This Crazy USSV Rhino Is Based on a Jeep Wrangler

I recently stumbled upon this vehicle sitting in a parking lot during Monterey Car Week. This is a USSV Rhino XT, and it looks like some sort of crazy military vehicle. Indeed, it is pretty crazy — but underneath, it’s a Jeep Wrangler.

Here’s the story: What you see here is a vehicle called the Rhino XT, manufactured by a brand called U.S. Specialty Vehicles, or USSV. USSV’s larger vehicle, the Ford-based Rhino GX, looks like some sort of crazy tactical support vehicle — but this is the smaller model. It, too, looks militarized, but in a good way — I actually thought it was quite a treat to see it on the street.

Interestingly, underneath the Rhino XT, you have a Jeep Wrangler — and a close inspection revealed a Wrangler interior, while USSV’s website noted that the Rhino XT offers a "3.6-liter V6," which is undoubtedly the Wrangler’s Pentastar engine. With that said, there are major changes on the outside — and not just changes like modifications to Jeep models that many companies do. This vehicle has an entirely different look from a Wrangler, and it boasts some interior updates, too — like improved upholstery and a new gauge cluster and infotainment screen. It is, dare I say, a cooler Wrangler.

With that said, I’m not sure exactly how much USSV charges for a Rhino XT, so there’s some chance it could be excessively, wildly expensive — but if it’s not too pricey, I could totally see someone buying this if they want to stand out from typical SUVs. As long as they’re OK answering the question "What is it?" at every single traffic light.