A few additions to the exterior distinguish the Rubicon from others in the lineup. A 22-inch long nameplate is prominently emblazoned on either side of the hood. Heavy-gauge diamond plate sill guards are bolted to the body sides to protect rocker panels from the damage and dings of rocks and stumps in the backcountry. Goodyear Wrangler 31-inch tires are mounted on new 16-inch, five-spoke aluminum wheels with a dished face to protect them from debris and obstacles. Ten inches of ground clearance helps the Rubicon traverse the trail.

One of the biggest decisions when buying a Wrangler is selecting the top. Purists prefer the soft top, a high-quality piece of equipment that can be configured according to the weather. Folding the top down takes only a third of the time it took before a redesigned top was introduced for 2001. If a screwdriver is handy, the windshield can be flipped down for breezy, low-speed touring in the back country.

The optional hard top is more practical and offers better protection from weather. It comes with full-height doors and roll-up windows. Rearward visibility is aided by the rear-window defroster, wiper and washer. Wind noise is greatly reduced. The top can be removed.

For those who want the best of both worlds, Jeep offers a package that includes both hard top and soft top in matching colors. Either top is far easier to remove or install than those of pre-2001 models and provides much better sealing from the elements.

The new exterior mirrors are made of plastic, which Jeep engineers say holds up better than metal when going off road.