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2 Door vs 4 Door

16K views 82 replies 69 participants last post by  vdog0531 
#1 ·
Let's see your guy's opinions, what are some of the advantages/ disadvantages of a JK vs a JKU.
 
#3 ·
Jk is super easy to drive because it is so short but you can either carry 4 people or 2 people with gear. When taking 4 people on a camping trip I have to bring a trailer and the JK's rating is very low on towing. It's also a pain to get in and out of the back especially in the rain or with winter boots on. If I could afford it and do it again I'd do a jku. Don't get me wrong I love my 2 door and love the classic styling but I often find myself wishing I had more space
 
#5 ·
Turn radius = advantage JK
room inside = advantage JKU
gearing = a JK and JKU with 3.73 and the same tires, slight advantage to the JK for weighing less
towing = maybe JKU, it's harder to have the tail wagging the dog at least compared to a JK, also the tow limit is higher
removable back seat = JK
some cheaper aftermarket options = JK, because often the JKU option is higher cost or not available (lifts, armor, cargo options)

They are all fun though.
 
#6 ·
2 Door Disadvantage, Hard to get in back seat, But I don't have to get back there so I don't care. lol.
 
#36 ·
How about the fact that sometimes people don't want to scroll through 349 pages of old posts? Repeat threads give new members a chance to participate. I was an owner and admin of a message board for 12 years so I'm no stranger to forum communities, and saw my share of repeat topics. A boring tired old topic to you might be something exciting to discuss among new members. It's all good.

New owner of both a JKU Sport and JK Willys. TheJKU is far more stable and tame on the road, but that might more a function of the tires and softer suspension than wheelbase. I love both for different reasons, but the handling difference is the biggest comparison for me, despite the obvious (less cargo and more challenging rear seat passenger space).
 
#10 ·
I purchased a jk because I liked the look, don't have to carry more than two people regularly, and because I could get a new jk for the price of a used jku.
I've decided to keep the rear seat in. The rear seat flips forward but doesn't stay put - so effectively my mazda3 sedan has way more trunk area than the jk.
The 2 door jk rides better than older jeeps - I don't find it uncomfortable, but definitely test drive first. The 2 door handles well at speed and around corners and does not feel unstable to me.
 
#12 ·
The JK comes with a vain, empty-headed college cheerleader built in.

Male or female.

Your preference.

No judgment. :) ;)
 
#18 ·
Just like the JKU comes with a pair of mom jeans? :popcorn:

No judgment. :) ;)


Seriously though, while I have often felt that little twinge of "Man, I wish I had more room behind the backseat," if I had to do it again, I'd still get the JK. Removing the backseat is an easy one-man job, so that helps when I need more space than just folding it up can provide.

If I had kids, I'd probably go for the JKU. By the time I DO have kids, my JK will be long paid off and I might be able to convince my wife to keep it and get a JKU in addition. :)
 
#14 ·
Rubicon or Willys? :drinks:
 
#17 ·
2 door is more fun, 4 door is much more practical. I have a 2 door because it's my second car. If I was looking for a daily driver I would have gotten the 4 door. One point many overlook is the ride is much better in the 4 door due to the longer wheelbase. This is a negative on the trails, but a huge plus on a daily driver.
 
#19 ·
Married, no kids, have a 2014 JKU Willy's that I love. Just like knowing I have the extra space to haul stuff if I need it. Even with the back seat up, there's a respectable amount of space in the back. And with a larger gas tank, I have a bit longer range than the JK. On tight trails, the JK would definitely have a maneuverability advantage, but while driving the JKU, it doesn't feel as big as it is.
 
#20 ·
I agonized over the 2 & 4 door advantages/disadvantages. I have 2 kids and we like camping. I also have a small utility trailer that I sometimes pull. The 4-door made more sense to me but I found the 2-door more fun to drive especially in a manual. And the 2-door just looks classic. I went back and forth between a JKU with hardtop vs a JK with soft top and half doors. I just bought a 4-door and would probably do the same thing again but man do I wish I had a 2-door.
 
#24 ·
I have a JK and just bought the wife a JKU. Her JKU feels like Im driving a bus.Drove it to town yesterday and tried to pull a quick turn around and wow that thing is a lot longer.
We have a 3rd grand baby coming and we needed 4 doors so I guess I can drive the bus when I need to but I like my JK better.
 
#26 ·
I've had both... currently in a 13 jku, and as much i thought i would NEVER feel this way... my jku makes my jk and tj feel like they were born prematurely. The turning radius is barely noticeable, the jku drives better due to the longer wheel base, the jku is more stable in off camber wheelin, the jku obviously has much more room inside, AND, for me personally, being a bodybuilder, the 4 door just suits me better. I made the jk look like a toy, where my jku just seems to "fit" me better.

Advantages to a jku: it's not a jk
Advantages to a jk: It's not a jku

Bottom line: both are great vehicles and you should drive both and see what is better for your needs/wants
 
#27 ·
i feel like 90 percent of the people that defend the jk is purely because of ego. They want to be "die hard"... which means rebelling against the 4 door. The function of the 4 door is undeniable. I have had SO many people check out my jku and say "your 2 door was cool and all but i would never drive one since they are so impractical...but your 4 door, that thing is still super cool and has the functionality of an actual suv.

Dislaimer: I am not married. I have no kids. I have a yellow lab and a gym bag that i take everywhere... so it's not like i "needed" a jku... but i would have a VERY hard time going back to a 2 door
 
#28 ·
I drove a new lifted JK 2 years ago and then decided to try a lifted JKU even though I really wanted a JK. After driving the JKU I decided there was no way I could drive a JK. The JKU has way more room. Since my dog can no longer jump into the Jeep which wasn't a problem 2 years ago, having the rear doors means I can load him easier and he can jump out easier. The JKU handles and rides better because of the wheelbase. Those were the main reasons and only reasons for my decision.
 
#29 ·
One more time

2 door JK's are still a Jeep. And after reading a kazillion posts on here, apparently 4 door JKU's are man mini vans specifically intended to haul kids and dogs. :hide:With the added convenience of taking it off road. :D
 
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