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2021 vs 2013 wrangler

Jeepteach21

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Jeep Cares (not my dealer) just updated me that my new Jeep is in the shipping phase! I haven’t had a chance to drive the new Jeep’s. I know there’s going to be a lot more technology since my sport from 2013. Has anyone went from a 13 to 21? Will it drive differently? Will I notice any big changes?
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Suffolklou

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If you are getting an automatic, it will be like night and day. The 8 speed is so much better. I went from a 14 to a 20. When i first teat drove a 18 JL i though meh, but it is much better in a few categories. The auto trans stands out the most.
 

RoadiJeff

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Jeep Cares (not my dealer) just updated me that my new Jeep is in the shipping phase! I haven’t had a chance to drive the new Jeep’s. I know there’s going to be a lot more technology since my sport from 2013. Has anyone went from a 13 to 21? Will it drive differently? Will I notice any big changes?
We went from a 2013 JK Sahara to a 2020 JLU Recon about a year ago. The 2.0L turbo and 8-speed trans makes a big difference in performance. That, and my wife now gets 22 mpg as a dd vs 17 mpg she was getting with her old JK.

Her JLU rides a lot smoother, probably has a lot to do with the longer 4-dr wheelbase, and it is somewhat quieter in the cabin. Her old JK had an annoying air leak near the driver A-post for years that we could never track down. Also, she can actually see while driving at night with the LED headlights, unlike the two candles they used for headlights in the JK.
 

Ruby Clatterbox

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Wife had a 13 Sahara 2 dr and traded for a 21 Willys 2 dr. Both manual trans/V6. I really like the newer 6spd compared to the older one, but the new clutch just doesn't feel right to me. VERY easy effort takes some time to get used to compared to the 13. As stated, the new auto is miles ahead of the old one (I have the auto in mine). The Willys rides harsher because of MT tires and Rubi shocks so apples to oranges there. That said, even with MT tires my 20 Rubi rides just as smooth as my 14 Altitude did on AT's, just feels much heavier in the corners because it's over 5k lbs. 🦏
 

aldo98229

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Yes, the linkage on the Aisin 6-speed is a lot better than on the old Tremec. But the new transmission has had at least 2 recalls already. And the last TSB doesn’t even fix the problem.
 

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jludave

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I went from a '15 Sahara with 3.6 automatic to a '20 Sport Altitude with a 3.6 automatic. I didn't think it would be, but the difference is substantial. The 3.6 mated to the new 8 speed transmission is so much better than what was in my '15. Shifts are smooth and power is always there when needed. My '15 would seem sluggish on occasion when accelerating on the highway.
 

Ruby Clatterbox

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Yes, the linkage on the Aisin 6-speed is a lot better than on the old Tremec. But the new transmission has had at least 2 recalls already. And the last TSB doesn’t even fix the problem.
I've only gotten the recall for the clutch/detune software and wasn't aware of any others.
 

aldo98229

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Hogdreamer

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Test drove a new Wrangler in 2013 but knew the harsh ride wouldn't do it for me. Funny because I'm sure my 1978 Jeep CJ5 rode much worse than that but I never even noticed. Of course that was in 1980 so I didn't really know any better.
Test drove a JL Wrangler in 2018 and immediately felt the ride quality difference compared to the JK. I test drove one about every 8 months just to be sure I could be happy.
Finally decided it was time and ordered a 2021 Sahara Altitude last month. It is now built and waiting for shipping. Looking forward to spending many hours in my new Jeep.
 

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brewski

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I went from a 2015 to a 2021. Huge difference in on-road manners. Softtop function is upgraded and if you have people/kids in the back seat, that is an improvement (easier to get in and out).
 

kmmn

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I have 2013 and 2014 Sorts and a 2021 80th Anniversary EcoDiesel... I test drove several 2021s... The are much smoother and more refined.
 

jdpatt12

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I had no intention to get rid of my 2013 gecko. When I drove and seen the 2018 I knew I would soon be getting one. So glad I did. I plan to keep this one for a long time. (at least that’s what I tell my wife and kids) I tend to buy a lot of new vehicles. The difference is night and day.

3EFEF135-7E5F-413C-A149-73C30999FC1B.jpeg
 

wolf

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We went from a 2013 JK Sahara to a 2020 JLU Recon about a year ago. The 2.0L turbo and 8-speed trans makes a big difference in performance. That, and my wife now gets 22 mpg as a dd vs 17 mpg she was getting with her old JK.

Her JLU rides a lot smoother, probably has a lot to do with the longer 4-dr wheelbase, and it is somewhat quieter in the cabin. Her old JK had an annoying air leak near the driver A-post for years that we could never track down. Also, she can actually see while driving at night with the LED headlights, unlike the two candles they used for headlights in the JK.
FYI I had an exhaust smell in my (not my jeep) vehicle. Go purchase a smoke emitter, not expensive and turn on your fan full, then let the smoke fill the vehicle get out close the door and watch where the smoke comes out. There is your leak. Turned out both tail lights needed to be sealed.
 

konakona

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I went from a 2012 JKU 3.6 on 2.5 lift on 35s locked with 4.56 gears to a 21 Sahara diesel

Jeep Wrangler JL 2021 vs 2013 wrangler 37924440-3EB3-40D8-83F9-A703575D4F84


I’ll speak to interior and ride since drive ability is hard to debate since engine wise not the 3.6

I have the Mopar liner and even with this the interior sounds more loud and I hear more wind noise than the jk

Front seats I feel are less comfortable than the jk as I get tired on a long trip. The front seat tilts kind of downward in the front making it a little uncomfortable for me on a long drive no matter how I adjust or position it

Auto start stop is stupid and annoying but you can turn it off with hitting a button

last biggest downfall. I’ve already spent a ton on mods and am spending a ton more by months end.... the JL is murdering my account literally
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