Finally suited up for a test drive (comments and concerns)

[Moreace]

Finally suited up and made it out for a test drive.
No highway nearby this dealership and had limited time with the car, may go again at another dealership.
Last Wrangler was a 2005 LJ

Initial thoughts:

• Awesome vehicle
• Impressed w/ the 4 cylinder turbo. Great power and feel.
• Steered toward pot holes. Suspension was great. Didn't expect this level of refinement
• SOT roof was awesome. Nice and wide open. Dealer had plastic everywhere so wasn't able to judge noise issues with just front window down vs all windows, etc.
• I went in as a Granite Crystal guy... but left as a Sing-gray guy. Wasn't expecting that. Much better in person than on the computer.

Concerns (open to thoughts and owner feedback here):

• Rear access: Not easy getting in and out of the back. My legs constantly hit the large hump caused from the rear wheelwell. The opening is narrow and there is limited place to put your feet on the running board. I see this being problematic for older people or kids (I have a 4 year old, not sure he could get in and out). Plus we need to put the baby (9 months) in.
• Seats: They were very hard. Not sure if that is why my back is feeling a little off. Do they soften over time? Ok on longer drives? Feels weird having a $50,000+ car with no power seats or memory.
• Steering: Felt soft with give. I know this has been discussed 100x in this forum. I got it up to 80 for short bursts given that I didn't want to go to jail. Get's worse after 70. Is this something you get used to, do you stop noticing it after time? Is it dangerous or hard to keep straight on the highway?
• Nylon door limiter: This was a random annoyance. Very stiff and was brushing up against my leg the entire test drive.
• Windows: The rear windows in the SOT all had clips in the prevent rattle. Hope there isn't an issue when these come out. Not sure why they need them in the first place.
• It's a Jeep: Generally the door closing felt clunkier than I am used to (not soft and smooth). Didn't fully close a few times. Steering felt harder to turn. This is just general stuff that is different as I am used to driving my car for so long.

The dealership claimed they don't or no longer trade vehicles with other dealer, nor to they have partially built Jeep's at the plant where you can still reconfigure your options.

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[nerubi]

Finally suited up and made it out for a test drive.
No highway nearby this dealership and had limited time with the car, may go again at another dealership.
Last Wrangler was a 2005 LJ

Initial thoughts:

• Awesome vehicle
• Impressed w/ the 4 cylinder turbo. Great power and feel.
• Steered toward pot holes. Suspension was great. Didn't expect this level of refinement
• SOT roof was awesome. Nice and wide open. Dealer had plastic everywhere so wasn't able to judge noise issues with just front window down vs all windows, etc.
• I went in as a Granite Crystal guy... but left as a Sing-gray guy. Wasn't expecting that. Much better in person than on the computer.

Concerns (open to thoughts and owner feedback here):

• Rear access: Not easy getting in and out of the back. My legs constantly hit the large hump caused from the rear wheelwell. The opening is narrow and there is limited place to put your feet on the running board. I see this being problematic for older people or kids (I have a 4 year old, not sure he could get in and out). Plus we need to put the baby (9 months) in.
• Seats: They were very hard. Not sure if that is why my back is feeling a little off. Do they soften over time? Ok on longer drives? Feels weird having a $50,000+ car with no power seats or memory.
• Steering: Felt soft with give. I know this has been discussed 100x in this forum. I got it up to 80 for short bursts given that I didn't want to go to jail. Get's worse after 70. Is this something you get used to, do you stop noticing it after time? Is it dangerous or hard to keep straight on the highway?
• Nylon door limiter: This was a random annoyance. Very stiff and was brushing up against my leg the entire test drive.
• Windows: The rear windows in the SOT all had clips in the prevent rattle. Hope there isn't an issue when these come out. Not sure why they need them in the first place.
• It's a Jeep: Generally the door closing felt clunkier than I am used to (not soft and smooth). Didn't fully close a few times. Steering felt harder to turn. This is just general stuff that is different as I am used to driving my car for so long.

The dealership claimed they don't or no longer trade vehicles with other dealer, nor to they have partially built Jeep's at the plant where you can still reconfigure your options.

Rear access - was it a 2 door or 4 door? 2 door is only for kids in the back. Took the rear seat out of mine first day. Four door is somewhat tight to get in and out but better than the J K.
Seats - I've driven 24 hours straight in mine and no discomfort. And this is a Wrangler not a Grand Cherokee. Take doors, roof off and drive through a stream with it. Power seats not a good mix with that.
Steering - depends who you are. Some people bitch about it others think it is fine.
Door limiter - do you mean the door strap that keeps the door from opening 180 degrees? Never been a problem for me.
Windows - window clips, don't know never seen an SOT.
Not a car, not like most other SUVs. So for going to the mall not the best vehicle. Going elsewhere it can't be beat.

 

[Moreace]

Good catch. This is a 4 door.
Meant for all around. Everyday family vehicle including the mall, northeast winter driver, beach cruiser, light off road trips/ camping.

 

[txj2go]

I only have one question- will my wife tolerate it for a 750 mile trip in one day? I'm going to have to try to rent one to get that question answered.

 

[nerubi]

I only have one question- will my wife tolerate it for a 750 mile trip in one day? I'm going to have to try to rent one to get that question answered.

I always used to wonder if my wife would tolerate me for a 750 mile trip.

 

[jeepster345]

Finally suited up and made it out for a test drive.
No highway nearby this dealership and had limited time with the car, may go again at another dealership.
Last Wrangler was a 2005 LJ

Initial thoughts:

• Awesome vehicle
• Impressed w/ the 4 cylinder turbo. Great power and feel.
• Steered toward pot holes. Suspension was great. Didn't expect this level of refinement
• SOT roof was awesome. Nice and wide open. Dealer had plastic everywhere so wasn't able to judge noise issues with just front window down vs all windows, etc.
• I went in as a Granite Crystal guy... but left as a Sing-gray guy. Wasn't expecting that. Much better in person than on the computer.

Concerns (open to thoughts and owner feedback here):

• Rear access: Not easy getting in and out of the back. My legs constantly hit the large hump caused from the rear wheelwell. The opening is narrow and there is limited place to put your feet on the running board. I see this being problematic for older people or kids (I have a 4 year old, not sure he could get in and out). Plus we need to put the baby (9 months) in.
• Seats: They were very hard. Not sure if that is why my back is feeling a little off. Do they soften over time? Ok on longer drives? Feels weird having a $50,000+ car with no power seats or memory.
• Steering: Felt soft with give. I know this has been discussed 100x in this forum. I got it up to 80 for short bursts given that I didn't want to go to jail. Get's worse after 70. Is this something you get used to, do you stop noticing it after time? Is it dangerous or hard to keep straight on the highway?
• Nylon door limiter: This was a random annoyance. Very stiff and was brushing up against my leg the entire test drive.
• Windows: The rear windows in the SOT all had clips in the prevent rattle. Hope there isn't an issue when these come out. Not sure why they need them in the first place.
• It's a Jeep: Generally the door closing felt clunkier than I am used to (not soft and smooth). Didn't fully close a few times. Steering felt harder to turn. This is just general stuff that is different as I am used to driving my car for so long.

The dealership claimed they don't or no longer trade vehicles with other dealer, nor to they have partially built Jeep's at the plant where you can still reconfigure your options.

Hey. Just some of my thoughts about what you're saying.

-The backseat even in the 4 door has never been that comfortable to me. I always hit my hip on the door latch while getting out. It should be easy enough for little kids as long as you have some sort of step or grab for them to use. As for the power seats, Jeep claims this is because of water fording and having motors and electronics that low in the body.

-They changed the foam in the seats after the first year. I have a 2018 and mine are very cushioned. My brother has a 2020 Gladiator with the same seats and they feel very firm.

-Steering is what it is and seems to differ from Jeep to Jeep. Mine isn't bad, but I feel like driving on any highway at 80 will be pretty difficult in a Jeep. I've driven both the Wrangler and Gladiator on the highway and the longer wheelbase makes a huge difference.

-The door limiter softens over time and can be moved around.

-If those clips were around the glass of the window, they should have been removed.

-The new Jeep's door is designed to be that clunky and make that sound. The JL has the door holder which keeps it open without it slamming back on your leg. This makes it a little rougher and less ergonomic

 

[Moreace]

Thanks. Also perfect sense on the power seats. Wasn’t a big deal. Going to take one out and tell them I need to bring it home (15 min away) and let my kid climb in and out.

 

[Moreace]

Took out another today (V6). Needed to take them out side by side, but I liked the 4 cylinder and had no problems. Not worth a $1,200 upgrade and worse gas mileage.

Also realized that the door limiter strap was hitting my leg when fully extended how I had it, but when I put it in a more normal position, where the future dead pedal would have it, there was no issue.

 

[jessedacri]

Took out another today (V6). Needed to take them out side by side, but I liked the 4 cylinder and had no problems. Not worth a $1,200 upgrade and worse gas mileage.

Also realized that the door limiter strap was hitting my leg when fully extended how I had it, but when I put it in a more normal position, where the future dead pedal would have it, there was no issue.

Are they charging more for the 3.6 these days? It used to be the opposite. I love my 3.6 and I drove a 2.0 for a month as well. Couldn't do the econobox sounds when the 3.6 sounds so throaty, but I did appreciate the mileage bump.

 

[txj2go]

Today I rented a JLU Sport from Avis. My wife and I had limited time available so we did some freeway driving. I was impressed by how well the car drove. The brakes required a lot of force if you wanted to stop quickly. The steering is fairly easy and doesn't have much feel. It was no problem holding a straight line on the freeway but if you took your eyes off the road I think it could wander a little bit. There was about as much wind noise as I expected. I'm not sure either one of us would like it for an all day trip.

 

[Yellow109r]

I purchased my JLRU in Arkansas in 2018 (600 miles one way)
Had the wife, my 8 year old and 1 year old with us. It was fine we stayed a couple days and drove back.

 

[midwestmaob]

Will throw in my .02. as it sounds like your much like me (jeep poser) vs. full on. I'm 6 2" 250 bills w/ 2019 Moab with SOT (first jeep). I don't mean to offend, but the questions your asking are more consumer reports practical type stuff than full on Jeep person.

- I test drove Rubicon with SOT about this time last year...same exact impressions as yourself.
- Left thinking a bit wtf for virtually $60K vehicle. Same general thoughts as yours except never had issue with door limiter. (hard seats, no power seat, refinement sucks, clunky knobs, the inside of top frame in back isn't even painted, ac delco like electronics feel, etc. It's a jeep, will the SOT work 30 days later., will the back windows fall out, etc.
- On wtf impulse looked at and bought a Moab with SOT a month later-- full well knowing I was either going to love the thing or absolutely hate it. (being pretty serious actually)
- Freakin love it.
- Looking to but another for wife and kids to share. (wife has other car..we have old clunker for kids). My biggest issue is wanting one with SOT, but knowing it's completely excessive AF for kids and wife 2nd car, but knowing I'll get call from daughter that she's at "x" and they cant get the top to seal properly or some nonsense--even after spending hours with her to go through everything.

That said...

I'd probably steer you against it, unless it was full blown second vehicle for yourself OR, you know its going to be a bit clunky with kid and use your wifes vehicle for road trips, etc.

IMO backseat would be complete PIA in and out with a younger kid. I never ride in the back myself and could care less what it feels like for my kids or their friends. (I say that, knowing they are fine and don't notice anything...but lugging child in and out, not my thing--they love it and don't comment about it being small, etc...my son's 6 foot.

For roadtrips of 350 miles, etc its fine, but not a Q7 or even a Minivan. Heavy wind for anything other than local driving is a nightmare. I'm not talking wind in the face, I'm talking being blown all over the road. (on open expressway with heavy winds). Anything long than 350 miles would be uncomfortable and not desired for me.

I'll say I'm the type of guy that could give 2 shits what anyone else thinks or status of a vehicle. When I had kids your age I could have bought the 3 row SUV but bought a minivan because I knew it would fit all needs and be super easy with kids. I still have the van 13 years later and use it with seats pulled for work.

If you do go for it, I would highly encourage the SOT. Game changer in terms of being able to just enjoy the open jeep and not mess with tops.

With a kid that age, your not going to want to mess with lifts, open closing, etc...it's just a reality--esp given the practical questions and thoughts your having

I apologize in advance ...don't mean to sound like a pomp jag, I realize there are many people that really enjoy and get on with other tops, but most of them are full on "jeep" people. They enjoy swapping tops, tinkering, etc. Just being honest with myself, I know that I don't have patience for it. Being able to open top virtually anytime in get in the thing and close if rain, it's awesome.

A more budget way to go would be to look for one with "sun and sound" (or sound and sun?) package. As seems to be the consensus, premium sound is worth it, esp with top down. That said, I'd want bigger wheels, bit more lift, etc. and then it's hours doing research, spending more cash to make sure FCA is peachy with it, or voiding a warranty..... Again, not knocking and for many it's fun doing research, doing custom things to make unique etc and I think it's cool myself, but work 15 hours a day and just don't have time--right now, will totally change in future.

Good luck with decision, if you go for it, let us know how goes!

 

[nerubi]

I need to go to the doctor to see if something is wrong with my nervius system. I'Ve driven my JK and JL many time for 24 hours straight and not had any discomfort. Neither one had any steering issues. It is not a Mercedes G class, Acura, Lexus so why expect that level of comfort or luxury in a Wrangler. If you want those than but them.
And the SOT is just a leak source waiting to happen especially being a new option.

 

[Notorious]

Concerns (open to thoughts and owner feedback here):

Rear access: Not easy getting in and out of the back. My legs constantly hit the large hump caused from the rear wheelwell. The opening is narrow and there is limited place to put your feet on the running board. I see this being problematic for older people or kids (I have a 4 year old, not sure he could get in and out). Plus we need to put the baby (9 months) in.

This is not an issue. Kids and adults fit just fine back there. If you’ve never sat in a Wrangler before, the first two times can feel weird getting in. But then you become used to it and it’s a non issue.

Seats: They were very hard. Not sure if that is why my back is feeling a little off. Do they soften over time? Ok on longer drives? Feels weird having a $50,000+ car with no power seats or memory.

Hmmm... your buttocks will grow to love them and the heat from your rear cheeks will soften them up over time okay.

 

[Moreace]

Will throw in my .02. as it sounds like your much like me (jeep poser) vs. full on. I'm 6 2" 250 bills w/ 2019 Moab with SOT (first jeep). I don't mean to offend, but the questions your asking are more consumer reports practical type stuff than full on Jeep person.

- I test drove Rubicon with SOT about this time last year...same exact impressions as yourself.
- Left thinking a bit wtf for virtually $60K vehicle. Same general thoughts as yours except never had issue with door limiter. (hard seats, no power seat, refinement sucks, clunky knobs, the inside of top frame in back isn't even painted, ac delco like electronics feel, etc. It's a jeep, will the SOT work 30 days later., will the back windows fall out, etc.
- On wtf impulse looked at and bought a Moab with SOT a month later-- full well knowing I was either going to love the thing or absolutely hate it. (being pretty serious actually)
- Freakin love it.
- Looking to but another for wife and kids to share. (wife has other car..we have old clunker for kids). My biggest issue is wanting one with SOT, but knowing it's completely excessive AF for kids and wife 2nd car, but knowing I'll get call from daughter that she's at "x" and they cant get the top to seal properly or some nonsense--even after spending hours with her to go through everything.

That said...

I'd probably steer you against it, unless it was full blown second vehicle for yourself OR, you know its going to be a bit clunky with kid and use your wifes vehicle for road trips, etc.

IMO backseat would be complete PIA in and out with a younger kid. I never ride in the back myself and could care less what it feels like for my kids or their friends. (I say that, knowing they are fine and don't notice anything...but lugging child in and out, not my thing--they love it and don't comment about it being small, etc...my son's 6 foot.

For roadtrips of 350 miles, etc its fine, but not a Q7 or even a Minivan. Heavy wind for anything other than local driving is a nightmare. I'm not talking wind in the face, I'm talking being blown all over the road. (on open expressway with heavy winds). Anything long than 350 miles would be uncomfortable and not desired for me.

I'll say I'm the type of guy that could give 2 shits what anyone else thinks or status of a vehicle. When I had kids your age I could have bought the 3 row SUV but bought a minivan because I knew it would fit all needs and be super easy with kids. I still have the van 13 years later and use it with seats pulled for work.

If you do go for it, I would highly encourage the SOT. Game changer in terms of being able to just enjoy the open jeep and not mess with tops.

With a kid that age, your not going to want to mess with lifts, open closing, etc...it's just a reality--esp given the practical questions and thoughts your having

I apologize in advance ...don't mean to sound like a pomp jag, I realize there are many people that really enjoy and get on with other tops, but most of them are full on "jeep" people. They enjoy swapping tops, tinkering, etc. Just being honest with myself, I know that I don't have patience for it. Being able to open top virtually anytime in get in the thing and close if rain, it's awesome.

A more budget way to go would be to look for one with "sun and sound" (or sound and sun?) package. As seems to be the consensus, premium sound is worth it, esp with top down. That said, I'd want bigger wheels, bit more lift, etc. and then it's hours doing research, spending more cash to make sure FCA is peachy with it, or voiding a warranty..... Again, not knocking and for many it's fun doing research, doing custom things to make unique etc and I think it's cool myself, but work 15 hours a day and just don't have time--right now, will totally change in future.

Good luck with decision, if you go for it, let us know how goes!

Thank you for the thorough write up of your thoughts. Helpful. Would have loved a MOAB SOT, but not any to be found around here. Full update on my next post here.

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