Soft Top or SOT?

[Jay_Jeep]

For me living in the Midwest my next Jeep will have a hard top and dual door group then order the soft top separately. My only regret with my ‘23 is not getting the dual tops. I love the soft top in summer but keeping the back window clean all winter is a PIA. I should have gone dual tops since dual door group was not offered in my ‘23 and I knew I was getting half doors second hand. Just my 2cents

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[Terpsmandan]

I went with the Dual Top. Something similar was offered in the KK Liberty and on some of them the cables would stretch and the roof would not close without manual intervention. Also the vendor that supplied the parts went under and it was almost impossible to get it fixed. I can always go to Bestop and get another soft top.

 

[Slaphitter]

I just added the Bestop Sunrider to my hardtop and it is absolutely fantastic. I have only had the jeep for 8 months, so it’s not like “why didn’t I do this sooner”, but I can say it’s basically the perfect top for my needs. Glass windows all around but I can flip to convertible instantly, and if the winter proves to be a little too much for cloth I can easily put the freedom panels back on for a few months.

 

[Shark01]

The SOT is amazing in a sunny climate....the soft top is just sloppy & low rent looking IMO.

Most SOT owners will agree, worth every penny and more.....

 

[GATORB8]

The SOT is amazing in a sunny climate....the soft top is just sloppy & low rent looking IMO.

Most SOT owners will agree, worth every penny and more.....

Shots fired, lol.

I will say that the hinged rear window on the SOT probably makes it easier to load a bunch of shopping bags after a trip to the mall.

 

[SouthernJL]

The SOT is amazing in a sunny climate....the soft top is just sloppy & low rent looking IMO.

Most SOT owners will agree, worth every penny and more.....

Low rent.... Lol. I admit I don't like the look of soft tops either. My previous JKU and my current JLU is hard top. I love the open air experience and my favorite is when the conditions are right to completely remote the top. Nothing looks better to me than a Wrangler with the top completely removed.

Problem is, I'm in Atlanta and those days are few/far between. Either it's 90 degrees plus.... or there are pop up monsoons every day.... or my favorite is the combo of the 2 on the same day. Truth be told, I may only have the top completely removed 20 or 25 days out of the year. I'm strongly considering the SOT, or whatever they call it on my next Wrangler when the JMs come out. I know it's not the same as being completely topless but because of my local weather conditions, it may be what I settle for next go around.

 

[Ratbert]

For me the SOT is a hard pass because:
- $4,300.
- Top can't be fully removed (important to me when off-roading on inclines near rock walls).
- Soft-top can't be added.
- Roof rack can't be added.
- Looks funny when doors and side windows are off but top frame and rear window remain.

For me the best of both worlds for quick open air has been the hardtop with a Bestop sunrider.

As far as price goes, it comes with a body-colored roof, so it's not really as expensive as it first looks for people wanting that too.

I'm not sure why you think a roof rack can't be added:

We'll typically open / close the SOT several times on a trip as conditions vary. Zero regrets on choosing it.

 

[2nd 392]

The SOT is amazing in a sunny climate....the soft top is just sloppy & low rent looking IMO.

Most SOT owners will agree, worth every penny and more.....

Shots fired, lol.

I will say that the hinged rear window on the SOT probably makes it easier to load a bunch of shopping bags after a trip to the mall.

? ?

 

[SH556JL]

If I was going 4 door, I would go SOT for if I could afford it. If they offered it on the 2 door, I would have opted for it.

 

[Bulletbill]

Choice is yours, you will enjoy either. If you like pushing the top off experience right up until you hit inclement weather then I’d go SOT. I’d also get half doors to go with it.

Soft top is the quintessential Jeep experience. Just a little more work when you hit a rain storm.

As a side note, I have the SOT. It’s been trouble free and one of my favorite options.

 

[Murphydog]

In your situation I think it depends on how you use the cargo area. With the SOT you keep the rear glass which makes it easier to load/unload - especially if you have dogs.

Rear soft top window removal and install isn't hard, but if you have knuckle head dogs like mine, they try to squirt out while I am putting the window back on.

Hardtop with Sunrider is a nice option too - but it is not that open air Jeep experience.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

As far as price goes, it comes with a body-colored roof, so it's not really as expensive as it first looks for people wanting that too.

I'm not sure why you think a roof rack can't be added:

We'll typically open / close the SOT several times on a trip as conditions vary. Zero regrets on choosing it.

Good point on the cost. The picture looks more like a body cargo rack than a typical roof rack though.

 

[UniqueUserName]

We went with the SOT. My wife is strongly partial to convertibles. When you want it open, push a button. When you want it closed, push a button. When you want it part way open, hold the button until it's where you want it then let go. If a shower pops up, just slow down to 60mph and hit the button. It's immensely convenient.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

Hardtop with Sunrider is a nice option too - but it is not that open air Jeep experience.

For the front passengers the Sunrider gives just as much, if not more open air than the SOT does. The Sunrider with the doors and hartop off = great open air experience with quick shade option.

 

[Slammed]

I’d never order another wrangler without the sky one touch. Love the open air ability with easy close if weather takes a turn.

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