Which Wrangler is right for me?

[RugbyRef]

My $.02 cents - take a look at the 392's as well. Since you are coming from a sports car, this might be an option for you as they are quick (although I'm sure someone will disagree). They are expensive, however, but they come with just about everything (Rubicon trim). I have one and can't begin to explain how much fun it is. Good luck!

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[Old Dogger]

Welcome to the Forum, from Cave Creek AZ.
Rubicon, with the 3.6 engine, and 8 speed automatic is a great combination..IMO

 

[aldo98229]

Oh, one other thing: don’t fool yourself into thinking that getting the manual transmission will give you sports car driving feel. It won’t.

A manual transmission Wrangler is loads of fun in its own right, but it ain’t no sports car. The transmission’s long throws, linkage feel and long clutch are designed primarily to help you maneuver on the trail, not on the track. Also, JL’s clutch has been giving owners lots of headaches.

The 8-speed automatic, on the other hand, is a gem of a transmission: it is smart, smooth, responsive, refined, reliable and durable.

 

[JJ_WA]

Another vote for Turo. I'm renting a Willys in Tucson this fall so my wife and I can see/experience how one drives and handles. If it goes well we'll be looking at ordering a Willys XR late fall or early next year. Try before you buy.

 

[Bryce]

Don't get me wrong, I love my Jeep... but maybe a Bronco is more what you want. More confortable seats. Better on road maners with IFS vs SFA suspensions and Rack and Pinion vs recirculating ball steering.

Both can take the top and doors off.

Reliability of either is debatable. My JLUR has been rock solid for 3+ years and over 41,000 miles. I was really nervous to get a Jeep with the issues you hare about, but mines been an absolute pleasure. My most reliable vehicle is a 21yo Ford with 240,000 miles on it. My last Ford was a 2013 Explorer that had a bunch of issues under warranty, but had been mostly ok (just did an 800 mile trip in it at 145,000 miles). They both seem to have their issues.

Sand and mud should be no issue for either. Rock are better in the Jeep.

Having selectable axle lockers is a really nice option to have.

Like other said.. rent a Jeep first. They are not for everyone.

 

[caraholic]

The 392 is the cream of the crop for on road fun. However in reality you don’t need any more then a Sport S or even better a Willy’s. All comes down to budget. I started my Jeep life in a Sport S and loved every minute of it. Like others have said try to rent or test drive all the different models. The Sport is a very competent off roader and should easily fit your needs.

 

[OldMarine]

I love my Willys JLU but, I spent more that 20 years bouncing around in HMMWVs not sports cars.

You’re coming from a sports car world, talking about stiff steering, etc.

That is not how a Wrangler feels or operates. If you had a Porsche 911 steering in a Wrangler you’d break your thumbs when you misjudge an obstacle.

Honestly, for the type of driving your doing, storage for fishing equipment, etc I’d recommend a fancier IFS SUV or a full size truck. They’ll gobble up the miles to your destination, drive more “car like”, have enough storage for a plethora of fishing equipment, and will work fine on beaches with correct air pressure, tires, and operator/driver… locking rear is a nice bonus if available.

If you want the off road capability, doors off, roof off factor then you have “two”options.

Bronco: you may get oneno idea when, unless your willing to pay ridiculous ADM for a roll out during a pandemic vehicle.

Or the awesome sauce Jeep! For your usage, I’d recommend the Sahara but expect limitations on storage and a different drive.

The wicked smart folks that mentioned renting one for a week are absolutely correct. See if you can love the feel of it. Also recommend doing a full load out for a remote fishing trip in the rental to make sure it carries what you want.

Havevfun with the process and decision.

 

[76_iron]

392
Edit-
392 if 4 door, 2.0 Rubicon if 2 door. The 2 door is really the correct answer.

 

[Shots]

A 'regular' Sport Wrangler with appropriate tires, aired down, is already more capable than what most people need to reach their preferred remote trailheads or camping spots. Don't go in with the assumption that you need a Rubicon trim.....

Yeah, a lot of people are hyped up on the Rubicon and seem to think it's the only "real" option. Many don't own a Jeep themselves or have not owned a trim other than a Rubicon.
I had a Sahara (2018) before my current Jeep (2022 Rubicon) and it was plenty capable. It was very comfortable and was definitely build to be the "luxury" trim. I also like the Rubicon, with its rugged appearance and off-the-lot capability. In the end they're all very capable off road, so a Sport or any other trim will do fine. FWIW, none of them are going to have sports car steering/handling. For that you may want something else.
If you get a Grand Cherokee R/T you can select "Sport" in your steering settings to make it more responsive on the road, but they're also pretty capable off road (I hade a 2014 Grand Cherokee Overland which I put A/T tires on with a small lift).

 

[bjm00se]

...
I want a 4x4 to be able to visit remote beaches for camping and fishing.

...reliability is the most important.

... 4-6 hours on the highway to get there, so comfort is also important.

...
also be my daily driver. I like stiff steering with feedback, and I know this is not what Jeep has to offer. Is it possible to replace the steering mechanism with something that is stiffer?

[...and finally...]
Also, I was looking at the new Bronco, but they seem to be unreliable

After reading all your requirements, I heartily agree with @Bryce: Ford has designed the 4x4 to meet your needs in the new Bronco.

1. More-than-capable 4x4
2. Comfortable on the road, with modern rack and pinion steering

Now, as to the reliability thing... Interwebz Forumz will give you a completely out-of-whack read on how reliable or unreliable any given vehicle is, because whenever there's a problem, folks will take to the web to complain and/or ask questions about the problem they're experiencing, while folks quietly enjoying their new rides remain, well, quiet.

The wrangler and this forum is no exception, with long threads on problems related to clutch/throwout bearing, 4xe wiring harnesses, and various other problems up to and including (I kid you not) rusty door hinges.

So, really, don't take Internet Complaining as a sign of overall reliability. Modern vehicles by and large are incredibly reliable, if there are problems, they're taken care of under warranty, and in the rare event where you get a breakdown deep-deep-deep out in the sticks, you can (and should) carry something like a Garmin InReach so that you can contact someone for search-and-rescue or emergency tow, in the event of a real emergency.

tl;dr?
Horses for courses, and based on your usage, I think a Bronco's the right 4x4 for you.

 

[Shibadog]

As others have noted, ANY Jeep will do what you are wanting to do. The Sahara will be the most “luxurious”, the Rubicon is really designed for severe off-road stuff and is, frankly, overkill for most folks (though a lot of ‘em are pavement queens?). Will not be a smooth as the Sahara. Great rigs but far more capable than you’ll “need”. A base Sport or S with LSD will easily do what you’re planning, a Willy’s is also a good choice. Rent one, live with it for a few days before you decide.

 

[Steph1]

I'd go try both , the Jeep then the Bronco. If I was without a Jeep, I'd definitely look the Bronco up. The only thing that would steer me towards the Jeep, is the fit and finish. I cannot stand a vehicle that cracks and creeks due to bad insulation or panel fit. Never could never will and apparently the Bronco is one of the worst at that. No I would not crank-up the tunes, I just like my vehicles solidly built.

As an added note, my wife once had a Ford edge and now my daughter a focus, and dealer's service are the worst I've ever seen in refusing to address situations through warranty. They once even charged my daughter an hour of service time because they deemed normal a problem she asked to get checked. Never had anything remotely like that with Jeep.

 

[MandrewSD]

You need a 392 swapped to a Demon, Dynatrac 1-tons, full coil-over set-up with 40's on bead locks aired down to 5psi. This is the bare minimum to drive on sand.

 

[Blacktip]

Thank you all for the very informative response. All are appreciated.

392 is my first and natural choice, but it is cost prohibitive. Not fan of Turbo engines, and unfortunately, that where the industry is going.... terrible idea for consumers!

I don't expect Wrangler to handle like a sports car, I was just curious whether improvement to steering is possible

A pickup truck is a very viable option, but I don't see myself driving a truck.

Bronco was my first choice, but the lack of quality turned me off.

I looked at Cherokee and Grand Cherokee, and I just don't like the look. I prefer something exciting. I don't like the regular sedans and SUVs look. I have always like the way Wrangler looked. Purposeful, utilitarian, and classic that never gets old.

I never heard of Toro before, and renting a Wrangler for a day or two is a very good idea... Thanks!

I am still concerned about reliability. I hate when things break down. Going back and forth for repair is just frustrating and huge time wasting. I have been blessed with very reliable cars in my life. One time my car broke down 4.5 hours a way from home, away from any rental or dealers not even Taxi service. I had to call a friend to come and get me. These types for friends are hard to come by, and I don't want to experience this again.

 

[Chadillac]

If reliability, comfort and steering feel are very important to you, then I honestly think you'd be happier with a 4Runner.

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