Why is the automatic in a Rubicon so expensive?

[Melchior]

Hi folks,

first post here. I’m thinking of taking the plunge into the wrangler world. I’ve had an fj cruiser, and currently an Outback wilderness. Thinking of switching up to a 2-door wrangler as a daily. I’m thinking a willys will make more sense for me since I don’t plan on doing any rock crawling.
Looking at the builds for a ‘24 rubicon, I noticed the automatic option is over $4K, but all the other trims have it listed for around $2K.
I believe the ‘23s were also around $2K, right? Is there something different for the ‘24 auto transmission option?

thanks!

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[John VonJeep]

The auto is $4,500 is you get it with the V6 and $2,500 if you get it with the the 4 banger. What Jeep is really doing is charging you $2,500 for the auto and an extra $2,000 for the V6. But it looks screwy because the V6/manual is the ‘base’ combo. Jeep sort of wishes away that fact and prices the V6/auto combo the way it would if the manual didn’t exist.

Does this make much sense? Not really, but I believe that’s what’s going on. Jeep would basically prefer everybody order an auto I4.

 

[Melchior]

ahhh! Makes sense! I’ve been playing around with the configurator, but never click on the turbo-four. Man. It’s so weird. Thanks for the clarification!

 

[dragoneggs]

Yeah funny thing about marketing ploys... if you look at how they deal with engine selections and other package features, they change it up yearly so it makes it hard to compare apples to apples, but the bottom line price always goes up.

Unfortunately, some of these package deals make it hard for you to pick exactly what you want and don't want. This is on purpose to get you to spend more than you would if you could have it exactly your way. Every year it seems the packages are configured so the manufacturer has to make less variations thus reducing their cost. Makes cents.

This just means you cannot customize the way you want.

 

[Red Willy]

The auto in the Jeep is quite probably the best one I've driven in the last 45 years. The one in the diesel and 392 is a bit better, but the V6 and I4 gas auto is stellar.

 

[roaniecowpony]

The 8 speed auto in my 2018 Rubicon is the best auto I've ever driven.

 

[TwelveGaugeSage]

Jeep is trying really hard to save you from making the mistake of opting for an automatic.

 

[Riotfunk]

I agree on the auto. It is really nice in the JL. It has to be, Jeep killed the manual trans with the JL.

The 4500$ option with the V6 is their way of pushing people into the 4cyl auto since it’s a 2k discount. I’m sure they make more on the 4cyl because of the epa crap.

I wouldn’t have bought another jeep if just the 4cyl was the only option.

 

[Melchior]

I went back and played with the configuration for a willys. Now a manual is ONLY available with the v6 and Vice versa. If you want in auto, your only option is the turbo-four. This is so weird

 

[Dyolfknip74]

I agree on the auto. It is really nice in the JL. It has to be, Jeep killed the manual trans with the JL.

The 4500$ option with the V6 is their way of pushing people into the 4cyl auto since it’s a 2k discount. I’m sure they make more on the 4cyl because of the epa crap.

I wouldn’t have bought another jeep if just the 4cyl was the only option.

You'd be missing out then. The 2.0 is a fantastic motor. Especially paired with that tranny.

 

[jdavis106]

I went back and played with the configuration for a willys. Now a manual is ONLY available with the v6 and Vice versa. If you want in auto, your only option is the turbo-four. This is so weird

Starting with the 2024s the V6 with an automatic is only available in the Rubicon.

 

[Riotfunk]

I drove the 4cyl. I’m not a fan. And no, I’m not missing out. I bought the V6. You guys can keep the turbo 4s.

 

[Xorak]

Having owned multiples of both v6 and turbo 4 options, the steering is tighter and more responsive with the 4.

Also, don't worry about trying to line item the dealer search tool (build & price). That's not actually what you would pay if you shop smart anyway. Only worry about the bottom line since that's the price that actually matters.

 

[blessidsoul12]

Auto is only available with bikini paint option

 

[ViperJon]

Jeep is trying really hard to save you from making the mistake of opting for an automatic.

Yup nothing says reliability and great design like the Wrangle manual. After you get all the recalls squared away or die in a fire on the highway.

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