Jeep Wrangler 2021: off road ready Rubicon ‘Shorty’ coming to Australia this year

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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler range is set to grow with the addition of a fan favourite – the short-wheelbase Wrangler Rubicon affectionately nicknamed the ‘Shorty’.

Initially, the updated Wrangler range was set to only comprise of the four-door ‘Unlimited’ Wrangler in Rubicon specification. However, Jeep Australia has managed to secure examples of the Rubicon in two-door form with an expected release date later this year.

Not only is the two-door cheaper, costing $64,950 plus on-roads compared to $69,950, but it should also be more capable off-road. The ‘Gecko Green’ paint colour is exclusive to the two-door Rubicon.

That’s thanks to a 2,459mm wheelbase which is a whopping 549mm shorter than the four-door Wrangler.

What does the Wrangler Rubicon get for the money?

Just like the Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited, the two-door Rubicon has off-road kit like a low-range transfer case and a shorter 4.10 final drive. It’s also equipped with rock sliders, a sway-bar disconnect system, 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tyres and locking differentials front and back.

Combine the Rubicon’s features with the two door’s shorter wheelbase, better approach angle and lighter kerb weight, and it makes sense that die-hard off-roaders appreciate this particular vehicle.

Tom Noble, marketing and communications director of Jeep Australia echoed this sentiment, saying: “the short-wheelbase Jeep Wrangler is a favourite for passionate off-road enthusiasts”.

Aside from extra off-road chops, the Wrangler Rubicon two-door gets a decent level of creature comforts, including:

• Black exterior pack
• LED head & taillights 
• Heated leather seats
• Heated steering wheel
• Keyless entry
• 8.2-inch touchscreen
• Nine-speaker Alpine sound system

Under the Wrangler’s bonnet is the same 209kW/347Nm 3.6-litre petrol V6. The Wrangler sends power to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic and switchable 4WD system. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4Xe is coming, but it’s all petrol for now.

Jeep bolsters the Wrangler’s off-road credentials with on-road safety tech like front and rear parking sensors, frontal AEB, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. 

Jeep Australia is taking orders for the short-wheelbase Wrangler now, with deliveries expected in the fourth quarter of this year.

Jeep Wrangler 2021: pricing in Australia

Prices listed are before on-road costs

• Wrangler Rubicon two-door – $64,950

• Wrangler Night Eagle Unlimited – $61,750
• Wrangler Overland Unlimited – $66,750
• Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited – $69,950