2025 Willys Xtreme vs 2025 Base Rubicon

[WrangleredUp]

I'm in the market for my first Jeep Wrangler. After some searching, I found a new 2025 Willys Xtreme35 for around 50K. I also was able to find a new 2025 Base Rubicon (Non X) for around the same price. I am aware of the obvious differences between the two but am having a hard time deciding which Jeep is the best buy for me. My plans are to drive on road for 90% of the time but would definitely like to take the Jeep on moderate trails/beach. I'm not sure if I would ever consider true rock crawling, because this is my daily driver. I do not plan to do any major mods anytime soon. I would appreciate any input.

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[jadmt]

post the window stickers so options can be compared... definitely nice to have 4.56 of the extreme but if you will never go bigger than 35's the 4.10's of the rubicon will be fine and the front locker is nice and so is the 4.1 transfer case...

 

[deznut6]

look for the creature comforts ( 90% on road) - heated seats, steering wheel, upgraded stereo, leather seats...what makes you happy to get in it and drive?
I tow my Willys behind my RV...use it to explore off road trails...with the heat out here in Nevada...cloth seats are a must have option...hth

 

[kansasboy91]

I was pretty much where you were when I bought my '22 Rubicon. I went all out and ordered it with just about every option. My advice is really really think about what you want to do with it. You say what you said now but, it very well could change. I bout my JLUR with the intent of going to CO for forest service roads. Now, I'm wondering if I keep my JLUR as is and build a different crawler or put 42's on it in a few years. I would reach out to a local jeep club if you have one close by. That's what got me wheeling and thought me so much. Plus the social aspect is amazing. I REALLY did not think that I would be considering a rock crawler after a few years but, things change after you see where you want to go. The Wrangler is very adaptable to very fine niches weather it be trail riding, street, rock crawling, overloading, etc. Really think before you pull the trigger. If I would have known I would have gone more basic since I've pretty much pulled almost every option I ordered it with off at this point.


P.S. Carpets are easy to pull out but, find you a double jointed buddy to help you put them back in.

 

[WrangleredUp]

I have posted the two window stickers. I am aware that this specific Rubicon has Leather, but I prefer cloth. If I purchase the Willys XR, it will remain mostly stock, because I like how the package is built from the factory under warranty. My main concerns are that I will be losing the 4:1 and the front locker, but gaining 4.56 gears and bigger brakes on the Willys XR. I would be able to add quick disconnects. Would only having a rear locker stock in the Willys XR be sufficient for my off-road uses? I also wouldn’t plan to go up from the 33s that come standard on the Rubi in the immediate future. Stock wise, I like the look of the Willys much better because of the 35s and the fact that I’m not a huge fan of red. I’m not sure if the small off-road improvements from the Rubi are worth the sacrifice in tire size, gearing, and overall cosmetics, due to the fact that most of my off-roading will be moderate trails.

 

[wanderer]

go rubicon you can add 35s and other stuff alot easier that catching the willys

 

[Jeep Wick]

I have posted the two window stickers. I am aware that this specific Rubicon has Leather, but I prefer cloth. If I purchase the Willys XR, it will remain mostly stock, because I like how the package is built from the factory under warranty. My main concerns are that I will be losing the 4:1 and the front locker, but gaining 4.56 gears and bigger brakes on the Willys XR. I would be able to add quick disconnects. Would only having a rear locker stock in the Willys XR be sufficient for my off-road uses? I also wouldn’t plan to go up from the 33s that come standard on the Rubi in the immediate future. Stock wise, I like the look of the Willys much better because of the 35s and the fact that I’m not a huge fan of red. I’m not sure if the small off-road improvements from the Rubi are worth the sacrifice in tire size, gearing, and overall cosmetics, due to the fact that most of my off-roading will be moderate trails.

I traded my Rubicon for what is basically a Willys XR with limited slip and would do again. You get better knuckles and axles, and with the 4.56 gears it's 75% of the Rubicon crawl ratio.

 

[embedded rock]

JLUWX wins over the JLUR for myself. The JL(U)WX is a capable off-roader vehicle.

My next Wrangler will be a Rubicon with the Xtreme package.

Comfort package is a must for myself.

 

[JKJ]

I was in the same boat and did the Willys with 35s. Built my 2011 JK a couple times over and didn’t want to do it again. The Willys has more than enough capability for me plus everything Is warrantied . Rides great. Gearing is superb for daily driving. Front lockers weren’t really an issue as I’ve never had them and rock crawling isnt in my wheelhouse currently. A lot of people buy and build and think they should have gone rubicon but that isn’t my case.

 

[Soapy]

The willys will be plenty of vehicle for what you are doing. I just bought a 2 door Rubicon X last month that stickered at 65.5 K and paid 52K for it.

 

[WrangleredUp]

Would the Willys Xtreme do well if I ever wanted to do some actual rock crawling in a place like Moab? Does anyone have any experience in rock crawling with a Willys XR? Thank you for all of the great feedback so far.

 

[embedded rock]

My JLUWX has been to Moab. Drove Fin-n-Things. Heading back to Moab for five days after Labor Day.

Here's where I have driven so far. It's an easy read with pictures.

https://adventuringwrangler.wordpress.com/

 

[WrangleredUp]

My JLUWX has been to Moab. Drove Fin-n-Things. Heading back to Moab for five days after Labor Day.

Here's where I have driven so far. It's an easy read with pictures.

https://adventuringwrangler.wordpress.com/

Thanks for the info. I am definitely leaning more towards the Willys because of everything I am getting from the factory. Can’t really beat the look of the XR imo. You mentioned that your next Jeep would be a Rubi XR. What’s the need for the jump to a Rubi?

 

[WrangleredUp]

Just wanted to add a bit more info. Both the Willys XR and Rubi will have the 8 spd auto and 3.6L V6. They will also both be in the Joose color. Below is an image of the Willys XR I am looking at.

 

[Upnover]

If you don’t want leather, get the Willys. For the cost of the leather you can add a front locker if you want to.

I personally think the Willys XR is a great value.

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