Rubicon vs Sahara Trim

[kah.mun.rah]

Interesting. Your graphic is right and I was off with regard to the normal Rubicons. Most of the entries out there say 3500 for all models, including Rubicon, but a deeper dive shows that the 5000 lb capacity is based purely on having the floating rear axle that was new in 2024+ Rubicons. The other models continue to use the semi-floating axle. Thanks for the vector check!

It's pretty misleading. I would be upset if I bought a 2025 X, 392 or 4xe Rubicon only to discover that it didn't have the higher tow capacity.

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[bthomp]

I currently own a 2018 Sahara and looking for a new Jeep primarily for the sky top and possibly a different power train .

What are pros/cons of going to the Rubicon? I’m not sure it’d worth it but I do like the look.

Is it true that they gave a small factory lift? Wondering if I want to go to bigger tires down the the road, can I avoid a lift kit with Rubi vs Sahara?

For what it's worth, your current rig looks pretty awesome. Many Sahara's are bland, yours is not. Wheels are sharp and I like the soft top.

 

[cansberry]

I'd keep what you got. Doesn't sound like you're about to start running Moab or the Rubicon a lot, and for a weekend toy, better to save the money.

There's threads on this forum showing people have added the sky one touch later. You can probably pay a shop to do it, if installing it yourself isn't your thing.

But yeah, the Rubicon and Willy's only make sense if you need the off road hardware (locking diffs and transfer cases). Otherwise it's far more cost effective and easier to just keep what is virtually the same vehicle.

 

[justplainron]

We have a Sahara 4xE High Altitude that I will be setting up in the Near future. it "supposedly" Sits about an inch higher than the standard Sahara because of heavier suspension for the 600 pound battery or so. It also has 3:73 gears and and Dana 44 wide track axles and Rubicon ANC brakes. I think the non-4xe Sahara high altitude gets those options as well. So may be an option if you want.. slightly better gearing and a lil beefier axles and rear brakes over the standard jeeps.. So kinda in-between the Standard Sahara and the Rubicon

 

[Zandcwhite]

They've done a terrible job marketing and documenting it.... Both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines with base wheels in the Rubicon gets the 5k. The Xs bigger wheels drop it back to 3.5k. I had no interest in the 4xe so I never paid attention to whether it gets the upgraded tow capacity

And they all still come from the factory with the 3500 pound rated hitch. If you have to upgrade the hitch to get to 5k, and the wrangler door stickers don't list a GCWR or tow rating, do you really think anyone will know the difference? Even if you got stopped by a dot cop in your X, you could show him the manual where it says 5k and be on your way (not that you'll likely ever be stopped by a dot cop).

 

[Zandcwhite]

I'd keep what you got. Doesn't sound like you're about to start running Moab or the Rubicon a lot, and for a weekend toy, better to save the money.

There's threads on this forum showing people have added the sky one touch later. You can probably pay a shop to do it, if installing it yourself isn't your thing.

But yeah, the Rubicon and Willy's only make sense if you need the off road hardware (locking diffs and transfer cases). Otherwise it's far more cost effective and easier to just keep what is virtually the same vehicle.

I'd tend to agree if we weren't talking about a vehicle that's nearly 8 years old. No warranty, no chance of getting the aluminum steering box replaced for free. If the OP is looking to upgrade and likes the bigger tires look more than the capability I'd go willys with 35" tire package. Factory fresh, full warranty on lift, SOT, and everything else. New 12" screen (I know some see that as a drawback but welcome to every vehicle in 2025). Side curtain airbags. I say go for it.

 

[YGBSM392]

They've done a terrible job marketing and documenting it.... Both the 4 and 6 cylinder engines with base wheels in the Rubicon gets the 5k. The Xs bigger wheels drop it back to 3.5k. I had no interest in the 4xe so I never paid attention to whether it gets the upgraded tow capacity

@JAC34 is taking the smartest track to getting the best Jeep. And you're right @Kerney Jeep, well no manufacturer, has committed any resources to introducing its trims to new Jeepers or moving experienced Jeepers into the right Jeep. @JeepCares how about instead of a "compare trims" selection you model a new website that talks people through the trim levels. Now there may be a reason like letting the dealership sell what they have on the lot instead of people asking for a specific trim.

Sorry JC, didn't wanna take a side track on your thread but wouldn't it be cool if you could just virtually see each trim and a list of what makes it different.

 

[cansberry]

Eh. Even s

I'd tend to agree if we weren't talking about a vehicle that's nearly 8 years old. No warranty, no chance of getting the aluminum steering box replaced for free. If the OP is looking to upgrade and likes the bigger tires look more than the capability I'd go willys with 35" tire package. Factory fresh, full warranty on lift, SOT, and everything else. New 12" screen (I know some see that as a drawback but welcome to every vehicle in 2025). Side curtain airbags. I say go for it.

Eh. Even crappy cars last longer than they used to. 8 years at around 5k a year puts him at 40k on the clock. Factor in he's already got an AEV 2.5 and 35s on it, he's got the look/size he wants. Throw in a steering box and the sky one touch and he's significantly under the costs of a new one.

It's always cheaper to fix or modify a car than it is to buy a new one. Especially if the new one is the same car. And it's just a weekend toy. Maybe the mental math should change if it's the next gen (which is in a couple years)

 

[Bandit59]

I currently own a 2018 Sahara and looking for a new Jeep primarily for the sky top and possibly a different power train .

What are pros/cons of going to the Rubicon? I’m not sure it’d worth it but I do like the look.

Is it true that they gave a small factory lift? Wondering if I want to go to bigger tires down the the road, can I avoid a lift kit with Rubi vs Sahara?

My take is if you are going to be wheeling then go with Rubi. If it’s a driver never going off-road go Sahara. It will ride better. Not paying extra for things that you will not use

 

[Zandcwhite]

Eh. Even s


Eh. Even crappy cars last longer than they used to. 8 years at around 5k a year puts him at 40k on the clock. Factor in he's already got an AEV 2.5 and 35s on it, he's got the look/size he wants. Throw in a steering box and the sky one touch and he's significantly under the costs of a new one.

It's always cheaper to fix or modify a car than it is to buy a new one. Especially if the new one is the same car. And it's just a weekend toy. Maybe the mental math should change if it's the next gen (which is in a couple years)

If he's still running 3.45s add another $3k to the mod budget because those are crap with 35s. The 35" tire package will come with 4.56s. Sure you might trust 15 year old JL electronics, but I won't. In my opinion 10 years is about the service life and I'm not dumping close to $10k into one that's well over half way there.

 

[Wbino]

In 2021 when the High Altitude trim was still avialable in Etorque and a V6 the SOT top was half off @ 2k..
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/fo...snuck-in-on-the-high-altitude-wrangler.57219/

 

[cansberry]

If he's still running 3.45s add another $3k to the mod budget because those are crap with 35s. The 35" tire package will come with 4.56s. Sure you might trust 15 year old JL electronics, but I won't. In my opinion 10 years is about the service life and I'm not dumping close to $10k into one that's well over half way there.

Where'd $10k come from? Maybe $5k in total parts and labor. Vs $45k (low end) instead? Also, electronics in cars have been around for an incredibly long time and have proven not that big an issue. Annoying when it is, but mechanical problems remain the most common type of issues vehicles face.

So spend $5-$7k on the parts and labor you want, hold on for 2 years (at which point the vehicle is still under 10) for the new one, or $45k for the same vehicle, but slightly newer.

And average age of cars on the road is 12.6 years. Pretty sure a low mileage tow along JL will be fine for a few more.

 

[Zandcwhite]

Where'd $10k come from? Maybe $5k in total parts and labor. Vs $45k (low end) instead? Also, electronics in cars have been around for an incredibly long time and have proven not that big an issue. Annoying when it is, but mechanical problems remain the most common type of issues vehicles face.

So spend $5-$7k on the parts and labor you want, hold on for 2 years (at which point the vehicle is still under 10) for the new one, or $45k for the same vehicle, but slightly newer.

And average age of cars on the road is 12.6 years. Pretty sure a low mileage tow along JL will be fine for a few more.

The sot top alone is like $3k, $3k for a regear, $1500 for the steel box installed. $7500 is close enough to $10k for me. I'm pretty sure the OP isn't going to give the current one away, so there's a huge chunk of that $45k off the top. Even if you trust the JL electronics to 15 years, the new one will only be half way there by the time the current one is exceeding that.

 

[JAC34]

All really good points to ponder. And if a SOT is a possible add on, I may need to consider. But seems like it would be a crazy expensive project not knowing all the details. Would a jeep dealer be able to provide the parts? Not opposed to doing myself but not sure how involved ot is.

One other consideration is the 4xe powertrain that I enjoyed driving as a rental. Not a must, but if I were to go to a used model with SOT, I would try to find in 4xe.

I guess I will have to see what I can sell mine for, but you never get back your mod money, maybe 20% of it in resale if you’re lucky. So that’s a consideration too.

 

[Ole_Robby]

We bought a 2024 Rubicon X, took it straight to discount tire and put on nitto 37x12.5 r17 tires and have no issues on the trail. It comes with 1.5 inch factory lift, after 2024 all have full float axels. I include here a before and after picture.

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