2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 Review: The Big HEMI Finds a New Home
The V8 resurgences is alive and well at Stellantis. After a brief period of electrification dabbling, it appears the North American arm of the global manufacturer is once again going all-in with eight-cylinder brutes that scream freedom and bald eagles.
Although the 6.4-liter HEMI isn’t a strangler to the Jeep Wrangler, it’s placement for 2026 is something new and different. Ousted from the Rubicon, the eight-cylinder powerplant now finds a home in the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392.
2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392: All the Details
Quick Take
New for the 2026 model year, the Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 is a more affordable price point for getting a V8 in the brand’s no compromises off roader. Affordable price point is relative though, as the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 starts at $79,995 before destination charges and taxes.
Still, that’s a good chunk cheaper than the Rubicon 392 it replaces, and the Moab is still a very capable version of the Wrangler. Plus, how many original owners are going to take these 6.4-liter monsters that deep off-road into the brush anyway?
What’s New for 2026:
To celebrate Jeep’s 85th anniversary and the 60th anniversary of the Easter Jeep Safari, the brand has installed the beefy 6.4-liter V8 HEMI into the Moab trim this year. Using the usual 392 moniker, this new special edition model gives customers a more affordable way to get the snarling engine in a Wrangler, without sacrificing too much off-road capability.
Exterior Style:
The Moab 392 looks the business from the outside, with body-color fender flares that stretch the width of the Jeep. The black tow hooks and black 17-inch wheels contrast nicely against the Reign (purple, get it?) exterior color my tester arrived in. Of course, since it has the big engine, the vehicle includes the functional hood scoop with water separator.
With the large off-road tires, overall height clocks in at height bumps up to 75.5-inches (1,918 mm). Normally, there would be a three-piece body-colored hardtop roof on the Moab, but mine has been replaced with the power-operated, convertible sky one-touch roof.
Powertrain and Fuel Economy:
As printed a few times already, power comes from a 6.4-liter V8 that makes a healthy 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission to all four wheels through a full-time four-wheel drive system, but more on that in a bit.
Acceleration is brisk, thanks in part to the 4.56 rear axle ratio. The big four-door Wrangler, even with a 5,268 pound (2,390 kg) curb weight, should still go from 0 to 60 mph in well under 5 seconds. But acceleration is more than just the numbers. In the Moab 392, there’s a full sensory assault. The SUV rocks back on its soft springs under hard acceleration, sound thunders out of the dual mode exhaust system, and the feeling of the tries scrambling for grip are all part of the show.
Also included with the price of admission for the Moab 392 is rather atrocious fuel consumption. Officially, this capable off roader is listed at achieving 13 mpg (18.7 L/100 km) in the city and 16 mpg (14.5 L/100 km) on the highway. Oh, and it requires premium fuel.
Handling and Drivability:
The Moab 392 comes equipped with all the necessary hardware to travel deep into the woods. Some highlights include dual solid axles, 17-inch beadlock capable wheels 35-inch all-terrain tires measuring 315/70R17, the optional 8,000 pound Warn winch, and of course necessary protectant skid plates and rock rails.
The Moab also comes with a 2.72:1 Selec-Trac two-speed transfer case. With this setup there is no 2WD high option, the Jeep is always in 4WD full-time or part-time. My Wrangler also has the widened front and rear track, now measuring 66.9-inch (1,699 mm). Ground clearance is a stout 11.1-inches, but that’s not as high as other versions of the Wrangler with this tire and suspension package, probably due to the extra weight and performance of that beefy V8.
Similar to hard acceleration, any sort of enthusiastic cornering involves oodles of body roll and tire squeal. Jeep Wrangler’s have come light years in terms of on-road manners over the decades, but the SUV is still one of the least pleasant vehicles to drive on nicely paved roads. Off-road it’s a champ, but on road it’s a bit unwieldy, which actually plays into the 392’s persona.
Competitors
- Ford Bronco Raptor
- Land Rover Defender 110
- Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
Ride Quality and Comfort:
With two solid axles and a suspension meant to scale the sides of mountains, ride comfort is not a priority with the Moab 392. It’s one of the more jittery, rough-riding new vehicles on the market for 2026. That stated, like the on-road manners, ride quality is vastly improved compared to Wranglers of old.
Plenty of creature comforts do come with this edition of the Wrangler though, including heated and powered front seats, a heated steering wheel, and tons of rear seat space.
Interior Style and Quality:
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 is one of the fancier ways to get this rugged SUV. Although it still features a utilitarian, function of form layout and design, it does have some premium touches. The dashboard features contrasting, visually appealing materials while the seats are covered in soft Nappa leather.
It’s a nice touch considering the price point of the Moab 392. Will this Wrangler be confused with a Mercedes or BMW? Of course not, but it’s not meant to be. The vast majority if the money went into the mechanical bits. It’s just nice to see a bit of attention was paid to the interior as well.
Technology:
As a loaded up example of the Wrangler, my Moab 392 tester included features like the Alpine audio system, a 12.3-inch infotainment system, a remote starter, the off-road trail cam, navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, dual-zone climate control, a 7-in digital instrument cluster insert, and more.
Some included safety kit includes trailer sway control, blindspot detection, rear park assist, ParkSense, rear cross path detection, and adaptive cruise control.
Value Dollars and Sense:
As mentioned earlier, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 has a lower starting price point compared to the Rubicon 392 from last year. In the United States, it starts at $81,990 (all prices including destination charges) which is still a good chunk of change, but good luck trying to find a brand-new, 470 hp SUV as off-road capable as this one for a lower price. As tested, the vehicle shown here came in at $86,540.
In Canada the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 starts at $102,790, with an as tested price hitting $106,450.
Final Thoughts:
A 470 hp V8 powered Wrangler isn’t a sensible vehicle or the best off-road choice. It’s an engineering exercise about what Jeep’s icon can be at its most extreme. It adds yet another layer of fun to a vehicle that can already travel further than 99% of vehicles on sale today and even do it with no roof or doors if one’s inclined.
The Wrangler is adventurous excitement on four-wheels, and for those deep enough wallets, the Moab 392 turns it all the way up to 11.
Become an AutoGuide insider. Get the latest from the automotive world first by subscribing to our newsletter here.
Category | 2026 Jeep Wrangler Moab 392 |
|---|---|
Powertrain | 9 / 10 |
Efficiency | 4 / 10 |
Handling and Drivability | 6 / 10 |
Passenger Comfort | 7 / 10 |
Ride Quality | 3 / 5 |
Exterior Style | 4.5 / 5 |
Interior Style and Quality | 4 / 10 |
Infotainment | 9 / 10 |
Cargo Capacity and Towing | 4 / 5 |
Safety | 4 / 5 |
Value | 6.5 / 10 |
Emotional Appeal | 9 / 10 |
TOTAL | 70 / 100 |
PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
V8 Soundtrack | On-Road Performance |
Off-Road Capability | Fuel Thirst |
Menacing Styling | Price Point |
Specifications | |
|---|---|
Engine/Motor | 6.4-liter V8 |
Output: | 470 hp, 470 lb-ft |
Drivetrain: | 4X4 |
Transmission: | 8AT |
Fuel Economy: | Best Not to Ask |
0-60 mph: | Sub 5 Seconds |
Starting Price USA: | $81,990 |
Starting Price Canada: | $102,790 |
As Tested Price USA: | $86,540 |
As Tested Price Canada: | $106,450 |
A 20+ year industry veteran, Mike rejoins the AutoGuide team as the Managing Editor. He started his career at a young age working at dealerships, car rentals, and used car advertisers. He then found his true passion, automotive writing. After contributing to multiple websites for several years, he spent the next six years working at the head office of an automotive OEM, before returning back to the field he loves. He is a member of the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), and Midwest Automotive Media Association (MAMA). He's the recipient of a feature writing of the year award and multiple video of the year awards.
More by Mike Schlee
Comments
Join the conversation
Not sure about the hemi Jeeps, but I just got back from driving a Challenger SRT with the 6.4 and it's gas mileage was surprising. We weren't flying down the highway because it's crowded these days, but were usually in the 80 MPH + range most of the time. Weren't really worried about mileage, but when we stopped for gas after about 200 miles the SRT took about 1.5 gallons less gas than our buddy and trip companion's almost new Ford Explorer with the 3.5. I was stumped. I figured for sure the Explorer would be better on gas. On the flip side the SRT uses number one gas and the Explorer uses bottom grade so I guess the cost pretty much evens out.
One thing you can't beat about the big Hemi is the first start up in the morning. Gotta love that sound!!!
& to think a base 1970 'Cuda 440 (Four-Barrel - U-code): cost $3,430 & 'Cuda 440 Six Pack (V-code): ~$3,660 ... with a choice of individual options & colors that would make your head spin.