Hey guys! Today, we're diving deep into a seriously cool machine: the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition. This isn't just your average Jeep; it's a special edition built for serious off-road adventures and packed with unique features that set it apart from the crowd. If you're a Jeep enthusiast or just someone curious about what makes this particular model so special, you're in the right place. We're going to cover everything from its rugged design and impressive capabilities to its interior comforts and overall value. So, buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive exploration of the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition!

What Makes the Rubicon Recon Edition Special?

The Rubicon Recon Edition isn't just a trim level; it's a statement. It's designed for those who demand the utmost in off-road performance and want a Jeep that looks as capable as it is. The Recon Edition builds upon the already impressive Rubicon model, adding even more ruggedness and distinctive styling. It’s like taking a regular Rubicon and injecting it with an extra dose of attitude and capability. One of the key enhancements is the enhanced off-road hardware. This includes heavy-duty axles and stronger components that can withstand the rigors of serious trail riding. The Recon Edition typically features Dana 44 axles front and rear, known for their durability and strength. These axles are beefed up compared to the standard Rubicon, making them better suited for handling larger tires and more extreme terrain. Another notable upgrade is the rock rails. The Recon Edition comes standard with heavy-duty rock rails that provide extra protection for the Jeep's body when navigating rocky obstacles. These rock rails are designed to withstand impacts and prevent damage to the vulnerable rocker panels. Visually, the Recon Edition stands out with its unique exterior accents. This often includes a blacked-out grille, special hood decals, and distinctive badging. These cosmetic enhancements give the Recon Edition a more aggressive and purposeful look. The interior also receives special treatment, with unique upholstery, stitching, and trim that set it apart from other Rubicon models. The Recon Edition typically comes with premium seating materials and unique color combinations that enhance the overall aesthetic. In terms of performance, the Recon Edition offers the same impressive capabilities as the standard Rubicon. This includes features like electronic locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and a Rock-Trac transfer case with a 4:1 low-range gear ratio. These features work together to provide exceptional traction and control in even the most challenging off-road conditions. Overall, the Rubicon Recon Edition is a well-rounded package that combines rugged performance with distinctive styling and premium features. It's the perfect choice for Jeep enthusiasts who want a vehicle that can handle anything they throw at it, both on and off the road. Whether you're tackling rocky trails or cruising around town, the Recon Edition is sure to turn heads and impress with its capabilities.

Under the Hood: Engine and Performance

Let's talk about what powers this beast. The 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition typically comes with a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine. This engine is a workhorse, providing a great balance of power and efficiency. It delivers around 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which is more than enough to tackle tough trails and steep inclines. The engine is paired with either a six-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission, depending on the configuration. The six-speed manual is a favorite among purists who enjoy having complete control over the gears, while the five-speed automatic offers a more convenient and relaxed driving experience. The Rock-Trac 4x4 system is a key component of the Rubicon Recon Edition's off-road prowess. This system features electronic locking differentials in both the front and rear axles, which allow you to distribute power evenly to all four wheels. This is especially useful when you encounter obstacles that cause one or more wheels to lose traction. The disconnecting front sway bar is another valuable feature that enhances off-road performance. When disconnected, the sway bar allows for greater wheel articulation, which means the wheels can move independently of each other. This helps to keep the tires in contact with the ground, even on uneven terrain. The Rock-Trac transfer case provides a 4:1 low-range gear ratio, which is essential for crawling over rocks and other obstacles. This low gearing multiplies the engine's torque, giving you the power you need to overcome challenging terrain. In terms of fuel economy, the Rubicon Recon Edition is not exactly a fuel sipper. However, it's not terrible either. You can expect to get around 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway, which is typical for a vehicle of this type. Of course, fuel economy will vary depending on your driving style and the conditions in which you're driving. Overall, the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition offers a compelling combination of power, performance, and off-road capability. Whether you're a seasoned off-roader or just looking for a vehicle that can handle anything you throw at it, the Recon Edition is sure to impress. With its rugged engine, advanced 4x4 system, and heavy-duty components, this Jeep is built to conquer even the most challenging terrain.

Interior and Technology: Comfort Meets Capability

Okay, so it's tough on the outside, but what about the inside? The 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition strikes a nice balance between rugged capability and interior comfort. It's not a luxury SUV, but it offers enough features and amenities to make your off-road adventures enjoyable. The seats are typically upholstered in a durable cloth material, with available leather trim for a more premium feel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on long drives. The rear seats offer adequate space for passengers, although legroom can be a bit tight for taller adults. The interior design is functional and straightforward, with easy-to-reach controls and a simple layout. The dashboard is dominated by a central infotainment screen, which provides access to navigation, audio, and other vehicle functions. The infotainment system is relatively easy to use, although it's not the most advanced system on the market. It typically includes features like Bluetooth connectivity, USB ports, and satellite radio. The Recon Edition also comes standard with a premium sound system, which delivers clear and powerful audio. This is a welcome addition for those who enjoy listening to music while off-roading. In terms of technology, the Rubicon Recon Edition offers a decent array of features. It typically includes things like cruise control, power windows and locks, and remote keyless entry. However, it's not loaded with advanced driver-assistance technologies like adaptive cruise control or lane-departure warning. The focus is more on providing the essentials and ensuring that the vehicle is reliable and easy to use. One of the standout features of the Recon Edition is its removable top and doors. This allows you to experience the ultimate in open-air driving. Removing the top and doors is a relatively simple process, although it does require some time and effort. With the top and doors removed, the Rubicon Recon Edition transforms into a completely different vehicle. It's like driving a dune buggy, but with the added benefit of Jeep's legendary off-road capability. Overall, the interior and technology of the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition are well-suited to its mission. It's not the most luxurious or technologically advanced vehicle on the market, but it offers enough comfort and convenience to make your off-road adventures enjoyable. The focus is on providing the essentials and ensuring that the vehicle is reliable and easy to use.

Off-Road Prowess: Where the Recon Edition Shines

This is where the Rubicon Recon Edition truly shines. It's built for off-road domination, and it doesn't disappoint. With its heavy-duty axles, locking differentials, disconnecting sway bar, and aggressive tires, this Jeep can tackle just about any terrain you throw at it. The Dana 44 axles are a key component of the Recon Edition's off-road capability. These axles are stronger and more durable than the axles found on other Jeep models, making them better suited for handling the stresses of off-road driving. The electronic locking differentials allow you to lock the front and rear axles together, ensuring that all four wheels receive equal power. This is essential for maintaining traction on slippery or uneven surfaces. The disconnecting front sway bar allows for greater wheel articulation, which means the wheels can move independently of each other. This helps to keep the tires in contact with the ground, even on extreme terrain. The aggressive off-road tires provide excellent grip on a variety of surfaces, including rocks, mud, and sand. These tires are designed with a special tread pattern that helps to channel away water and debris, ensuring maximum traction. The Rubicon Recon Edition also features skid plates that protect the underbody of the vehicle from damage. These skid plates are made of heavy-gauge steel and are designed to withstand impacts from rocks and other obstacles. The approach and departure angles are also optimized for off-road driving. This means that the Recon Edition can climb over obstacles and descend steep slopes without scraping the front or rear bumper. In addition to its impressive hardware, the Rubicon Recon Edition also benefits from Jeep's legendary off-road expertise. Jeep has been building off-road vehicles for over 75 years, and they know what it takes to create a vehicle that can handle the toughest terrain. The Recon Edition is a testament to that expertise, combining rugged components with advanced technology to deliver unmatched off-road performance. Whether you're rock crawling, mudding, or exploring remote trails, the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition is up to the challenge. It's a vehicle that's built for adventure, and it's sure to provide you with years of off-road fun.

Is the 2017 Rubicon Recon Edition Right for You?

So, is the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition the right choice for you? It really depends on your needs and priorities. If you're a serious off-roader who demands the utmost in capability, then the answer is probably yes. The Recon Edition is built for tackling the toughest trails, and it's packed with features that will help you conquer any terrain. However, if you're primarily looking for a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver, then there may be better options available. The Rubicon Recon Edition is not the most refined vehicle on the road, and it's not particularly fuel-efficient. It's also worth considering the price. The Recon Edition is typically more expensive than other Jeep models, so you'll need to factor that into your budget. If you're on a tight budget, you may be better off with a standard Rubicon or another off-road vehicle. On the other hand, if you're willing to pay a premium for the Recon Edition's unique features and capabilities, then it's definitely worth considering. The Recon Edition is a well-rounded package that combines rugged performance with distinctive styling and premium features. It's the perfect choice for Jeep enthusiasts who want a vehicle that can handle anything they throw at it, both on and off the road. Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to buy a 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition is a personal one. You'll need to weigh the pros and cons and decide what's most important to you. If you're looking for a vehicle that's built for adventure and can handle the toughest terrain, then the Recon Edition is definitely worth a look. But if you're primarily looking for a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver, then there may be better options available. Whatever you decide, be sure to do your research and choose a vehicle that's right for you.

I hope this in-depth look at the 2017 Jeep Rubicon Recon Edition has been helpful! Happy Jeeping!