Are you looking at Jeep SUVs for sale? While every Jeep model is impressive in its own way, nothing stands out more to off-road enthusiasts than the Wrangler. Unlike other Jeep models that offer off-roading trims, the Wrangler is an adventure machine all the way around—no matter where you’re at on the trim level ladder, every version offers top-notch off-road capability. Whether you get the stock Sport trim with no add-ons or go all out with the Rubicon 392 Xtreme Recon, you will be ready for the trail. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best off-roading perks the 2023 Wrangler has to offer.
#1 – The Xtreme Recon Package
Want to make sure you can tackle it all? Then you want to go all out with Jeep’s coolest off-roading add-on. The Xtreme Recon Package is only available on the three most hardcore off-roading Wrangler trims: the Willys, Rubicon, and Rubicon 392. This package comes with 35-inch factory tires, allowing for 12.9 inches of ground clearance and 33.6 inches of water fording. The Xtreme Recon also allows for a 47.4-degree approach angle and a 40.4-degree departure angle. It’s essential for anyone who wants to dive deep into the mud or rock crawl their way to the finish line.
#2 – The Trail Rated Badge: Water Fording and Ground Clearance
Every Wrangler comes with the Trail Rated Badge. This means it’s been tried and tested in five different off-road-capability areas—two of those being Water Fording and Ground Clearance. No matter which Wrangler trim level you choose, you’re guaranteed a minimum of 30 inches of water fording, meaning you can push through creeks, rivers, and other water bodies up to this amount (just make sure you know the depth before you take the plunge). Every Wrangler also has a minimum of 9.7 inches of ground clearance, which allows drivers to easily drive over logs, rocks, and other trail debris.
#3 – Three 4×4 Systems
The 2023 Wrangler still comes with the same three proven 4×4 systems: Command-Trac, Selec-Trac, and Rock-Trac. Command-Trac is a part-time four-wheel drive system that offers a 2.72:1 low range that’s great for rock crawling and steep inclines. Selec-Trac is a full-time four-wheel drive system that automatically switches between two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive based on road conditions. Rock-Trac is the most capable system of the three and is only available on the Rubicon and Rubicon 392. It comes with a 4:1 low-gear ratio, allowing for more impressive off-roading capabilities. The best part about these three systems is that even the base Command-Trac 4×4 system is powerful—you get to choose just how much capability you’re going to need.
#4 – 4xe Hybrid Power
You can now go off-roading in electric mode thanks to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe! This plug-in hybrid option is available on the Willys, Sahara, Rubicon, and High Altitude trims. The coolest part about the Wrangler 4xe is that you can explore the unknown in silence when you use Electric Mode. You can also use electric and gas power together or use gas only. No matter which way you decide to explore, the good news is that off-road capability is not sacrificed. You can ford up to 31.5 inches of water while pumping out 470 lb-ft of torque for an unforgettable off-road experience.
#5 – Door-Off Mirror Kit
It’s fun to take your doors off during the summer, but in the past, taking your doors off also meant losing your side mirrors. This is fine for short, fun trails but not so comforting when you’re hanging off cliff sides in the middle of nowhere or driving in traffic. New doors-off mirror kits keep your side mirrors on whether the doors are off or not by attaching the mirrors directly to the Wrangler’s frame. Although there are available features like the 360 surround-view camera and digital rearview mirror, the doors-off mirror kit adds another layer of security whether you’re on or off the pavement.
#6 – Selec-Speed Control
If you choose a 2023 Wrangler with an automatic transmission, Selec-Speed Control is standard regardless of trim level. This handy feature helps keep you at a slow and steady speed when you’re covering treacherous terrain. It allows drivers to manage speed, holding the Wrangler back on steep inclines and keeping it from slipping or sliding. Once you use this feature on the trails, it feels impossible to go back without it.
#7 – The Off-Road+ Button
The Rubicon Wrangler models come with a standard Off-Road+ Button. Don’t just press this button when you’re hitting the trail simply because it has the word “off-road” on it, though. Off-Road+ disables traction control and allows you to keep the rear axle locked at higher speeds, such as when tackling sand, loose dirt, and other terrains that require some extra momentum. It’s great for these instances, but it may get less experienced off-roaders in trouble, so make sure you know what you are doing before pressing the button.
#8 – The Trail Rated Badge: Articulation, Maneuverability, and Traction
Now for the Trail Rated Badge’s other three features. Your Jeep has been articulation-tested, meaning it can keep all its feet (wheels) on the ground thanks to appropriate suspension and axle articulation. The Wrangler is also maneuverability-tested, meaning that it’s easy to take around tricky roadways, tight spaces, and narrow trails. Finally, it’s traction-tested, meaning that all the engine’s power is making it where it’s supposed to––the ground. Whether you’re on slick blacktop or muddy backroads, the Wrangler has all the traction you need to make it out the other side.
#9 – TruLok Electronic Locking Differentials
Traction is a word that’s thrown around a lot in the Jeep world. Traction control can help keep the wheels from spinning but may cause your Wrangler to bog down just when you need power the most. The best way to keep from spinning out on dangerous terrain is with the front and rear locking differentials found on the Rubicon. This feature prevents the wrong wheel from spinning during intense situations such as rock crawling or mudding. You can choose to lock in either the front and rear or the rear only, depending on your needs. This will evenly distribute power to all four wheels at once, keeping you on the right track no matter which wheel or wheels are off the ground.
#10 – The Rubicon 392!
There’s a lot to say about the Rubicon 392. While it isn’t an off-roading feature, per se, it certainly comes with many off-roading perks. In 2022, this trim won MotorTrend’s 2022 Four Wheeler SUV of the Year award, and the 2023 model continues to offer the same awesome features. The Rubicon 392 comes with the most powerful Wrangler engine yet—the 6.4L HEMI V8. It pumps out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque ratings and can launch you from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The Rubicon 392 also has a Hydro-Guide Air Induction System that helps keep the engine cool and dry, a dual-mode exhaust, and steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters for a quick, easy, and sporty driving experience. Plus, its 730 ramp travel index makes it the most powerful rock-crawling SUV on the market. Based on this information alone, it’s pretty clear that the aforementioned Xtreme Recon Package is a must for this model. Those 35-inch tires make the Rubicon 329 look amazing. Just make sure not to try out that 4.5-second 0 to 60 rating on a rutted trail. Save that for the desert or drag strip.
