Jeep Wrangler trims head to head: here’s our winner.
The latest Jeep Wrangler sticks to its proven recipe, with a rugged off-road-capable design and iconic looks, and now adds a healthy shot of modern technology to the mix as well. While all variants use the same basic drivetrain, the Wrangler range is nonetheless split into two groups: the good bundu-bashers, and the exceptional bundu-bashers. We compare these two available trim levels to find our favourite.
When Jeep finally expanded their Wrangler line-up to include both two- and four-door body styles with the previous (JK) generation, this blocky SUV’s sales received a healthy boost on account of the added practicality found with the four-door “Unlimited” body. The short-wheelbase two-door remains the first choice for serious off-roaders, thanks to its manoeuvrability advantage, and some city-bound buyers might also prefer the shorty for the same reason.
It’s with this wide variation in buyers’ demographics in mind that Jeep offers the Wrangler (whether with two- or four doors) in two trim levels: a slightly “softer”, entry-level Sahara trim, and the even more serious Rubicon trim level with a bunch of extra off-road goodies thrown on top of the standard package. Which one is right for you? Let’s take a closer look.
Related: Interested in a previous-generation (JK) Jeep Wrangler? This review will tell you all you need to know.
Jeep Wrangler Sahara
Calling the Wrangler Sahara “softer” actually does it an injustice, especially when we’re talking about the short-wheelbase derivative. It’s still an incredibly capable off-roader at its core, and simply exchanging the highway-biased standard tyres for some knobblies will have it clambering across all but the most severe obstacles.
A glance at the standard hardware list confirms the Sahara’s credentials: it employs the same 3.6-litre “Pentastar” V6 petrol engine and 8-speed ZF automatic gearbox as the high-spec Rubicon, and there’s a full-time AWD system underneath, complete with a low-range transfer case and locking centre differential. All this is mounted to a ladder-frame chassis, and suspended by coil-sprung beam axles at both ends.
Related: “The more things change...” - we review the latest Jeep Wrangler Sahara.
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
As with the Wrangler Sahara, the Rubicon trim level is available with either two or four doors. However, everything downstream from the gearbox is revised for heavier-duty off-road work. This extends to a different AWD system (with a “shorter” low-range ratio in its transfer case), and beefed-up front and rear axles.
In addition, the front and rear differentials can also be locked, and a de-coupling front anti-roll bar enables extra front axle articulation for extreme rock-climbing situations and over very rough terrain. All this extra hardware and reinforcements exact their toll on fuel efficiency, though: a Wrangler Rubicon is heavier than an equivalent Sahara, and its off-road-biased tyres have much higher rolling resistance than the Sahara’s softer-riding tarmac-biased tyres.
Related: New vs old Jeep Wrangler – what are the key differences?
So which one is the best?
That depends on your reasons for buying a Wrangler, and the reach of your budget. If you just like the way it looks (and who doesn’t?) but have never climbed anything more serious than the sidewalk outside your favourite hangout, the Sahara will do just fine. If you have a large enough parking area, an Unlimited Sahara will even do a passable job of being a family vehicle. And, should the opportunity arise, you’ll still be able to venture onto the trails for some sightseeing in the bush.
But if you’re buying a Jeep Wrangler with frequent, serious off-road usage in mind (and have the budget to support this awesome but costly activity), a Rubicon will be better-suited to your needs. They have mostly identical cabin (comfort- and convenience) trimmings and removable body panels, but the Rubicon’s abilities off the beaten track is simply from another league, thanks to its revised mechanical hardware and tyres.
Yes, a Rubicon is more expensive than an equivalent Sahara, but the price difference is actually quite a bit less than you’d pay for similar hardware upgrades to a Sahara, on the aftermarket. This makes a Rubicon the Wrangler to have, if you’re serious about taking your Jeep into its real element – into the wilderness, mud and desert, and looking fine while doing it.
Related: If you want a Jeep but don’t really need serious off-road abilities? Perhaps you should consider a new Compass instead!
Jeep Wrangler range and prices:
Jeep Wrangler 3.6 Sahara (2-dr): R 868 607
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6 Sahara (4-dr): R 893 293
Jeep Wrangler 3.6 Rubicon (2-dr): R 908 365
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 3.6 Rubicon (4-dr): R 919 719
* Prices were accurate at the time of writing, but may change without prior notice.
