Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon X team conquers Aussie outback as they approach halfway point in grueling Australasian Safari

Jeep’s Wrangler Rubicon X team has powered through the first five days of the Australasian Safari, performing faultlessly as they approach the halfway point of Australia’s toughest off-road race.

The two Jeeps, piloted by motoring.com.au’s Matt Brogan and 4×4 Australia’s Matt Raudonikis, have completed around 705 kilometres so far, with just over 1000 kilometres to go.

But the Jeeps face their toughest challenge today when they tackle two of the Safari’s most brutal stages – a 403 kilometre challenge that will carry them across the Kennedy Range National Park, approximately 830 kilometres outside of Perth.

“Navigationally, today will be tough. Many of these roads aren’t often used and not very well defined. Our course crew have said that the competitors will need to bring their sense of humour today,” said Safari spokesperson Lauren Cornes.

But Jeep’s unstoppable Wrangler Rubicon X is perfectly suited to the challenge.

Available as a four-door Wrangler Unlimited, the $52,000 (MSRP)Rubicon X is the most capable Wrangler in the line-up. Based on the Rubicon model, it is equipped with Wrangler’s part-time four-wheel-drive system that has electronic-locking front and rear Dana 44 axles that receive power through a Rock-Trac transfer case with a “4-Low” ratio of 4:1. A 4.10 axle ratio, front and rear, is also standard as are Tru-Lok locking differentials.

The Australasian Safari wraps up in Kalbarri, WA, on Saturday.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X Specifications

Written by Alan Zurvas

Alan Zurvas is the founder and editor of Gay Car Boys, Australia's leading LGBTQI+ automotive publication. Before launching GCB in 2008, Alan's automotive writing was published in SameSame.com.au and the Star Observer. With over 16 years of hands-on car reviewing experience, Alan brings an honest, irreverent voice to every review — championing value and innovation over brand loyalty.