Confusion on Models/Trim Levels

[spaghettipie]

Sahara - Standard painted fenders, and most of the options from a Sport S are standard, available automatic 4 wheel drive, 18" aluminum wheels, 255/70R18 HT or AT tires, Automatic transmission equipped Saharas are now all Mild Hybrids (Etorque BSG)

Rubicon - same luxury features and optioins as a Sahara,

Between the link shared by toolman514 and the other posts, the trim differences are well covered. Not mentioned in the posts, but in the link: 2 door not available in Sahara, and Sahara gets an upgraded suspension compared to Sports/S (Rubicon is heavier duty than both).

Sahara is the only trim in USDM with an optional 5 position transfer case, 3.6 etorque, and leather wrapped dash panels (that are still designed be hosed down if you so desire).

Rubicon is the only trim in USDM with factory locking diffs, lower gearing, disconnecting sway bars, etc.

OP I do understand your question regarding the trims from the perspective that you need to think about the Jeep you want, and how you will use it. For some car models, it’s as easy as picking the highest trim and ticking all the boxes & building the most expensive version you can afford to have the best that model has to offer. With the JL, deciding first how you will use it will lead to more happiness with the trim you ultimately picked down the road, compared to just building the most expensive version you can. You can build a 59k+ Sahara, a 42k 4 door Rubicon, or even a 62k one - but what are your plans for it?

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[Sean L]

Are you lost? That Jeep behind you with the winch is coming to save you, isn't it?

lol! There are some pretty cool videos from his dash cam at least. He didn't get to use his winch this go around though.

 

[Timmyjoe]

Great explanation from all! Wouldn't this have been a better question asked prior to the
posters purchase?

Nope, as stated in my opening post, we love our 2019 Wrangler JL 2-Door Sport S.

Was just confused by all the different models we saw at the dealership, and on the road.

Thanks for everyone's replies.

Best, -Tim

 

[Timmyjoe]

OP I do understand your question regarding the trims from the perspective that you need to think about the Jeep you want, and how you will use it. For some car models, it’s as easy as picking the highest trim and ticking all the boxes & building the most expensive version you can afford to have the best that model has to offer. With the JL, deciding first how you will use it will lead to more happiness with the trim you ultimately picked down the road, compared to just building the most expensive version you can. You can build a 59k+ Sahara, a 42k 4 door Rubicon, or even a 62k one - but what are your plans for it?

We got the Jeep version that fit our budget, and fit what we needed it to do, which is mild off-road (like the dirt/gravel roads I had it on in Iowa on my way to an assignment last week) and the ability to get to my in-laws out in the country during our annual blizzards to dig them out. Would have gone with just a Sport, but the window cranks hit my knee when driving, and I knew that would drive me nuts in short order. The Sport S is working out very well for us.

I look at the Rubicon's in particular and like the aggressiveness of the package, but it was out of our price range, and though I was a serious off-roader in the early 1980's with my Toyota 4X4, those days are sadly behind me. The Rubicon wouldn't have gotten used for what it was designed for.

Best, -Tim

 

[Kraty1]

Sport - Base model, 17" steel wheels, 245/75R17 HT or AT tires

Sport S - Power windows/locks, tint, more available options, 17" aluminum wheels, 245/75R17 HT or AT tires

Black and Tan - Sport S with standard Tan Soft top and interior, 17" aluminum wheels, 245/75R17 AT tires

Sport Altitude - Sport S with standard Hard top, 18" black aluminum wheels, 255/70R18 HT tires

Willys - Sport S with upgraded suspension, 17" black aluminum wheels, 255/75R17 MT tires or 245/75R17 AT tires

Sahara - Standard painted fenders, and most of the options from a Sport S are standard, available automatic 4 wheel drive, 18" aluminum wheels, 255/70R18 HT or AT tires, Automatic transmission equipped Saharas are now all Mild Hybrids (Etorque BSG)

Rubicon - same luxury features and optioins as a Sahara, upgraded suspension, Dana 44 wide axle front and rear, locking differentials, electronically disconnecting sway bar, 4.10 axle ratio, 4:1 low gear transfer case, 17" aluminum wheels, 285/70R17 KO2 or MT tires

Sahara Altitude - Sahara with standard painted hard top, 18" black aluminum wheels, 255/70R18 HT or AT tires, Etorque for Automatic transmission.

MOAB (discontinued) - Fully loaded Sahara with upgraded suspension, Rubicon hood, Steel bumpers, automatic 4 wheel drive, 17" aluminum wheels, 255/75R17 KM2 tires

I just looked at my window sticker to double check, it says I have a 3rd gen. Dana 44 axle on my Sahara. Is that not normal? I see lots of people on the forums saying that’s a Rubi thing. Perhaps because I purchased in northern Minnesota?

 

[flot]

I just looked at my window sticker to double check, it says I have a 3rd gen. Dana 44 axle on my Sahara. Is that not normal? I see lots of people on the forums saying that’s a Rubi thing. Perhaps because I purchased in northern Minnesota?

You likely purchased the Limited Slip Differential (LSD). That gets you the more robust rear axle on automatic wranglers. (not the same as the Rubicon Axle though)

 

[Sean L]

I just looked at my window sticker to double check, it says I have a 3rd gen. Dana 44 axle on my Sahara. Is that not normal? I see lots of people on the forums saying that’s a Rubi thing. Perhaps because I purchased in northern Minnesota?

If you have the Limited slip differential it will come with a Dana 44 rear axle.

 

[Kraty1]

If you have the Limited slip differential it will come with a Dana 44 rear axle.

assuming “anti-spin differential” = LSD, thanks!

 

[jeepn618]

Sport: Base model. 2 or 4 door

Sport S - Adds some convenience features such as windows, remote lock. 2 or 4 door

Sahara: Adds “luxury” features such as nav, leather, silver trim in headlights and bumper, Sahara badge. Only 4 door

Rubicon: Best for off roading. Lifted. Sway bar release and more. 2 or 4 door

There are several Limited addition trims each model phase (JK, JL ...). Altitude, Willys, etc. These usually do not affect the performance but are more for aesthetics.

 

[S2k Chris]

The way to think about it is the hierarchy looks like this:

              __________  luxury
------------< __________  Off Road

$0k                             $0000K

There's the Sport and Sport S which are along the left part of the line, the Sport S a little farther right than the Sport.

Then there are two branches, one towards "luxury" and one towards "off road" and the various models fall along there. On the OffRoad branch is the Moab and then the Rubicon, and on the "luxury" branch is the Sahara and maybe some other "color and badge" special editions. Just because the Sahara and Rubicon are priced similarly doesn't make them similar in mission or level of luxury.

 

[MALL R8D]

The way to think about it is the hierarchy looks like this:

              __________  luxury
------------< __________  Off Road

$0k                             $0000K

There's the Sport and Sport S which are along the left part of the line, the Sport S a little farther right than the Sport.

Then there are two branches, one towards "luxury" and one towards "off road" and the various models fall along there. On the OffRoad branch is the Moab and then the Rubicon, and on the "luxury" branch is the Sahara and maybe some other "color and badge" special editions. Just because the Sahara and Rubicon are priced similarly doesn't make them similar in mission or level of luxury.

What luxury option is available on the Sahara that is not on the Rubicon?

 

[Sean L]

The way to think about it is the hierarchy looks like this:

              __________  luxury
------------< __________  Off Road

$0k                             $0000K

There's the Sport and Sport S which are along the left part of the line, the Sport S a little farther right than the Sport.

Then there are two branches, one towards "luxury" and one towards "off road" and the various models fall along there. On the OffRoad branch is the Moab and then the Rubicon, and on the "luxury" branch is the Sahara and maybe some other "color and badge" special editions. Just because the Sahara and Rubicon are priced similarly doesn't make them similar in mission or level of luxury.

I agree that the Rubicon is geared for heavier off roading than the Sahara and Sport models, but at the same time they're also pretty loaded with luxury features. Both of the Rubicons I've driven were far more luxurious than my Sahara. They had leather seats, 8.4 nav, subwoofers, heated seats, and one had the painted hard top and the other had the sky one touch. My Sahara? LEDs and the black hard top (when I have it on) are pretty much the only luxury options its got.

 

[MALL R8D]

I agree that the Rubicon is geared for heavier off roading than the Sahara and Sport models, but at the same time they're also pretty loaded with luxury features. Both of the Rubicons I've driven were far more luxurious than my Sahara. They had leather seats, 8.4 nav, subwoofers, heated seats, and one had the painted hard top and the other had the sky one touch. My Sahara? LEDs and the black hard top (when I have it on) are pretty much the only luxury options its got.

That is what always confuses me. People talk about getting a Sahara vs a Rubicon like they are buying a Mercedes vs a Bronco. The ride and options overlap.

Sahara has chrome, which I consider aesthetics, not a luxury option.

Sahara has LSD optional, but not standard, correct?

I'm being genuine. Is there something I am missing that would make the Sahara feel like you are driving a cloud vs the Rubicon?

 

[Sean L]

That is what always confuses me. People talk about getting a Sahara vs a Rubicon like they are buying a Mercedes vs a Bronco. The ride and options overlap.

Sahara has chrome, which I consider aesthetics, not a luxury option.

Sahara has LSD optional, but not standard, correct?

I'm being genuine. Is there something I am missing that would make the Sahara feel like you are driving a cloud vs the Rubicon?

LSD is optional, and I do have that.

But honestly, when I swapped the suspension to a Rubicon takeoff I really didn't notice much difference. Its an inch higher, and has longer travel when I disconnect the sway bars, but that's about it.

 

[entropy]

assuming “anti-spin differential” = LSD, thanks!

Yea LSD. Jeep calls it "anti-spin differential". It is a type of "locker" that works better than the brake lockers, but not as well as the Rubicon on-demand lockers.

FYI. It works amazingly well on the trail, it is NOT like the average LSD. Its gotten me out a few times on situations with wheels on the air. You can feel the traction on the well that's not on the air and it is really good. Get yourself a Rubi suspension and a wrench set or quick disconnects and you can tackle a LOT of terrain.

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