Sahara vs Rubicon JL Technicals

[K9Jeeper]

Also take into consideration: Resale. I'm a previous owner to numerous Wranglers, including Saharas and Rubicons. Rubis always sold for a few thousand more than the equivalent (same year) Sahara in the used market.

You see, people think I'm crazy for buying a $60000 plus new Raptor, but if I sell it next year for within $2000 of what I paid, then I really just paid $2000 for a Raptor, not $60000. My point is, don't let a 2-3K price difference determine which one wins, because the Rubicon will likely end up "cheaper" in the long run

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[Schmeegz]

Anyone know how the lockers work in the snow?

Do you have to be in 4-lo to use them?

What is top speed in 4-lo?

 

[macintux]

Anyone know how the lockers work in the snow?

Do you have to be in 4-lo to use them?

What is top speed in 4-lo?

You have to be in 4L (typically there'll be a way to reprogram that restriction) and 4L is only designed for low speeds, so you'll only use it off-road or mayyyybe some extremely deep snow on the road, but the most likely on-road use would be pulling yourself or someone else back onto the road if you slide off into deep snow.

User guide says to not exceed 10mph with lockers and 25 in 4L. I know my LJR lockers have turned themselves off when exceeding some speed.

If you think about that 4:1 crawl ratio on the Rubicon, you'll see why going fast isn't an option. Imagine how high the engine would have to rev to achieve 120mph, and that would be 30 in 4L.

 

[Dynomite1371]

I Had this same debate for my decision. I ended up ordering a Rubicon, not because I needed it, but because it had the look, ( hood, highline fender flares), tires and wheels that I wanted and I would not have saved anything by going with the Sahara and feeling like I compromised.

My thoughts exactly, and like I was always taught "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it" (especially with a gun).

 

[JDaPP]

You have to be in 4L (typically there'll be a way to reprogram that restriction) and 4L is only designed for low speeds, so you'll only use it off-road or mayyyybe some extremely deep snow on the road, but the most likely on-road use would be pulling yourself or someone else back onto the road if you slide off into deep snow.

User guide says to not exceed 10mph with lockers and 25 in 4L. I know my LJR lockers have turned themselves off when exceeding some speed.

If you think about that 4:1 crawl ratio on the Rubicon, you'll see why going fast isn't an option. Imagine how high the engine would have to rev to achieve 120mph, and that would be 30 in 4L.

Even with reprogramming for 4hi the lockers will disengage above 25 mph. In the JK some splice a toggle switch which allows engagement at any speed (4hi, 2hi, etc).

 

[zogby]

I dunno, a lot of people are suggesting that the Sahara is a compromise, but I'm not really seeing it that way. The Rubicon is better on crazy trails, the Sahara is better on-road and (perhaps) in light off-road.

I "get" the notion of wanting to buy the most capable, even it's not required. I mean, otherwise, 95% of the people in the world would be driving 50HP cars. We don't "need" anything more than that.

I'm not immune to that either, which is why if Jeep made a Rubicon with SelecTrac, I'd get that for sure. I don't see any real downside to a clutch-based transfer case, and I'm happy to rely on brake-locking for limited slip, but maybe I'm missing something. I might end up getting a Rubicon anyway, just because. The problem is that without having driven a part-time 4wd system, I just don't know how annoying it is in mixed-traction scenarios.

It's impossible to know from internet sources, because some people say that Jeeps are annoying/bad in the such scenarios, and others say it's fine. Some people claim leaving it in 4H is fine even in the rain, and they've never had drivetrain issues or noticeable wheel hop, and others say it's obnoxious and damaging, and that Wranglers are generally skittish in the snow. I've seen a Wrangler get stuck in the snow while an Accord got up the same hill without too much trouble, but maybe the Wrangler had crazy mud tires on that stink in the snow. Same thing on light trails - some folks say just putting it in 4H is fine, others say it's bad and/or unpleasant.

There's just a lot of uncertainty. But all the discussions about it are half the fun of getting a new car.

I do suspect that the JLU Rubicon will be better than ever on-road, in part from its KO2s, and presumably improved stability control (e.g. better brake-lock differentials).

 

[kurt13]

You can order a Sahara with a standard black hardtop. It's listed on the Jeep.com builder for $1095 vs $2095 for the painted top. The fenders are always painted, though.

This is news to me. I was sure black hard top wasn't an option (at least initially.) But you're right it's there now. Either it's an update or I've been missing it the entire time. Thanks for the correction.

 

[Tintop]

Ace engineering said 35s fit on the Sport they had with no issues, I would assume the Sahara would be same, you will also probably be able to get the Rubicon fenders and put those on the Sahara for extra clearance. As far as resale, all the Wranglers have great resale the difference between a Sahara and Rubicon will be minimal. As far as the wider axles that is great but there is no 17" diameter 35" tall tire that will fit on the factory Rubicon 7.5" wide wheels so you can just buy a aftermarket wheel with less backspacing.

Wait.... this is news to me. I can't fit a 35 KO2 on my upgraded jlur rims?

 

[ThirtyOne]

Wait.... this is news to me. I can't fit a 35 KO2 on my upgraded jlur rims?

People cheat and do it.

 

[Tintop]

People cheat and do it.

Thanks. Good to know. I was planning on selling the 33 ko2 immediately

 

[Snerf]

For those of us who had a chance to see the different Jeep models at the LA car show, the JL - both regular and unlimited - Rubicons look very, very good right out of the box. The only upgrade options necessary to match the ones shown on display are the upgraded rims, leather seats and steel bumpers. (The 2-door JL had OEM half-doors as well.)

From that perspective, for those who are interested in doing some modifications - cosmetic or mechanical - FCA has already done most of the work. I'm pretty sure we'll never take our JLUR off-road, but it will serve to be a safe convertible with good visibility to compete with all the other tall SUVs for fun, top-down week-end driving.

I've said this before, so at the risk of sounding boring, if you live in an area with inclement weather and need good variable torque AWD, you might consider looking at different brands. Subaru is an obvious option; more so since they introduced the Ascent (https://www.subaru.com/ascent). You can also get the Honda Pilot & Toyota Sienna in AWD. These cars are super solid, warm, quiet, reliable and capable.

I see the Jeep as more of a fun car, not a DD. Personally, I'm not into squeaky, drafty, noisy vehicles if it's something I have to live with every time I drive. That's why I don't get the Sahara; it seems to force a lot of compromises just to have an 'image' car. IMO, either go all the way with the Rubi knowing what you're in for, or look for something more sensible that you'll really enjoy as a DD.

 

[OldGuyNewJeep]

Meh. The decision was easy for me:

Rubicon = badass
Sahara = elegant yet capable

I wanted badass, and so I didn’t overthink it.

(Admittedly I had no choice because no 2dr JL Sahara, but I almost got a JK this summer and above was my rationale.)

I live in CT which sees its fair share of snow. Tires matter more than differentials in the snow...

My advice - don’t overthink the decision. Get whatever is going to make you smile when you get in it every day!

 

[Indio]

My thoughts exactly, and like I was always taught "better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it" (especially with a gun).

Of course, that axiom could apply to money as well. Moving up in models and options has a financial cost. People have been posting builds anywhere from the low 30's to 50's. More than a few pennies difference.

 

[Mac]

Wait.... this is news to me. I can't fit a 35 KO2 on my upgraded jlur rims?

You can do it, but it is outside the recommended wheel size for a 315mm or 12.5" wide tires, many tire place won't mount them for that reason.

 

[Snerf]

Moving up in models and options has a financial cost. People have been posting builds anywhere from the low 30's to 50's. More than a few pennies difference.

Which is why buyers should remain open minded and do their research. If a Jeep begins to move beyond an expected price/performance level, then people should be honest with themselves and consider other options. Of course, there are some who commit to certain decisions regardless of circumstances/facts, but they tend to make other poor life choices as well.

The JL Rubicon is a great car - a once-in-a-generation platform that will set the standard for years to come. But it is what it is, not what one may try to force as a substitute for other, more logical choices if it doesn't actually meet a set of needs.

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