How Do I Know If My Jeep Is A Rubicon? (Let’s Find Out)

The Jeep Rubicon is a more developed model than the Sahara; it’s also one of the top-ranking Jeep models.

Nonetheless, it’s essential to understand the differences between these Jeep models, such as Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Jeep Wrangler Sahara, and Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. 

Notwithstanding, each Jeep Wrangler model is a strong automobile. That is because the car is constructed with elements that accentuate its performance on the road.

Additionally, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes with materials that push the performance of its suspension system to the maximum.

All Jeep Wrangler Rubicon comes with big edges, diamond plates, tires, and many other factors that make them heavier. You can also differentiate a Rubicon from other models, such as the Sahara, from the rear differential. Another way to distinguish the Rubicon is through the Dana 44 axles on both the rear and front axles, absent in others. 

How Can You Tell a Jeep Is a Rubicon?

Despite their similarities, you can differentiate a Rubicon from other Jeep models and trims through its features explicitly designed for off-roading.

The Rubicon comes with bigger rims, tires, diamond plates, and other components to make it appear and feel heavier.

A major difference between a Rubicon and a Wrangler, which is more similar, is the inclusion of locking front and rear differentials on the Rubicon. 

Another difference is that it has Dana 44 axles in both the front and rear. It also comes with a different gear differential (4:1) than the Wrangler.

Finally, due to the larger wheels on the Rubicon, the ride height is significantly higher than on the Wrangler.

As a result, it performs better in rough terrain, and if you enjoy off-road driving, Rubicon is unquestionably a step above Wrangler.

What Is the Difference Between a Jeep Wrangler and a Rubicon?

The most significant differences between these two models are their off-road capabilities and cost. In comparison to a Rubicon, a Sahara Wrangler is less expensive.

However, there are a variety of interior and exterior accessories that you can purchase to customize your Wrangler. 

That means you can modify and improve the off-road capabilities of the Wrangler to the point where it can compete with a Rubicon!

In contrast, a Rubicon will be ready for off-road exploration when you put those new keys in your pocket.

Below are ways to differentiate a Wrangler from a Rubicon:

• The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is equipped with the Command-Trac system, whereas the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has the Rock-Trac system.
• The Sahara comes standard with a 3.21 axle ratio, significantly lower than the Rubicon’s 4.10 axle ratio.
• Both the Sahara and the Rubicon have the same rear axles, but the Wrangler Rubicon has a Dana 44 axle in the front, which is unique. The Dana 30 solid front axle is standard on the Sahara.
• Because the Wrangler Rubicon is designed for off-roading, it comes equipped with Tru-Lok differentials for both the front and rear axles, as opposed to the conventional differentials found in the Jeep Sahara.
• In addition, only the Wrangler Rubicon has the Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect, which comes in very handy when you’re out on the trails.

A common misconception that I would like to clarify here is the thought that the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is an entirely different Jeep model from the Sahara and Unlimited.

However, this is not the case; the Rubicon is simply a variant of the Wrangler model. This information should explain the numerous similarities between both trims.

Looking more closely at their off-roading capacities, the Rubicon outperforms the Wrangler.

Designed with ruggedness in mind, the Rubicon comes with a strong transfer case, a wide range of low gears, and all-terrain tires, all fitted to enable seamless navigation through rough terrains and mountainous roads.

Impressively, it also comes with rocker protection to keep you safe while you explore.

On the other hand, the Wrangler can be considered a city car. Still, it maintains its ruggedness and, as such, can be modified and upgraded to match the Rubicon, courtesy of its versatility. 

However, despite their differences, both trims impress the Jeep legacy by assuring an explorative drive from their high-performing, comfy, safe, and convenient designs.

You can also bank on both trims for a smooth drive on any terrain, albeit to varying degrees.

How Do I Know What Model My Jeep Is?

The easiest way to figure out the Jeep’s model year is to look at the title, usually behind the car.

If you don’t have access to the title, maybe because it broke off, you’ll have to rely on other details and labels found throughout the vehicle to figure out its model. A Jeep’s VIN is used to determine the model year.

Here are a few ways to determine your Jeep model;

• Locate the year, make, model, and other specifications for Jeeps built from 1970 onwards on the driver’s side door sticker. 
  
• Look behind the engine on the power supply side of the Jeeps built between 1945 and the 1970s. Search for a metal plate gripped to the firewall with information about the year, make, model, and manufacturer.
  Check the opposite direction of the engine compartment if you didn’t locate the plate on the battery side.
  
• Check the vehicle identification number (VIN) (VIN). On the driver’s side of the Jeep, you can locate this in the lower segment of the windshield. There are 17 alphanumeric characters in the VIN.
  Counting from left to right, find the tenth character of the VIN. These characters will reveal the Jeep’s model year (this only applies to Jeeps built after the 1970s).

Pros & Cons of the Jeep Rubicon

Though I have highly praised the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, it is still a manufactured invention.

Therefore, it must reflect some imperfections that put it at a disadvantage even when pitched against other models.

I will now highlight these disadvantages but after outlining more advantages. 

Pros

#1. Driver-Assist Systems 

A Wrangler Rubicon can be outfitted with a variety of modern safety features. These can provide the vehicle with the ability to monitor its surroundings.

So if there is ever a problem, individuals can be made aware of it. 

#2. Consistent Design

As described at the beginning of this overview, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon boasts circular headlights that stand out in a crowd.

The form of the headlamps mirrors on the inside. The instruments, steering wheel center, and air vents are perfectly spherical. 

Cons

#1. Cost

The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is very expensive. The Rubicon costs $29,000. Most expect the four-wheel-drive to be lesser, but the price of the Rubicon goes higher every year as it upgrades.

#2. Fuel-Inefficiency

Because the two-door is such a little car, one may expect it to be quite efficient. For example, it can get up to 25 miles per gallon on the freeway.

But unfortunately, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is not an automobile to consider if you want to save money on gas.

#3. Lacking Elegance

The Rubicon’s lower trim levels are rather basic. They’re inexpensive, to be sure because they lack the bells and whistles featured in more expensive models.

But unfortunately, people will have to accept this when they receive their new Jeep Wranglers, and they will have to look past the slightly bumpy ride and noisy engine.

Summary

Jeep automobiles are good, especially for those who love going on adventures in mountains, deserts, hills, and parks.

In this article, the difference between the Wrangler, Rubicon, and others is highlighted clearly, and this should help assist those who want to get one.

Rubicon is a good recommendation, little wonder it is the most sought-after automobile among the company models.