Need comments on which model is best for me

[scootertoo]

I'm a long time 4wd owner but never have had a Jeep. I'm an old guy with a current 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 which I find to be toooooooooo long when it comes to parking the damn thing. Got it after 16 years plus of owning a Avalanche which i used to pull my bass boat. Was very happy with that but finally sold it to move to a newer model. Thus the GMC to haul my boat which I now need to sell.
I (do not) look to or plan any kind of off road ventures, but as I have had 4wd rides since the 1970's, I do in fact always want to have that 4wd to get me out of trouble in sudden snow conditions or others where it might be needed.
I do (not) want nor need the fancy Jeep models, and am looking at the "normal looking" jeeps to me like the Wrangler series. Kinda like the Rubicon, but not sure yet that is right for me.
Planning to do a test drive later this week of one. Kinda think it is a 2021 model and not sure but maybe has the smaller turbo charged engine. Not sure that gets it for me as I kinda like to have more power when needed. My GMC has a 6.2 V8 and my SSR six speed has a 6.0 V8. So with the SSR stick, I'm not wanting a stick shift jeep, but an automatic and kinda leaning toward the V6. Have no need for that monster motor that jacks the prices up wayyyy too much.
Also, I'm not looking to buy new...........but leaning toward models around 2021 and newer.

Have read comments obout the stiff ride of a Rubicon and cabin noise and other problems. I do indeed want a 4 door model.

Hoping to get some interesting feedback as to likes/dislikes of the Rubicon and possible other choices within the Wrangler series.

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[Trailrated]

Man, if you're coming from GM trucks which ride nice in my opinion, you are gonna be in for a shock with a Wrangler. They aren't terrible, but they are not GMC's

 

[Terrymo]

I went from a Ford F250 crew cab 4x4 to a GMC Sierra 4x4 extra cab to a Jeep JLU Rubicon. Driving home on the freeway, I thought, dang, the elbow and leg room is narrow, and the road noise is loud. Took me some time to adjust. Either make sure you take a long test drive or take a trip and rent one for a few days. They’re built for off-roading with the associated compromises in comfort so there might be other better choices.

 

[Dusty Dude]

If you aren’t going to off road, then don’t bother with the Rubicon. The 4WD systems in the base models are more than adequate for your use case. Ask yourself what options you want, or can do without. Check out the Sport, Willy’s, or Sahara models according to what options you do or don’t want. The auto is a good choice and available with either the T4 or the V6. Both engines are good, but personally, I would avoid the 4xe models.

Do yourself a favor and rent one for a few days first to see if you like it or not.

 

[jadmt]

if you just want smaller look at a chevy colorado ZR2 or something like that. jeep won't be what you are looking for.....only reason to get a wrangler is to go offroad. there are too many better vehicles for hauling a boat and just driving around. I am on my 5th wrangler and would not recommend one unless you want to actually go offroading.

 

[Whiskey 13]

A Jeep wrangler of any series will never be confused with the ride of any luxury car or truck. They are short, stiff and light by most comparisons. I am not a youngster and I have owned many wranglers and many 4X4 Trucks. I like and prefer the solid feel of my jeeps. Several wranglers back I got my first Rubicon and it is the model I will stay with. It comes equipped with more than I need but everything I like. Road noise differs with top selection and tire selection. Hard tops are usually more quiet. People have said, rent one for a few days and I think that is sound advice. Try a couple different models if you can, a Sahara might be better for you but only you can make that call. There are thousands of jeeps on the road these days where the drivers don't even know how to select 4 wheel drive.

 

[Bhmkv]

Willys is a good model. Not a serious off-roader like the Rubi. Still looks the part!!

 

[DarthAWM]

I'm a long time 4wd owner but never have had a Jeep. I'm an old guy with a current 2020 GMC Sierra 1500 which I find to be toooooooooo long when it comes to parking the damn thing. Got it after 16 years plus of owning a Avalanche which i used to pull my bass boat. Was very happy with that but finally sold it to move to a newer model. Thus the GMC to haul my boat which I now need to sell.
I (do not) look to or plan any kind of off road ventures, but as I have had 4wd rides since the 1970's, I do in fact always want to have that 4wd to get me out of trouble in sudden snow conditions or others where it might be needed.
I do (not) want nor need the fancy Jeep models, and am looking at the "normal looking" jeeps to me like the Wrangler series. Kinda like the Rubicon, but not sure yet that is right for me.
Planning to do a test drive later this week of one. Kinda think it is a 2021 model and not sure but maybe has the smaller turbo charged engine. Not sure that gets it for me as I kinda like to have more power when needed. My GMC has a 6.2 V8 and my SSR six speed has a 6.0 V8. So with the SSR stick, I'm not wanting a stick shift jeep, but an automatic and kinda leaning toward the V6. Have no need for that monster motor that jacks the prices up wayyyy too much.
Also, I'm not looking to buy new...........but leaning toward models around 2021 and newer.

Have read comments obout the stiff ride of a Rubicon and cabin noise and other problems. I do indeed want a 4 door model.

Hoping to get some interesting feedback as to likes/dislikes of the Rubicon and possible other choices within the Wrangler series.

You didn't say if you are still towing your bass boat. Depending on trim/model the Wrangler is 2500lbs to 5000lbs so that would make a difference in what to recommend. Rubicon is a pretty good trim level to get, it is more expensive than a Willy's or Overland but the standard features keep the resale higher. For your use case I wouldn't do an XR unless its the only route to the full float axle for towing. Personally I see the 2.0 turbo and the 3.6 V6 as a 6 of one, half dozen of the other scenario one is a little better this way and the other a little better that way but ultimately similar power and fuel economy numbers I'd really go for the better deal at the time of sale. The 8 speed auto is a nice piece I' haven't had any issues in the 33,000 miles I've owned mine.

Like others have said this is a dedicated full convertible off road machine with all the quirks and compromises entailed with that.

 

[Punkn89]

Wranglers definitely have the fun factor, dominate off-road and as many have already said, are not the best highway cruisers. Hopefully, your test drive goes well and that will help your decision.

Others I would consider since you're used to driving trucks - Gladiator, Colorado ZR2/Z71 or Canyon AT4X.

 

[Wabujitsu]

I’m an “old,” disabled guy, and I drove my Rubicon from SW FL to AZ this past fall. It’s lifted, so I don’t have the stock shocks and springs, but my springs are HD, and the stock springs are softer. With the harder springs, I was at 80-85MPH on the highways, and I was perfectly comfortable, and the handling was superb.

 

[Cheyenne]

if you just want smaller look at a chevy colorado ZR2 or something like that. jeep won't be what you are looking for.....only reason to get a wrangler is to go offroad. there are too many better vehicles for hauling a boat and just driving around. I am on my 5th wrangler and would not recommend one unless you want to actually go offroading.

 

[Cheyenne]

I've driven either Wranglers or Ford pickups my entire life. Last year in an effort to act like a grown up.and reduce my car payment I bought a sensible RAV 4. God I hated it even though the ride was so much more comfortable. I never offroad. There's just something about driving a Wrangler with the top down and Zeppelin blasting that makes me really happy.

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