Trail Rated? How The Most Hated Jeep Survived The Rubicon Trail

Automotive enthusiasts frequently argue about which Jeep model is the most hated “Trail Rated” in the company’s recent history. Many hardcore off-road purists point directly at the early ’00s Liberty models. To test this controversial factory badge, the Donut crew bought a cheap used model for $2,000. Leaving the suspension and drivetrain completely stock, it drove the compact SUV straight to the treacherous Rubicon Trail. It even kept the standard highway tires mounted on the wheels.

Testing The Most Hated Jeep On The Rocks

Hitting the trail, the team faced an immediate obstacle known as the Gatekeeper. Climbing over massive boulders, the stock chassis scraped loudly against the earth. Next, the driver tackled steep slickrock inclines called The Slabs. The small footprint allowed the driver to navigate tight corners easily. Passing the traction and maneuverability tests, the little rig proved surprisingly capable. Advancing just 1.5 miles took five grueling hours.

Surviving Major Mechanical Damage

Pushing deeper into the wilderness always brings unexpected breakdowns. Traversing sharp rocky terrain sliced open the front passenger tire. Pounding three rubber plugs into the sidewall, they saved the only spare for emergencies. Later, the support crew suffered a catastrophe when an axle stud snapped on a modified portal box. Fabricating a metal gusset from a cardboard template fixed the broken rig. Meanwhile, the Liberty suffered a massive crack underneath the chassis. The front differential snapped completely in half. Leaking gear oil onto absorbent towels, the differential miraculously kept delivering power forward.

Deep Water And Hungry Bears

Approaching a flooded section of the trail, the crew prepared for the water fording test. Plunging into the murky depths, the high-mounted air intake kept the engine running perfectly. Reaching Buck Island gave the tired team a beautiful place to rest. During the night, a large bear also entered the camp and ate some of their camping food.

Shedding Weight For Cadillac Hill

Despite passing several obstacles, the low ride height caused the chassis to drag constantly on sharp rocks. Failing the ground clearance test forced the crew to drive more carefully. Afterward, the hosts removed all four doors to shed weight and improve trail visibility. Tackling Cadillac Hill required intense focus and calculated driving. Bouncing over the massive rocky steps, the suspension maxed out its travel but kept the rig moving forward. The steep climb required only one winch pull.

Conquering The Treacherous Terrain

Reaching the final overlook brings a massive sense of relief. Taking a completely stock commuter vehicle across the Rubicon Trail requires insane patience and precise throttle control. Earning genuine respect from hardcore trail guides, this cheap rig successfully fought the toughest terrain in America. The incredible survival story completely destroys the most hated Jeep theories and proves the factory engineers built a highly capable machine.