Want to make a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon unhappy?  Confine it to pavement.  That’s what I had to do recently, when I found myself behind the wheel of Jeep’s big off-roader…in the middle of Los Angeles.  The Santa Monica Hills loomed temptingly over Hollywood, but there were no dirt roads or rocks to be found up there, just twisty roads and multi-million-dollar houses.  The Jeep was, in a word, miserable.

Of course, that’s the lot in life of a great many Jeeps.  Bred for dirt, the Wrangler’s also something of a fashion statement in some suburbs.  Over the years it’s become less uncompromising and turned into an atypical yet generally hospitable vehicle around town.

Then again, it’s only “comfortable” when compared to previous Jeeps, and possibly hard-core elder statesmen of the off-roading scene like the original Ford Bronco and International-Harvester Scout.  The Wrangler’s interior is as basic as they come, with seating for five and not much more.  The stretched-wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited offers additional seating and 46.4 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, but this is still an off-road vehicle first, in spite of the available navigation system and Sirius satellite radio.  A warning on the visor reminds passengers that the top is weather protection, nothing more, and the three-piece “Freedom Top” hardtop is easily removed for open-air motoring.  The doors are removable too, of course, so the power window switches are mounted on the console.

The lack of available rough stuff was even more poignant considering the Rubicon model’s readiness for same.  The suspension uses solid axles front and rear, for improved articulation.  The frame has been stiffened, allowing slightly softer spring rates without a loss of responsiveness.  The front swaybar can be disconnected electronically, improving wheel travel in tight off-road situations.  Mountain-goat like approach and departure angles of 44.6 degrees and 40.6 degrees respectively enable this vehicle to traverse the most daunting obstacles.  Off-road, the Wrangler Unlimited is a stunning performer.  On pavement, it’s bouncy and unforgiving of sudden movements, though the standard anti-lock brakes and stability control with roll mitigation do a reliable job of keeping the dirty side down.  Unfortunately, the biggest obstacles we encountered were the curbs at Home Depot, which barely scratched the surface of this vehicle’s ability.

This is a big vehicle, and the 3.8 liter V6 under the hood produces just 202 horsepower.  Power is adequate.  The Wrangler Unlimited is actually rather slow, when you come right down to it, but then winning stoplight drag races isn’t this vehicle’s purpose.  The 3.8 is designed for generous torque and smooth power delivery, the better to creep up a serious incline without wheelspin or drama.  There are 237 pound-feet of torque on tap, and should you have the opportunity to get the Wrangler Unlimited dirty, you’ll find the responsive, easy-to-control throttle to be a fantastic advantage.  A six-speed manual transmission is standard, with a four-speed automatic available.  The Wrangler will tow up to 3500 pounds when properly equipped, and Trailer Sway Control is available.  Jeep includes a “Rock-Trac” two-speed transfer case and electronically locking axles front and rear with the Rubicon model.

The Wrangler Unlimited’s styling is distinctive, which has lent itself well to the vehicle’s being an icon around town.  The brick-like exterior styling seems like it should be rife with blind spots, but actually lends itself to perfect placement on the trail or in your lane.  The big Wrangler is easy to drive in spite of its size.  The longer wheelbase means that the Wrangler Unlimited won’t snap your neck on the freeway, either.  This is the classic, upright Jeep with round headlights, flat windshield, a seven-slot grille and square fenders.   Fog lamps, skid plates and tow hooks are standard.  Apart from the four-door body and wheelbase, which is just over twenty inches longer than that of the standard Wrangler, it’s a modern interpretation of the original military Jeep.  Hard- and soft-tops are available, and the soft top has been simplified for easier operation.  The Rubicon is set apart by its standard seventeen-inch wheels and 32-inch tires, and by “RUBICON” lettering on the hood.

It was tempting to turn the unhappy Jeep loose in a construction site, just to get some dirt in its treads, but I resisted the urge.  Off-road adventures are what this vehicle was bred for, so if you’ve got the urge to put down the $32,090 for your own Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, just remember this:  don’t keep it on the pavement.  It’ll love you for the abuse.  My tester featured the Freedom Top, a trailer-towing package and navigation system and stickered for $37,060.

Specifications:  All specs are for the 2010 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
Length:  173.4 in
Width:  73.9 in.
Height:     70.8 in.
Wheelbase:  116.0 in.
Curb weight:   4340 lb.
Cargo space:   46.4 cu.ft. (seats up); 83.0 cu.ft. (seats folded)
Towing capacity:  3500 lb.
Base price:  $32,090
Price as tested:  $37,060
Engine:   3.8 liter V6
Drivetrain:  four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel drive
Horsepower: 202 @ 5100
Torque:  237 @ 4000
Fuel capacity:  22.5 gal.
Est. mileage:   15/19

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