JL vs JLU on value, safety, and practically

[Headbarcode]

A 2 door will be more maneuverable in tight city streets and trails, and it won't drag its belly as much when climbing over things.

A 4 door will be a bit more stable at highway speeds, especially with a crosswind. Extra space for cargo and rear passengers is obvious. Offroad, it'll be more stable during steeper climbs and drop-offs.

When it comes to lift and larger tires, a 2 door doesn't need to go as big to get the same impact both visually and functionally.

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[blnewt]

With these things flying off dealer lots and inventory w/ all vehicles pretty low it may be tough to find a 2dr and a 4dr on the lot at the same time to give them both a drive. If possible I would look at driving each model (in the trim package you want) and see what you think. Also if possible, try the V6 & the turbo 4 as well.
Good luck w/ your endeavor and let us know what you end up with

 

[wandrur]

I went Unlimited two Jeeps ago for the towing capacity. When/if I need to move again, I will benefit significantly from the increased capacity to get my stuff from point A to point B. The additional space for things like runs to Home Depot and the German Shepherd I have had for over a year now just makes the four door that much more practical for me.

Also, the turning radius on the JLUR is leaps ahead of that of my previous JKU. I didn't compare the JL to the JLU on turning, though, so maybe it was an across the board improvement.

 

[Notorious]

Drive both two door and the four door. These vehicles perform just fine on the highway as well as off road. When it comes to safety, they’re only as safe as the driver.

 

[Jeepster21]

Had a rental several weeks ago while on travel for a four-door sport with the smaller non-nobby wheels.

Then test drove a two-door over the weekend which was a Rubicon thicker tread tires and obviously it drove differently.

Need to still try and drive a four-door Rubicon.

With these things flying off dealer lots and inventory w/ all vehicles pretty low it may be tough to find a 2dr and a 4dr on the lot at the same time to give them both a drive. If possible I would look at driving each model (in the trim package you want) and see what you think. Also if possible, try the V6 & the turbo 4 as well.
Good luck w/ your endeavor and let us know what you end up with

 

[Jeepster21]

Forgot to mention the four-door had the turbo and the two-door had the V6. Overall found the turbo to be much more enjoyable.

 

[Reinen]

Forgot to mention the four-door had the turbo and the two-door had the V6. Overall found the turbo to be much more enjoyable.

You should really look at and test drive all options and see what works for you. You're venturing into the two big areas of "controversy" where you'll find people supporting both sides. (JL vs JLU, 2.0t vs 3.6) No matter which of these you choose, none of them are bad choices. Maybe only bad/good for you personally.

You can consider both engines different but equal. If you are used to and enjoy a turbo power curve, you'll likely prefer the 2.0t. The 3.6 is a more traditional flat power curve which many are used to and prefer. There is no clearly "better" engine. But two things to keep in mind is that the 2.0t performs much better at altitude (which may not apply to you in VA). Also the 2.0t will likely have longer support as it's the engine in the 4xe, whereas the 3.6 might get phased out.

 

[The Last Cowboy]

There are millions of 3.6 engines on the road in various Chrysler vehicles. The parts will be plentiful long after it goes out of production.

As far as resale, of course the 4 door has higher resale as it costs more to begin with.

As a primary vehicle, a 4 door may be a better choice. If you already have a 4 door vehicle, the 2 door makes for a fun second/third runabout.

Safety. All new vehicles are pretty safe these days. Some more than others. Some people get very fixated and the rating. If that is an issue for you, consider something else.Jeeps have solid axles, fiberglass roofs and doors that are designed to be removed. They do not handle well in emergency situations. Sorry to the other Jeeps folks here, but they just don’t.

Know what you are getting into. I always see used late model jeeps at the VW, Subaru and Volvo dealers here in town. (Actually, I bought a very nice used 2 door XJ from out local Volvo dealer years ago.) I expect the people who traded them realized that practicality and safety meant more to them.

If you’ve never had a Jeep before, you may want to rent a one for a week and drive it quite a bit before you decide

 

[Asuriyan]

My first Jeeps were a WJ Grand Cherokee and a TJ. They had their pros and cons; the GC was much more comfortable and had good cargo space with the seats down, and had the V8 which was pretty solid for towing, and the TJ was more capable and more fun to drive (and a little less thirsty).

Before the JL came out there was a point that I almost bought a new Grand Cherokee; I don't see the need at all anymore. This Jeep is more comfortable, quieter and handles better on the highway than my old GC, and blows away my TJ with what it can handle off-road; it also gets much better gas mileage than either, and tows my small camper without complaint.

2-doors are fun and look the best, in my opinion, but the 4-door is just so versatile that I can't imagine going back to two doors as my only Jeep.

 

[BuyHold]

So yes people say single or just a couple, get the 2dr, while if kids or pets opt for the 4dr.

Even if your single, not towing, is the 4dr just more practical for the money? Safer to drive regularly at high speeds?

Haven’t driven a JLU yet, but for those who have, much difference in the ride? Granted the turns will not be as tight, but that’s a given.

Married with two kids still in carseats. I bought a 2-door and would absolutely make the same choice again without hesitation. For me, a 2-door works great for my whole family. I live in a city where the short wheelbase makes parking and u-turning silly-easy. ORV areas in my region are typically littered with timber so again, shorter wheelbase is a major plus. Also I grew up with Jeeps; Jeeps, by definition, were 2 door only vehicles so there is also that psychological preference for me.

The reasons for 4-door are already well covered in many other posts so I don't need to highlight the good reasons for 4-door.

The following is not intended to be disparaging in any way, just wrapping up the 4-door into broader consumer trends. 4-door Jeep play is sort of like how Disneyland had to make the small world boats larger to accommodate modern American predilection for "bigger" lifestyles and how the size of the average single family American home has doubled since the 50s. Regardless, I think 4-doors are still cool.

 

[JimLee]

4 door

 

[Jeepster21]

Years back owned a TJ and loved it

Had a 4dr rental for a week and it was awesome.

There are millions of 3.6 engines on the road in various Chrysler vehicles. The parts will be plentiful long after it goes out of production.

As far as resale, of course the 4 door has higher resale as it costs more to begin with.

As a primary vehicle, a 4 door may be a better choice. If you already have a 4 door vehicle, the 2 door makes for a fun second/third runabout.

Safety. All new vehicles are pretty safe these days. Some more than others. Some people get very fixated and the rating. If that is an issue for you, consider something else.Jeeps have solid axles, fiberglass roofs and doors that are designed to be removed. They do not handle well in emergency situations. Sorry to the other Jeeps folks here, but they just don’t.

Know what you are getting into. I always see used late model jeeps at the VW, Subaru and Volvo dealers here in town. (Actually, I bought a very nice used 2 door XJ from out local Volvo dealer years ago.) I expect the people who traded them realized that practicality and safety meant more to them.

If you’ve never had a Jeep before, you may want to rent a one for a week and drive it quite a bit before you decide

 

[SoCal]

just on looks alone....the 4 door by a mile

but I'm biased


not too mention the practicality, towing, resale, etc.....



incoming 2 door owners in 3....2....1.....

 

[Jeepster21]

Keep hearing about resale value, how much of a difference is there’s between the two door and four door?

just on looks alone....the 4 door by a mile

but I'm biased


not too mention the practicality, towing, resale, etc.....



incoming 2 door owners in 3....2....1.....

 

[SoCal]

Keep hearing about resale value, how much of a difference is there’s between the two door and four door?

they both hold value very well, but according to KBB the best of the best is the JL Unlimited(4 door)

https://www.kbb.com/best-cars/best-resale-value-off-road-suv/

#1 in off road SUV's

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