If you are in the market for a Jeep Wrangler, the options can be overwhelming. The price spectrum is massive, ranging from affordable daily drivers to high-performance beasts that cost as much as a small house.
Today, we’re breaking down the ultimate Jeep showdown. We are taking the cheapest four-door Wrangler you can buy—the Unlimited Sport S—and putting it right next to the absolute top-of-the-line, most expensive model available: the Wrangler Rubicon 392 with the Extreme Recon package.
The price gap between these two is nearly $60,000. So, what exactly do you get for that extra cash, and which one is the smarter buy? Let’s dive in.
The Challenger: The "Cheapest" Wrangler Unlimited Sport S
If you want a four-door Jeep (Unlimited) without breaking the bank, you start with the Sport model. The MSRP sits around $41,000.
Out of the box, the Sport is pretty basic. You get plastic bumpers, standard halogen lights, and a manual soft top with plastic rear windows. However, the unit featured in our comparison proves that the Sport is the perfect canvas for customization.
Common Sport Upgrades (As Seen in the Video): While the base model is plain, very few Jeeps stay stock for long. The Sport S in our video featured tasteful modifications that most owners end up doing anyway:
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Wheel & Tire Package: Upgraded Fuel wheels with 35-inch mud-terrain tires (a massive improvement over stock).
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Lighting: Aftermarket LED headlight upgrades to replace the dim factory halogens.
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Technology: An aftermarket, integrated large touchscreen head unit featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Even with the base trim, you still get essentials like power windows, cruise control, a backup camera, and that legendary Jeep 4x4 capability. The standard 2.0L Turbo engine pushes out a respectable 270 horsepower and 270 lb-ft of torque.
With about $5,000 in upgrades, you’re looking at a very capable, great-looking Jeep for around $46,000 brand new.
The Champion: The Most Expensive Wrangler Rubicon 392
At the complete opposite end of the spectrum sits the Rubicon 392. If you check every box—including the Extreme Recon package and the Sky One-Touch Power Top—the MSRP pushes between $95,000 and $100,000.
This is the "Mac Daddy" of Wranglers. It’s not just about luxury; it’s about raw, unadulterated power.
The Heart of the Beast: The 392 HEMI The biggest difference is under the functional hood scoop. The 392 packs a massive 6.4L V8 HEMI engine, delivering 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.
It features a factory active baffled exhaust system that sounds absolutely incredible at the push of a button. It’s fast, it’s loud, and frankly, driving a Jeep on 35s with this much power can be a little scary—in a fun way.
Top-Tier Features & Tech: For the six-figure price tag, Jeep throws everything at this model:
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Exterior: Factory steel bumpers, gold Rubicon accents, painted fender flares, and the Extreme Recon package which includes factory 35-inch tires and Fox suspension.
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Sky One-Touch Power Top: Perhaps the best feature on modern Wranglers. The entire roof retracts like a massive convertible top at the push of a button—no heavy lifting required.
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Interior & Off-Road Tech: Leather seats, Alpine premium sound system with a subwoofer, heated seats and steering wheel, forward and rear-facing off-road cameras, and locking front and rear differentials.
The Verdict: Which Would You Rather Buy?
When you look at them side-by-side, the contrast is staggering.
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Engine: 270 HP Turbo vs. 470 HP V8 HEMI.
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Top: Manual Soft Top vs. Power Sky One-Touch Top.
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Price: Roughly $41K base vs. $95K+ fully loaded.
There is no denying that the Rubicon 392 is an absolute dream machine. It sounds amazing and has power for days. But the real question isn't which one you'd rather own if it were free—it's which one would you rather spend your actual money on?
Is the V8 and the convenience of the power top worth an extra $55,000 over a tastefully modified Sport S? Let us know your choice in the comments below!
Watch the full comparison video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bZ7hc3EZmdI