Limited-run two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for Oz

JEEP Australia has announced it is bringing back the two-door version of its hardcore off-road Wrangler SUV, in the form of the limited-run Recon edition which arrives in local showrooms in the fourth quarter priced from $66,950 plus on-roads.

Only 100 examples of the Wrangler Rubicon Recon will be brought Down Under, 40 of which will be two-door grades and the remaining 60 four-door versions, which ask $71,450, making it the most expensive variant in the Wrangler’s line-up.

The Recon Editions feature a handful of Mopar upgrades over the already seriously capable Rubicon, that add both enhanced rough-road ability as well as visual flare.

Spec changes start with the addition of a steel front bumper with a subtle bumper hoop, while a similar treatment is applied at the rear with a ‘Tailgate Reinforcement System’ bumper to protect it from bumps and scrapes.

Black, painted 17-inch alloy wheels match with other matte black accents on the hood and fender flares, while a gloss black grille rounds out the list of darkened highlights.

Those who prefer matching paint colours can option the Recon Premium Package, which adds a body-coloured hardtop roof and fender flares.

Inside, the Recon gains Torch Red seatbelts, matched by red stitching on the black leather seats, instrument panel and steering wheel.

The front seats and steering wheel also come with a heating function, while four-door versions score the Trail-Rail Management System, which helps to secure loads in the rear.

Both two- and four-door versions are powered by Jeep’s familiar 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol engine, tuned to produce 209kW/347Nm. The 147kW/450Nm 2.2-litre diesel four-cylinder is not offered on the Recon.

The V6 channels power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission using the hardcore Rock-Trac 4x4 system which offers a low-range crawl ratio of 77.2:1, full-time torque management and diff locks front and rear.

Heavy-duty Dana 44 front and rear axles provide extra peace of mind in the bush, with increased articulation thanks to the electronic sway-bar disconnect system.

Buyers can choose eight different exterior paint options for the Recon, consisting of Bright White, Black, Firecracker Red, Ocean Blue, Granite Crystal, Sting Grey, Sarge Green and Hella Yella.

Jeep Australia director of brand and product strategy Guillaume Drelon said the addition of the two-door Rubicon was welcome by off-road enthusiasts.

“A two-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon continues to be a much-desired proposition amongst the Australian off-roading community, and we’re so excited to make this dream a reality with the Recon special edition,” he said.

“It offers the everyday practicality many seek, whilst remaining adventure ready.”

To the end of July Jeep has sold 639 examples of the Wrangler, up 3.2 per cent on the 619 it managed to the same point last year.

2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Recon pricing*

*Excludes on-road costs