Which Trim to Purchase

[aldo98229]

There many more differences between a Sport Altitude and a Sahara than the transmission and the upholstery.

Sahara comes with nicer interior bits, a fully digital instrument cluster, armrests with extra padding, stitching everywhere, additional sound deadening, standard painted fenders, optional painted roof, a different grille and different bumpers. Sahara also includes matching LED fender and fog lights when you get the optional LED Lightning Group.

You might or might not care of these differences, but figured I’d point them out in case you do.

Good luck.

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[Deleted member 59498]

Seems to be a bit of a back and forth on the manual.

From what I've seen in other threads, I believe the concern is that the clutch lacks feel? I've spent some time in a GTI that had a very soft clutch pedal and lacked feel, but still was happy to drive it.

You no longer have a manual though, so you must've dropped it for one reason or another?

It is really soft and maybe I just got used to it but some I guess complain about the engagement range of the pedal. I didn't have any issue with it, once it is muscle memory it just feels correct. Really short throw on the shifter also so shifts quickly and some said they get rev issues. I didn't notice or have those issues.

I enjoyed driving it. Felt like a real Jeep to be honest, would still have it but wanted the diesel.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

On another note with the manual it was easier to maintain control on snow and slippery surfaces, the diesel has a lot of low end torque and loses traction easily, I could just keep it in a higher gear and lower the power to the wheels with manual as I decided. Guess you could do that with auto but would be annoying.

Of course I am on some kind of snow or ice or slush or mud or all of the above 5 months out of the year some times longer.

 

[MrMike]

There many more differences between a Sport Altitude and a Sahara than the transmission and the upholstery.

Sahara comes with nicer interior bits, a fully digital instrument cluster, armrests with extra padding, stitching everywhere, additional sound deadening, standard painted fenders, optional painted roof, a different grille and different bumpers. Sahara also includes matching LED fender and fog lights when you get the optional LED Lightning Group.

You might or might not care of these differences, but figured I’d point them out in case you do.

Good luck.

This kinda makes me wish they didn't remove the manual from the 2023 Sahara. 2022 leftovers are all gone or overpriced at this point.

 

[SH556JL]

I bought Rubicons because it’s Rubicon and have no shame to admit it. Get a Rubicon, it has a sweet hood with graphics.

 

[MrMike]

It is really soft and maybe I just got used to it but some I guess complain about the engagement range of the pedal. I didn't have any issue with it, once it is muscle memory it just feels correct. Really short throw on the shifter also so shifts quickly and some said they get rev issues. I didn't notice or have those issues.

I enjoyed driving it. Felt like a real Jeep to be honest, would still have it but wanted the diesel.

Rev hang doesn't bother me. My Mustang has some. I don't think I'm as picky about that kind of stuff as some.

I understand your diesel preference. I have a friend who is an all in diesel guy. If you're that kinda person, you did the right thing getting one before they went away.

On another note with the manual it was easier to maintain control on snow and slippery surfaces, the diesel has a lot of low end torque and loses traction easily, I could just keep it in a higher gear and lower the power to the wheels with manual as I decided. Guess you could do that with auto but would be annoying.

I agree with this experience. I've had an automatic with manual shifting modes (BMW 335) and it is not the same thing in terms of control.

 

[Robellion]

If you can afford the Rubicon, get that with the trailer/tow package. I use a trailer from time to time, and found a new way to use the hitch- rock salt spreader on my long driveway, plugs right into the electrical hookup and inserts into the class 2 2" hitch. Rubicon for the factory lockers, sway and bigger tires.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

Yeah maybe rev hang was such a minor issue I didn't even notice. Non-issue for me, I had a Rubicon Manual and loved it.

You also get free 15 more HP with Rubicon sticker!!! True story bro!

 

[Cutterone]

I had the 2020 with manual never had an issue with it, smooth shifting and used 6th at highway speeds. Gets a bad rap because of clutch which I had no issue with and people not driving in 6th. I had none of those problems and was fun to drive.

Sure you can run around at highway speed in 4th or 5th but would not recommend it. LOL

I'm assuming you are referring to a Rubi, with 4.10s. Us peons with Sahara or Sport with 3.45 is a different experience, unless you enjoy lugging the motor, 6th is useless unless approaching 80...

 

[Maverick909]

the way i figure with everyone complaining about the manual is the clutch this and that. You will have to change the clutch at some point just be ready to go to a better clutch like the center force clutch. Now that warranty is out i am starting to save for it my self as i am coming up on 25K miles with a lot of off-roading and a few water crossings. So maybe this upcoming year ill look for a 4:1 transfer case and order the clutch. might as well do both at the same time

 

[Tncdrew]

I'd say a Willys package would suit you just fine. I wouldn't discount the 8spd auto either. All my past Jeeps were manuals, but the auto in my Willys is one of the finest transmissions on the market today. Absolutely love it!
The Jeep will be even better after the 4.56 re-gear next week! ?

 

[Deleted member 59498]

I'm assuming you are referring to a Rubi, with 4.10s. Us peons with Sahara or Sport with 3.45 is a different experience, unless you enjoy lugging the motor, 6th is useless unless approaching 80...

Yes Rubicon with 4:10 which is another Plus Check Box for buying Rubicon. Never drove the Sport with it so good point on that and gears.

 

[SH556JL]

Both of my Rubicons have been manual. Clutch isn’t the greatest, had better. But it’s not unlivable and should last a few years with normal usage (daily driving, occasional mild off road adventures). I will say, definitely upgrade to the 4.88s from the factory. I had 4.10s on the 21 and 4.88s on the 23. I wouldn’t order with out if buying a manual.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

However you can get the 4:88 with manual in Willy?

 

[Blazing Saddles]

I have both the manual and the auto. I heavily prefer my manual. With that being said, the manual is on 4.88s on 2dr. The largest issue I see with the manual is the gearing, which seems to cause most of the issues. Some people love it or hate it regardless, but I would suggest you drive a Sport geared Jeep with the manual. You will need to make your own assessment on whether or not it feels correct for you. If you have the chance, try it with the 4.10s on the Rubi, or the 4.88s, if you can. My wife has the Sport Altitude and it will cover your needs, but my reservation would be the gearing with the manual.

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