jeeprubiconcomparo

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 2007
Comparo Test
A direct descendent of the original Jeep — the 1941
Willys MB — the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler evolves
from more than 65 years of legendary 4x4 experience.
Building on the successful, original Jeep formula with
an all-new frame, exterior and interior design, engine,
and safety and convenience features, Jeep Wrangler
delivers more capability, interior space and comfort,
refinement, power and open-air fun.
Offered in three models — Wrangler X, Sahara and
Rubicon — the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is lean,
rugged and simple, achieving best-in-class off-road
capability while delivering a true open-air driving
experience. The 2007 versions of the Wrangler
maintain the long-held Jeep traditions of solid axles,
removable doors, exposed hinges, a fold-down
windshield and innovative removable and convertible
tops.
Our test of the new Jeep offerings were limited to the
Rubicon models, both the traditional two-door and the
Unlimited long wheelbase four –door edition. We also
had access to a near new ’06 Jeep Wrangle Rubicon,
still in stock trim, so we were able to get a very
accurate read on the changes and performance
characteristics of the new Rubicon vs. the model it
replaces. Before we delve into the details, the bottom
line contains two important facts: the ’07 Rubicons are
different and they are still Jeeps with exceptional off
road capability right out off the showroom floor. Some
of the new design features enhance creature comforts,
while other enhance performance, both on and off road.
More Legendary Off-road Capability
From ground clearance to articulation to traction, Jeep
engineers focused on more than 50 functional
objectives during development of the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler. The result is the ultimate "out-of-the-box" off-
road vehicle with all the necessary features to "go
anywhere and do anything."
Improved ground clearance, combined with short front
and rear overhangs, enables the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler to navigate the world's most challenging off-
road trails, especially severe inclines. A boulder-friendly
approach angle of 44.3 degrees and breakover angle of
25.4 degrees, along with a 40.4 degree departure angle,
once again make the 2007 Jeep Wrangler a formidable
off-roader.
The ’06 Rubicon provides an interesting point of
comparison with an approach angle of 42.2 degrees,
breakover angle of 22.6 degrees, and a 31.5 degree
departure angle. The Jeep engineers were able to
improve these all-important angle even with a two inch
wheelbase increase on the “07 models. The new
Rubicons (they have larger tires stock than the other
Wrangler models) also provide additional ground
clearance over the ’06 version, increasing from about
9.5 inches to nearly 10.5 inches, a significant increase.
Most of this increase is due to a mud terrain tire that is
about 1.5 inches taller. And in our tests, the ’07
Rubicons were able to crawl rocks a bit more easily
than the ’06 version.
For the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model,
heavy-duty front and rear axles are both Dana 44s,
which feature numerous improvements. With the
optional trailer tow package, a Dana 44 rear axle is
standard on all media. Providing significant underbody
protection are three skid plates — protecting the fuel
tank, transfer case and automatic transmission oil pan.
The skid plates are an important feature, and while we
never used them, due to some proficient spotting,
knowing that skid plates are in place offers an extra
touch of confidence.
For the first time, Jeep Wrangler offers an electronic-
disconnecting front stabilizer bar — Active Sway Bar
System (ASBS) — delivering additional wheel travel for
traversing the toughest trails. As a result, the all-new
2007 Jeep Wrangler boasts a 652 Ramp Travel Index
(RTI is a measurement of a vehicle’s suspension
articulation) with the front stabilizer bar engaged and
an 832 RTI with the front stabilizer bar disconnected.
Any RTI exceeding 600 is considered good. As a point of
comparison, the 1997 Jeep Wrangler scored an RTI of
357 in stock trim.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon model
features an Off-Road Rock-Trac™ NV241 two-speed
transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, as well
as electric front- and rear-axle lockers and 32-inch B.F.
Goodrich Off-Road tires.
More On-road Refinement
While improving its legendary 4x4 Jeep capability, the
all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler offers enhanced on-road
comfort due to an all-new 100 percent stiffer frame in
bending, 50 percent stiffer body, refined five-link coil
suspension, improved shock tuning, 2-inch longer
wheelbase and 3.5-inch wider track. In addition, new
steering and suspension geometry provides precise ride
and handling characteristics, and new sound-deadening
techniques reduce cabin noise by more than 20 percent.

Wrangler Sahara and Rubicon models feature standard
high-pressure monotube shocks, utilizing Low Speed
Tunable (LST) valve technology.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler's new recirculating-
ball steering configuration features a robust cross-car
steering linkage system, providing the stiffest possible
steering linkage in a solid-axle vehicle, for a precise
"rack-and-pinion" feel.
More Interior Space and Comfort
Interior volume provides significantly more passenger
space, versatility and cargo storage. Featuring a front-
seat area with 54.6 cu. ft. of space — an increase of 4.8
cu. ft. — the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler provides 5.1
inches more shoulder room and 4.6 inches more hip
room.
New front seats are sculpted and conform to the body,
and a driver's seat height adjuster is available for
optimized seat position and comfort. Jeep Wrangler
Sahara and Rubicon models feature cloth seats with an
easy-care, soil-repellant and anti-microbial textile that
protects seats from stains, odors and discoloration.
Rear seats comfortably accommodate two adults. A fold-
and-tumble feature allows rear seats to be conveniently
stowed for additional storage capacity.
Two more inches of space behind the rear seat nearly
doubles the cargo capacity of the all-new 2007 Jeep
Wrangler. The extra space provides room for a new
lockable underfloor storage area, which secures small
items out of sight in the rear cargo area.
More Options for Open-air Fun
An all-new, three-piece modular hard top system
features three panels — left- and right-front passenger
panels and a rear panel — providing more options for
open-air driving in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler.
Removing the left- and right-front passenger panels is
simple and may be accomplished quickly by one person.
Also available in the all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is the
innovative Sunrider™ soft top, which includes a "sun
roof" feature in addition to the full top-down option.
New, More Powerful Engine
A new 3.8-liter overhead valve V-6 engine is featured
on all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models, replacing the 4.0-
liter in-line six engine. With 205 horsepower and 240 lb.-
ft. of torque, Jeep Wrangler comes standard with a six-
speed manual transmission or an available four-speed
automatic transmission.
The 3.8-liter V-6 engine produces more horsepower and
torque than its predecessor. Compared to the 4.0-liter
inline six-cylinder engine, the 3.8-liter is lighter and
shorter, and maintains higher torque at speeds above
3400 rpm, allowing for an expanded operating range.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler's horsepower and
torque, combined with an enhanced suspension, results
in a towing capacity of 2,000 lbs. For the first time in a
Jeep Wrangler, an optional towing package includes a
rear Dana 44 axle with a 4.10 axle ratio and trailer hitch.
New, Authentic, "Not Afraid to Get Dirty" Jeep Design
While staying true to the original formula, Jeep
Wrangler's appearance is modern and precise, with
clean, crisp lines and improved fit and finish. Wrangler
features include round headlamps, a signature seven-
slot grille, trapezoid wheel flares, exposed forged
hinges, a fold-down windshield, sport bar, removable
tops and doors, available full-framed or half doors, and
hard and soft tops.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler is 5.5 inches wider
overall, taking on a brawnier appearance. The body
features new sheet metal with a slight crown, providing
a strong and robust presence.
More Stopping Power
New four-wheel-disc anti-lock brakes are standard on
all 2007 Jeep Wrangler models. An off-road anti-lock-
braking feature enables sustained wheel lockup for
improved performance on plowable surfaces, including
loose dirt, gravel, sand and mud.
All 2007 Jeep Wrangler models incorporate larger
wheels and tires than previous Wrangler models.
Standard 17-inch wheels on the Wrangler Rubicon
models are new for 2007.
More Safety and Security Features
The 2007 Jeep Wrangler is loaded with Safety and
security features including: Multi-stage Air Bag System,
Anti-lock-braking System, Brake Assist, Child Seat
Anchor System, Energy-absorbing Steering Column,
Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Occupant
Classification System (OCS), Measures conditions for
activation or deactivation of the passenger-side front
air bag based upon the weight of the occupant,
Pretensioners:, Seat-mounted Side Air Bags, Side-
impact Door Beams.
Jeep Trail Rated TM
The Jeep Trail Rated TM badge on the all-new 2007
Jeep Wrangler verifies that the vehicle has been
designed to perform in a variety of challenging off-road
conditions identified by five key consumer-oriented
performance categories: traction, ground clearance,
maneuverability, articulation and water fording.
Jeep Trail Rated is an industry-leading methodology
established by the Nevada Automotive Test Center
(NATC) and Jeep Engineering to objectively measure
and consistently predict off-road performance for all
Jeep vehicles. Through a combination of natural and
controlled field tests, as well as computer-simulated
environments, Jeep Trail Rated provides a repeatable
and consistent measurement of off-road performance
for Jeep vehicles. Only Jeep vehicles are Trail Rated.
2007 Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited
Let’s take a quick look at the Rubicon Unlimited and
how it differs from the 2-door.
The all-new 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited features a
116-inch wheelbase, achieved by adding 20.6 inches to
the standard all-new 2007 Wrangler’s 95.4-inch
wheelbase. The additional length allows for a larger
rear seat that features three seating positions, as well
as more hip, leg and shoulder room. In addition,
Wrangler Unlimited offers nearly triple the rear cargo
space. On the off road performance side, ground
clearance, and the approach and departure angles are
the same as the two door, but the breakover angle is
only 20.8 degrees, which slightly limits the longer
wheelbase version over rocky terrain and cresting
steep slopes.
2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
The 2006 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is the ulimate Jeep
for extreme off-roading and, in addition to the Jeep
Wrangler Sport, includes the following standard
features: Tru-Lok locking differential, diamond plate sill
guards, four-wheel disc brakes, Dana 44 heavy-duty
front and rear axles, 4.11 axle ratio, monotube shocks,
Rock-Trac heavy-duty part-time four-wheel drive
transfer case with 4:1 low range and 16-inch cast-
aluminum wheels.
These driveline specs are similar to the ’07, with the
exception of the electronic locking differentials on the ’
07 Rubicon.
OUR TEST
Everyone has priorities for the vehicles the own and
drive. Our preferences are more obvious than most –
off road trail capability is the most important factor. It’s
nice if the vehicle handles on road, gets decent mileage
and has creature comforts, but considering our off road
environment here in Big Bear, we’ll sacrifice some
amenities and on road performance for superior
wheeling capability.
We tested the Unlimited during a very cold week in
January and the 2-door Rubicon the following week,
with somewhat nicer and warmer weather. We put the
Unlimited Rubicon through its paces on the Gold
Mountain Jeep Trail, one of Big Bear’s toughest. Gold
Mountain has some steep, rocky sections, boulders and
loose surfaces. The day we tackled Gold Mountain was
as cold as it gets in Big Bear. The over night low was 10
below zero, and when we left for the trail, temps
hovered in the teens. The high on the trail was in the
low 20’s in early afternoon. And did I mention that the
trail was covered in snow! Talk about a tough trail test.
The first mile or so is moderately difficult and the
Unlimited Rubicon navigated everything we tried with
ease, running in low range 4x4 but never using the
electronic lockers. When we got to the steep, rocky
climbs, we needed to engage the lockers to crawl up the
steep, snow-covered boulders and ledges, in some
cases only one axle was needed, in others both axles
required locking, but the Rubicon Unlimited handled
the slippery terrain with relative ease. We did use a
spotter, as we always do in tricky spots, and the BFG
Mud Terrains we aired down to 25 PSI, but again this is
pretty much our standard procedure on trails like Gold
Mountain. Had the trail been dry, we could have
managed it with even less use of the electronic lockers.
Overall the Rubicon Unlimited was most impressive in
very demanding conditions. Everything else we tried
was easy for the Rubicon Unlimited, and the ride off
road was actually quite comfortable. And the heater
and defroster systems worked, thankfully, flawlessly on
a very cold trip.
While we never bottomed on the chassis or skid plates
over the rocks, we needed to be slightly more careful
with the longer wheelbase and reduced breakover
angle. But if you need more room either for families or
gear, then the Rubicon Unlimited is an excellent
compromise between off road capability, comfort, room
and highway driving.
The ’07 Wrangler Rubicon was next on test schedule,
and fortunately, the weather warmed considerably the
next week. We tested the Rubicon on several trails,
including rocky climbs and descents, loose dirt climbs,
snow and a variety of environments. Not once did the
Rubicon falter. It made it down the steep decent on
Frustration Hill, climbed a variety of loose-surface steep
sections in several areas and made it over rocks with
ease. Only once did we need to engage the differential
lockers to complete a steep, loose dirt climb.
Compared to the ’06 Rubicon, the ’07 handles rough
terrain, climbs and side slopes with even greater ease.
The Rubicon is a very capable off road 4x4, and the ’07
is more refined, more comfortable with several
moderate improvements. The controls are easy to use.
Only the sway bar disconnect requires some precision
to engage or disengage. The Jeep must be level,
stopped and have no steering angle to easily engage or
disconnect the sway bars. It worked great, but took a
little trial and error to find the best spots to easily
activate the system. Once the sway bars are
disengaged, the articulation, which is already quite
good, improve by about 20%, which is probably the best
available for a stock passenger vehicle. This may be the
single most notable mechanical improvement over the ’
06 Rubicon, where you must unbolt the sway bars to
achieve maximum articulation for serious off roading.
Not a big deal, but it is much easier.
Driving the ’06 and the ’07 Rubicons back to back is
where the differences are most obvious, at least that is
the impression you get at first. When you switch from
one to the other, the size difference is instantly obvious.
The ’06 feels much more compact, while the ’07 feels
roomier and generally bigger. Part of this can be
attributed to the fact the ’07 IS larger. But a good part of
the impression is optical illusion.
The wheelbase of the ’06 is longer, 93.4 inches vs. 95.4
inches. The track width , Front is 59.5 inches vs. 61.9
on the ’07. The track width , rear is 57.5 inches vs. 61.9
on the ’07. The new The track width , Front is 59.5
inches vs. 61.9 on the ’07. The ’07 is slightly wider, but
not so much that navigating narrow trails is severely
compromise. The wheelbase on the ’06 is 93.4 inches vs
95.4 on the ’07, a mere two inches. This has no effect
on breakover angle or Ramp Angle Index, with ’07
actually having better numbers, in part due to taller
tires. Overall length is 2” greater on the ’07 and is
overall width is about 5” more. The ’07 is also slightly
taller. The differences appear and feel to be much
greater than they actually are.
Both ’07 versions of the Rubicon are exceptional
vehicles. The addition of the Unlimited version a couple
of years ago adds a whole new dimension to the
Wrangler, creating an additional compromise for those
who want a highly capable off roader but need more
space for family, friends and stuff! The two-door is very
comfortable, but rear seat and storage are significantly
less than with the Unlimited. If you can live without the
extra space, the clear choice is the 2 door. And if your
top priority to trail-worthiness, the Rubicon is a great
value and excellent off road performer right off the
showroom floor.