Why is the automatic in a Rubicon so expensive?

[UncleJimmy]

I drove the V6 and the I4 back to back before placing my order. For reference, I was coming from an '06 GMC Sierra with the 4.6L V8, so I was really concerned with the idea of dropping down to a V6, much less a 4cyl.

The V6 felt very similar to my truck. The power was there, but it felt like it had to search for it a bit, or wind up to it. Particularly on the freeway, I wasn't a fan of the slight hesitation from the throttle to the Jeep actually speeding up. It wasn't underpowered, just felt a little sluggish to me.

The I4 was like driving a souped-up go-kart. Nearly instant power, more like it was sitting there at the ready and the Jeep was just waiting for me to tell it to release it. Getting up to speed was no big deal, and it was overall much more punchy.

Having owned the I4 for 2 years now, and driven it cross-country, including 6 BoH trails and a number of non-BoH offroad parks and such, I'm totally happy with it. *IF* I had to complain about something, it would be that the I4 *sounds* like hot garbage starting up and for the first few minutes. If the sound coming from your vehicle for 2 minutes when you start it up is a concern, that might be an issue. Otherwise it's fine. Coming up on 40K miles and no complaints otherwise.

I have not driven the I4, but coming from a 2016 5.6L V8 Tundra I was and still am extremely pleased with the acceleration of the V6/Auto. Very light, sport feel to me.

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[Gossamer]

I think most MT owners DO realize how nice the current automatics are. Most people buying manuals these days aren't doing it due to chitty automatics or to save a little money, they do it because they ENJOY clutching and shifting for themselves. I am sure many also feel, as I do, that driving an automatic is mundane.

Yep, this is me. In 2014 all 3 of my cars were manuals. Then I started having foot issues, both feet, hammer toes. So, I slowly offed the manuals. I've had 2 ZF transmissions in a SRT GC and Hellcat, as well as the absolute best auto trans in the world, a PDK. Well, 4 surgeries later, my toes are staying healthy so I decided to get a manual again.

That said, this is the worst clutch I've ever owned. I drive it differently, can't just gas and release clutch. I tend to vroom vroom a bit to be sure I have some rpm going before I let the clutch out. I think it's a result of a flywheel that's too light with vague clutch engagement.

Definitely going to replace with an aftermarket clutch. Haven't decided which yet. I've never needed to replace a clutch before, so now I'm learning about clutches. I'm almost researching local shops. Haven't needed a mechanic in 10+ years and I've moved so can't use my old mechanic

TLDR, the auto is worth the cost, unless you want to add $2k anyway for a better clutch

 

[Heimkehr]

But yes, I would begrudgingly drive a manual Tacoma over an automatic Jeep.

People who like or can live with automatics just don't understand.

This is not an either/or construct.

My JLU has the 850RE, and I sing its praises at every opportunity. It's easily the best automatic transmission I've ever used. That said, I've owned more vehicles with manual transmissions than those that were equipped with autos.

Two of the three vehicles in my garage right now require me to row my own.

I willingly purchase and enjoy each type of transmission for their individual merits. It wouldn't occur to me to be reflexively dismissive of one or the other, or of those folks that enjoy one more than the other.

 

[TwelveGaugeSage]

This is not an either/or construct.

My JLU has the 850RE, and I sing its praises at every opportunity. It's easily the best automatic transmission I've ever used. That said, I've owned more vehicles with manual transmissions than those that were equipped with autos.

Two of the three vehicles in my garage right now require me to row my own.

I willingly purchase and enjoy each type of transmission for their individual merits. It wouldn't occur to me to be reflexively dismissive of one or the other, or of those folks that enjoy one more than the other.

I wish I could enjoy an automatic. But I cannot. You are fortunate in that respect.

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