Talk about celebrating in style, Jeep didn’t mess around when commemorating the 20th anniversary of the Rubicon trim on the Wrangler model, this AEV Level II is proof!
More than just a decal package like so common is the theme for anniversary editions, Jeep pulled out the stops for the 20th anniversary of the Wrangler Rubicon. All 20th-anniversary models get special badges and the updated grille that matches all 2024 year model vehicles, but the very rare AEV Level II versions of this anniversary are the ones to get!
Limited to the first 150 units ordered on a first-come, first-serve basis, this AEV Level II 4xe is here to put the Ford Bronco Raptor on notice. While the “BRaptor” is a Baja-racing built machine, the AEV Level II version of this Wrangler is a beast of a slightly different sort. With its 2.5-inch Bilstein 5100 shocks it’s not really a high-speed racer, but all other off-road metrics put the Bronco to shame. For example, the approach angle in the Bronco Raptor is 47.2º, the Wrangler has an astounding 50º. Breakover: 30.8º in Raptor, 33º in Wrangler. Departure: 40.5º in Raptor, 43º in Wrangler. Ground clearance: 13.1 in Raptor, 14.2 in Wrangler. The cherry on top is the water fording depth: 37 in Raptor, 37.1º in Wrangler. Just a fun wink to the competition.
Jeep and AEV could do this without exceeding the 80-inch width limit for the DOT, which requires marker lights across the front, back, and corners. Bronco Raptor is 85 inches wide and features lights in the grille, massive rear third brake light that hinders rearward visibility, and rearview mirrors. Jeep would need to get creative if it were to exceed the width limit.
This is all achieved by sending a completed Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 20th Anniversary model to the AEV complex for a full upfit which includes 17-inch exclusive wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich All-terrain T/A KO2 tires, Warn VR EVO 10-S Winch, 2.5-inch DualSport RT Suspension System with Bilstein 5100 Shocks, AEV 7000 Series Off-road Lights, AEV EX Front Bumper, AEV Rear Bumper, AEV Front Skid Plate, AEV Spare Tire Carrier, AEV Off-road Jack Base, AEV ProCal SNAP Module, AEV Vehicle Build Plaque, AEV Steering Damper, and a 4.56:1 Axle Ratio on the 4xe models.
It is really impressive what Jeep and AEV were able to put into this Wrangler. I would love to have more time with it both on and off-road because, as I write this, we are testing a Bronco Raptor and some of its off-road prowess comes at the expense of its in-town livability. Since this is not as wide or as thirsty as the Bronco Raptor, I hope to get the opportunity to compare here at home. This being a 4xe, also intrigues me because while it has less horsepower than the Raptor, it has considerably more torque at 470 lb-ft (Raptor has 440) and the electric drive means it is instantaneous here in the Wrangler.
Yes, short of Baja racing, this AEV version of the Jeep Wrangler has me wondering if we will see more from Jeep and AEV on the updated 2024 model, and that this
2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe AEV 5100 Level II Specs:
2.0L Direct Injection 4-cylinder Engine PHEV
375 Horsepower
470 lb-ft of Torque
8-speed Automatic Transmission
Manual 2-speed Transfer Case
ROCK-TRAC® 4X4 System
50/50 Front/Rear Torque Split
Updated Front Grille
AEV Level II Package:
AEV 17-inch Savegre II wheels
37-inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires
Warn VR EVO 10-S Winch
AEV 2.5-inch DualSport RT Suspension System with Bilstein 5100 Shocks
AEV 7000 Series Off-road Lights
AEV EX Front Bumper
AEV Rear Bumper
AEV Front Skid Plate
AEV Spare Tire Carrier
AEV Off-road Jack Base
AEV ProCal SNAP Module
AEV Vehicle Build Plaque
AEV Steering Damper
4.56:1 Axle Ratio
Mopar Performance Wipers with Integrated Washer Jets
Best-in-class Off-road Dimensions
Approach Angle: 50º (47.2º in Bronco Raptor)
Breakover Angle: 33º (30.8º in Bronco Raptor)
Departure Angle: 43º (40.5º in Bronco Raptor)
Ground Clearance: 14.2 inches (13.1 in Bronco Raptor)
Maximum Water Fording Depth: 37.1 inches (37 in Bronco Raptor)
Electronic-Locking Rear Axle
Electronic-Locking Front Axle
Front Sway-bar Disconnect
Seating for 5
Heated Front Seats
Red and Black Leather Seats
Red Seat Belts
Heated Steering Wheel
8.4-inch Uconnect® 4C Infotainment Screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control
LED Headlights
LED Taillights
Blind Spot Information System with Cross-traffic Alert
Forward-facing Trail Cam
Rearview Camera
27.7 Cubic Feet of Rear Cargo
67.4 Cubic Feet of Cargo with Rear Seats Folded
Proximity Key with Push Button Start
EPA Fuel Economy: 49 MPGe or 20 MPG Combined
Starting Price: $54,735 (2023 Wrangler 4xe)
Price As Tested: $97,668 (est. with $21,983 AEV Level II Upfit)
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