Models, Ask an Owner

[SilverT]

I am new to this forum and love the search feature to locate already discussed subjects. However, I am new to Jeep Wranglers as well and would love to own one in the upcoming months. I test drove a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0L recently (don’t worry not looking for engine comparisons, seen the dead horse posts ?). My question is how does the Sahara’s ride compare to a 2021 Willy’s Unlimited ride (Not modified, factory built)? I did a search, but didn’t see a thread. if there is one, please send the link. I’d go test drive one, but the car lots are pretty bare. A test drive is not out my back door, it’s more like a two hour drive or more.

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[JasonInDLH]

I am new to this forum and love the search feature to locate already discussed subjects. However, I am new to Jeep Wranglers as well and would love to own one in the upcoming months. I test drove a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0L recently (don’t worry not looking for engine comparisons, seen the dead horse posts ?). My question is how does the Sahara’s ride compare to a 2021 Willy’s Unlimited ride (Not modified, factory built)? I did a search, but didn’t see a thread. if there is one, please send the link. I’d go test drive one, but the car lots are pretty bare. A test drive is not out my back door, it’s more like a two hour drive or more.

Sorry, I’m not much help here as I didn’t even test drive a Wrangler before purchasing mine last year. Last time I drove a Wrangler was back in 2012 and I knew I wanted another without care about fit and finish, comfort, etc. ?

 

[JT1]

I am new to this forum and love the search feature to locate already discussed subjects. However, I am new to Jeep Wranglers as well and would love to own one in the upcoming months. I test drove a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0L recently (don’t worry not looking for engine comparisons, seen the dead horse posts ?). My question is how does the Sahara’s ride compare to a 2021 Willy’s Unlimited ride (Not modified, factory built)? I did a search, but didn’t see a thread. if there is one, please send the link. I’d go test drive one, but the car lots are pretty bare. A test drive is not out my back door, it’s more like a two hour drive or more.

The Willys has better shocks, but it comes with M/T tires instead of the more road friendly A/T's on the sahara. The willys will be way better in the dirt than the sahara, but noisier on road.

 

[garyji]

Love my Willys. Yes, the MT's are a little loud, but nothing for me to complain about. We also have a 2017 2 dr. JK Sahara and the rides are similar, but I definitely like the 21 Willys better. You are probably going to upgrade the tires after the originals wear out so either way, you're going to end up with a nice set of KO2's. That's what is going on my Willys next.

Hope this helps,

G.

 

[sconrad24]

I owned a Willys Jku and now a Sahara. I guess I can offer you a good comparison. All wranglers have the same characteristics but the Willys and Sahara are at the opposite ends. The biggest differences between the 2 ride wise are shocks and tires. The Sahara has All Terrain tires that favor on road more than off-road. So they are quieter and offer a smoother ride at speed. They are also better in the rain and snow on road. The Willys has mud terrains, which pretty much has you covered stock should you venture off-road. On road they are louder and will follow road imperfections more. The willys shocks are also tuned for off-road. You will notice they are more forgiving at low speed on potholes, ruts etc. but will allow for more body sway at speed. They will also be slower to react at speed. The Sahara’s shocks will feel tighter and give a more compliant ride at speed. So basically the Sahara (atleast for a wrangler) will feel more carlike and the willys like a truck.

 

[Maverick909]

Saharas are the smoothest ride of all the wranglers. its more street driven design than the rest.

 

[roaniecowpony]

If you're coming from a car, the difference between the two models you mentioned are insignificant. They both ride like crap...compared to a car or even a fullsize pickup.

If you're comparing to your old jeep you remember, any trim JL will feel like a cadillac. Between the different JL packages, I think you're splitting hairs, but I'd bet the Sahara has the softest springs and shocks. A 4 door will have a better ride than a 2 door.

 

[viper88]

Love my Willys. Yes, the MT's are a little loud, but nothing for me to complain about. We also have a 2017 2 dr. JK Sahara and the rides are similar, but I definitely like the 21 Willys better. You are probably going to upgrade the tires after the originals wear out so either way, you're going to end up with a nice set of KO2's. That's what is going on my Willys next.

Hope this helps,

G.

There are a lot of take-offs. You can also buy a reasonably priced set of like-new Rubicon take-offs now and swap. You can probably sell your Willys MTs to off set any difference.

 

[viper88]

I am new to this forum and love the search feature to locate already discussed subjects. However, I am new to Jeep Wranglers as well and would love to own one in the upcoming months. I test drove a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 2.0L recently (don’t worry not looking for engine comparisons, seen the dead horse posts ?). My question is how does the Sahara’s ride compare to a 2021 Willy’s Unlimited ride (Not modified, factory built)? I did a search, but didn’t see a thread. if there is one, please send the link. I’d go test drive one, but the car lots are pretty bare. A test drive is not out my back door, it’s more like a two hour drive or more.

A Sahara will ride a little smoother and definitely quiter due to the tires.

The Willys has the firmer red Rubicon shocks and I think springs. It also has the louder MT tires. Personally I prefer the firmer Rubicon suspension. I personally like the Willys package more with the exception of the MT tires that come on it. They are noiser, have a slight rumble that gets louder as the tires wear more. They are also not as good in snow if you drive where there is some. The MTs are not great in wet either. I would swap out the nosier and rougher riding MT with K02s and call it a day.

 

[roaniecowpony]

There are a lot of take-offs. You can also buy a reasonably priced set of like-new Rubicon take-offs now and swap. You can probably sell your Willys MTs to off set any difference.

Living in NY state, I bet he wants a great snow tire. I have the K02 Rubicon tires. They seem like they are ok at everything and great at nothing. I guess that's why they call them "all terrain" . LOL

 

[garyji]

Pretty sure NO tire is "Great" at everything.

 

[viper88]

Living in NY state, I bet he wants a great snow tire. I have the K02 Rubicon tires. They seem like they are ok at everything and great at nothing. I guess that's why they call them "all terrain" . LOL

You are right. A off road AT is like car all-season tires. All season tires are OK in 4 seasons but a compromise as far as max performance in each season.

Dedicated winter tries are definitely the best option in areas with a lot of ice, snow, and elevation changes or inclines.

I live in Chicago along the lake and we get pretty good lake effect snow. Record snowfall in some of the last 5 years. I have owned TJ, JK, a 2 JLRs. I daily drove all of them. All got me through the super high snow. I was never stuck and the only vehicle on the road at times. As long as there was ground clearance the TJ with cheap dedicated snow tires was by far the the best on icy or slushy roads. The JLR K02s are better than the the Bridgestone ATs on the JK No issues as far as getting unstuck in the deep stuff with any of those tires. Ice and deep slush is where there are potenial issues. K02s are definitely not like a winter tire on icy roads. Like you said they are OK but not like a dedicated winter tire. They are more than adequate for flat streets of Chicago that eventually get plowed.

 

[aldo98229]

Willys MTs are going to be louder, stiffer, and not handle on-road as well as Sahara’s ATs. But wheels and tires can be swapped easily.

To me, the key differences between the two are mainly cosmetic and come down to features:

1. Willys looks sportier; Sahara looks more grown up
2. Willys comes standard with rear LSD; optional on Sahara
3. Willys offers a lower entry price point; Sahara can be had with leather seats, full LEDs, color-matched roof and fenders. Sahara comes with nicer interior materials —leather covered armrests, dashboard stitching, etc.
4. Willys comes with rock rails; Sahara with side steps. Rock rails are useful on trails; side steps are useful everyday

It boils down to personal preference. It’s hard for anyone to tell you which one’s “best” for you.

I like well-equipped vehicles, so I like Saharas. But Willys is a very attractive package that offers excellent overall value.

Good luck!

 

[Gmot123]

Splitting hairs a bit, but I believe Saharas come stock with A/S tires, and only come with the A/T tires with certain packages (Cold Weather Group maybe?). In any event, either the A/S or A/T should ride smoother than the M/T.

My '20 Sahara has the Bridgestone Dueler A/T, and no real complaints about the ride quality, noise, or performance in normal or inclement weather. Being relatively new to Wranglers, I don't find the ride to be all that bad compared to my many prior cars, crossovers, etc.--different, no doubt, but nothing unworkable. I can definitely vouch for the JL Sahara, and suspect the Willys would be pretty similar with comparable tires.

 

[aldo98229]

PS: IMO, it’s much easier to swap wheels and tires on a Sahara, than to add leather seats, LEDs, proximity locks, and color-matched roof and fenders to a Willys

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