2019 Rubicon Ride Quality

[ANBE]

Hello all,

I've been lurking for a little while because I'm about to place an order on either a 2019 Sahara or JLUR.
I test drove both models back to back today and I want to get some of your feedback.

While I'm really leaning towards the JLUR, I did find the ride very bouncy even on fairly flat roads. Is this typical and should be expected? The ride was so bouncy that I actually got a little car sick after 10 minutes of test drive. I drove the Sahara on a different route (which was a mistake) so I couldn't get a direct comparison but I didn't notice that bounciness as much.

I'm coming from a Mercedes Benz ML so I know the driving characteristics are day and night difference, which I'll need to get used to. I really want the Rubicon because it has been my dream car for a while and now I have the opportunity to finally own one.

Anyway, I was hoping someone can confirm if the constant bouncy feeling should be expected and something I'll need to get used to over time? I've already read on other threads that Rubicon is expected to ride a little stiffer, a little louder and less steering response but I was okay with everything else.

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[Shenanigans]

The 19 will have the same ride qualities as the 18. They smooth out slightly when you drop the tire pressure down to where it should be. Most dealers seem to overinflate the tires.

 

[ANBE]

The 19 will have the same ride qualities as the 18. They smooth out slightly when you drop the tire pressure down to where it should be. Most dealers seem to overinflate the tires.

Thanks JeepX3. But doesn't decreasing tire pressure only help with the stiffness of the ride? I would assume the bouncy feeling comes from the suspensions? Do you notice a consistent bounciness on yours?

 

[Shenanigans]

Thanks JeepX3. But doesn't decreasing tire pressure only help with the stiffness of the ride? I would assume the bouncy feeling comes from the suspensions? Do you notice a consistent bounciness on yours?

The tires are part of the suspension. A very critical part. Everything the Jeep rolls over gets translated to the vehicle by the tires. If they can absorb more of the road/bumps, the suspension doesn’t have to work so hard and it results in keeping your fillings in your head.

 

[Djmatt85]

Thanks JeepX3. But doesn't decreasing tire pressure only help with the stiffness of the ride? I would assume the bouncy feeling comes from the suspensions? Do you notice a consistent bounciness on yours?

Having the tire pressure set correctly vs overinflated will really help with ride quality. Tires will act somewhat like a shock absorber, so pressure is critical.

However, if you’re used to a Mercedes ML ride quality... switching to a straight axle wrangler will be significantly different. I don’t notice a bouncy ride on my Sahara, but it can’t compare to my BMW 5 series.

It might be worth test driving again and verifying correct tire pressure beforehand, then make your decision.

 

[Highonlyfe]

First things first : check tire pressure.

When i purchased my rubicon the ride was bouncy feeling as well.

Checked tire pressure at home and it was 48 psi.

The tire recommendation was 36 psi.

Dropped the tire pressure and it was night and day difference

 

[viper88]

Definitely go and test drive both again on the same roads and route after confirming tire pressure. I test drove both a Sahara and a Rubicon back to back on the same road and route. I did not check the tire pressure for either one. The Rubicon was firmer and bouncier. I actually prefer the firmer ride of the Rubicon. I am used to firmer sport car and sedans though.

Noise wise I thought both were very quiet for Wranglers. Better then my other 2 Wranglers. Definitely quieter road noise wise then my current cars. The Rubicon's K02s are quite for what they are. I actually thought the Rubicon was quieter then the Sahara. Some of the JLs I drove had slight wind noise from the hard top. This is a Wrangler quirk and adjustments to the tops might improve the sealing and noise.

 

[Hound Dog Lew]

I own an ML 350 and a 2 door Rubicon. The Rubicon is a definitely a soft, squishy ride compared to the Mercedes, but I don't feel like I am bouncing. All of my vehicles besides the Mercedes have tires with decent sidewall height which I prefer the feel of.

 

[jl73660]

Lets be candid, you cannot compare the ride of Mercedes ML SUV to that of a Wrangler JLU. Its not in the same universe, no disrespect to the Jeep. I owned a 2012 ML350, was the best, smoothest, precise (in terms of steering and ride quality) SUV vehicle i've ever been in.

 

[elcue]

I drive both back to back because I was in the same spot as you. I found the difference to be so minimal I went with the rubicon. If found the ride to be more tippy than bouncy but that’s a Jeep ride. I coming from and Acura MDX and an Infiniti QX80 which is also high and tippy so maybe I used to it. Not sure about the tire pressure but the ride wasn’t bouncy as you describe. I took the same course 20 min later and found the ride to be similar. I went with the rubicon should be shipped nov. 2 can’t wait

 

[Litfuse]

My tires were overinflated from the dealer too. I have been playing around with tire pressure and I find the recommended pressure of 37psi too much. For me, I find 34-35 just right to take away the bounce from the ride.

 

[ERIXJLUR]

Remember that lowering tire pressure will increase ride comfort, it will impact gas mileage.

I find that my Jeep tracks better and gets about 2 MPG more when set at 40 vs 34.

I would also guess that hard braking and turning are improved with the higher tire pressure.

Side note: I run 35”

 

[bem1]

@ANBE, maybe you were on a bumpy road? My Rubicon drives smooth as silk...no bouncing at all that I can tell. Tire pressure is at 40psi (maybe a little high?).

 

[hansolowookie]

@ANBE, maybe you were on a bumpy road? My Rubicon drives smooth as silk...no bouncing at all that I can tell. Tire pressure is at 40psi (maybe a little high?).

gee only 40 lbs? ya think'?

 

[bem1]

gee only 40 lbs? ya think'?

Yeah probably, but I didn't really notice. Have only drove on cement, and I have not changed it since picking it up from the dealership. Door sticker states it should be 37 PSI.

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