforce distribution, traction and stability control, rollover sensors, a tire monitor, foglights, and dual front-side airbags. This earns the 2008 Wrangler Rubicon five stars in front impact tests. A Sunrider soft top with sunroof is standard and can be replaced with an optional three-piece hard top that comes with a glass window and wiper. Both doors can be removed as well. Seating four in two rows, the Jeep holds up to 56 cubic feet of cargo with the rear seats down. An optional tow package equips it to haul 2,000 pounds. Tie-downs are standard, and the rear door opens sideways.
In terms of features, the 2008 Wrangler Rubicon offers the same equipment as the regular Sahara. It includes air conditioning, front and rear cupholders, a CD/MP3 player with satellite radio, cruise control, temperature display and compass, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. A 6-CD player with hard drive is available, as is a power package that offers power windows and locks, remote entry, and a security system. New options this year are remote start and a navigation system.
