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.
The Rubicon ‘Shorty’ is up for some serious off-road action if you are.
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.
The Rubicon kit is focus on rough road performance and go-anywhere ability.
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
Despite its rough-and-tumble appearance, the Wrangler’s cabin isn’t too shabby.
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
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Wrangler Rubicon two-door – $64,950
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Wrangler Night Eagle Unlimited – $61,750
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Wrangler Overland Unlimited – $66,750
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Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited – $69,950
