Struggling w/ Sahara vs Rubicon - input sought

[ResponsibleAdult]

This is based on owning JKs, but with that said, here's a very simple but huge reason we will never buy a sport or sahara. . . electronic sway bar disconnect. It's not only for rock crawling, I use ours for smoothing out rough back roads. If it's like the JK then it'll work up to 18 mph in 4 hi. We've had an '07 JKUR, '12 JKUR, and still have our '14 JKUR. The difference that it makes is very noticeable. I use ours 1000x more than I've ever used lockers and we go to Moab & Colorado (20 times in the last 10 years) just to go 4 wheeling. If you've never been in a Rubicon then go test drive one and find the closest speed bump and run diagonally across it a few times with it connected and disconnected. It all but eliminates that thrown back and forth jarring that happens. In fact, almost every time we've gone to the lake, or out exploring dirt roads, we run across washboard roads. I yank it into 4hi, hit the button and the ride is instantly less jarring. Sure, you can buy manual disconnects but who wants to stop and unhook for 1/4 mile of bumps?

That is new info to me, and very useful. Thanks!

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[Dynomite1371]

I hear you - the Rubi looks awesome. However, I think considering the road conditions and that it will be your DD, I would get the selectrac on the Sahara. Go with your head I say.

Did you survive all these years without Selec Trac? There's your answer.

 

[Dynomite1371]

I don’t disagree. But I recognize that I have a box with Poison Spyder fenders currently sitting in our entrance... If I have parts arriving for two different jeeps on a regular basis, the next delivery might be divorce papers.

Agreed!

 

[Dynomite1371]

OP is getting a manual transmission, which precludes the addition of Selec-Trac (this might push me to the Rubi also).

Personally, I can't imagine driving that many miles without adaptive cruise control. Hopefully FCA adds it to the JL for 2019?

Looks like the blank in already there on the steering wheel...

 

[crash13]

how often are you really going to go rock crawling. Uhmm never,

I asked myself this same question, as a soon to be new JLU owner, and so joined a local FB Wrangler group. Posted a quick comment on where to go rock crawling nearby (within a couple hours of home) and get great responses from the other members. Pics of absolutely beautiful trails, through forests, up steep rocky hills. Even if I only do it once or twice a year - I'm in!
Rubicon now for sure - no way a Sahara was making those climbs.

 

[Schmeegz]

I also have never NEEDED pretty much any of the Rubicon capabilities, but even this morning (as I wait to be able to order my JLU) I see on fb my local jeep group going for breakfast near me then going on a run 1 1/2 hrs from here at Letchworth state park, and I thought, man that’s pretty awesome. Someday I’ll be there. They are all awesome vehicles whichever you select. Now I’m sure not every jeep there is a Rubicon, but I am also sure I’d rather pay up front for what i will probably add over time, especially when lift and tires alone pretty much eats up the difference between the 2 models.

Let us know what you end up choosing, and whichever it is I’m sure you’ll be happy!

Cheers!

 

[alphalife9]

As we wait for our JL’s (or late availability colours), I’d appreciate your input.

My JL will be my DD. I currently drive about 25 000km a year, but in the life of this vehicle, will likely see that increase a fair bit. Most of that driving takes place on rural roads, but I will occasionally be heading into the city with stop and go traffic.

I live in the land of snow drifts/freezing rain/flooding from thaws/flash freeze. And it seems like that can all happen in one day. Roads can be ridiculous.

I’m working on an LJ build for the cottage/weekend fun vehicle. I’m hoping to learn lots through that process, but I’m not knowledgeable nor handy...

I figure this will likely be the last vehicle that I can buy with a manual transmission (I keep my vehicles 10+ Years), so I’m pretty set on the manual.

I go off-road, but nothing a Sahara can’t reasonably handle. I’d like to join our local Jeep club, but I know I’m never going to take on the bigger trails.

My heart wants Rubicon. I love the look. I’ve always wanted a Rubicon (my LJ is a sport).

My head says Sahara for its better gas mileage, better on road handling, and more comfortable ride.

I’m asking for your thoughts on one vs the other, given my situation. I’m not sure I’ll get to drive a rubicon before making my purchase decision, so I’m open to all input.

Thanks!

I vote Rubicon if the price difference doesn't affect your choice. More peace of mind when offroading plus you might want to explore trickier trails just cause you can. With the sway bar disconnect, you also get a much more comfortable ride offroad. Also, I personally like the look of the Rubicon a lot more than the other trims. Just my .02

 

[BaldEagle]

Asked myself the same question and then recalled what a friend asked me a few months back... how often are you really going to go rock crawling. Uhmm never, so my Sahara JL is beng built right now. Aggressive looks can be added through after market down the road.

Just my 2 c

Good luck either way!

I went with Rubicon is being built test drove Sarah not the same as Rubicon .Sarah stock feels like a sedan not a monster like Rubicon

 

[BaldEagle]

You're so right about being personal preference, I went back and forth from Sahara to Rubicon and ultimately went for the look of the Sahara. Wasn't a money thing as I can afford both, just honestly like the Sahara better.

Interesting. I went back and forth and the Rubicon feels and looks more aggressive and you get in all in stock . Just a thought personal

 

[Schmeegz]

And that is why they offer both.

To each their own.

I went with the Rubicon myself. Who knows how much I will use it’s off road capabilities, and I’m sure the Sahara would have been more than capable, but I would have dumped more money into the thing to make it look like a Rubicon than just the price difference up front.

 

[ember_season]

Too funnny, I was also set on a Sahara until I saw a Rubicon up close and drove it last week (Erin Dodge Jeep in TO). It has a much better (albeit aggressive) look I want, and I may actually find large rocks to climb this summer even though primarily will be the daily driver. As far as snow and ice, Rock Track in 4H seems to be just as capable as Selec Trac from the online explanations I've watched. Am I missing something?
So maybe the Rubi gets a bit worse gas mileage (another thread) because of weight and larger tyres, but my heart is leaning that way now. And I also drove it down the highway at 120kph and didn't think it was overly noisy.

I'm going on a limb that maybe you don't know this (I'm very confident you do) but You may be missing the fact that selec trac is a full time AWD system like on the grand Cherokee. Meaning it will switch from 2wd to 4wd automatically based on conditions. This is not available on the rubicon ( again so sorry if you knew that, just never know )

 

[crash13]

I'm going on a limb that maybe you don't know this (I'm very confident you do) but You may be missing the fact that selec trac is a full time AWD system like on the grand Cherokee. Meaning it will switch from 2wd to 4wd automatically based on conditions. This is not available on the rubicon ( again so sorry if you knew that, just never know )

Yes, have read extensively and asked others' opinions. My off road inclination has picked up in recent months so I'm very glad I ordered a Rubicon (Punk'n due for delivery next week!). My understanding is that the Rock Track is much more capable than Selec Trac, and with all the other goodies like 33' tyres, locking diffs, sway bar disco, it ended up being a no-brainer. But thanks for your input checking up on me

 

[ember_season]

Yes, have read extensively and asked others' opinions. My off road inclination has picked up in recent months so I'm very glad I ordered a Rubicon (Punk'n due for delivery next week!). My understanding is that the Rock Track is much more capable than Selec Trac, and with all the other goodies like 33' tyres, locking diffs, sway bar disco, it ended up being a no-brainer. But thanks for your input checking up on me

Right on man! And yeah despite not having a All time AWD system I am thinking the same- rock trac is definitely the way to go too. Enjoy your new ride next week!

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