Okay...I've got no dog in this fight. I like both versions. I bought the 2 door because I already own a 2012 Grand Cherokee Overland and didn't need another big 4x4.
My buddy picked up his 2014 JKU Sahara last week and I own the same car in 2 door. Both are well loaded, though I drove both with only the soft tops. We took turns on the GCP here in Queens and here are the results:
Speed - Make no mistake, the 2 door is quicker. I did not check the weight difference, but the smaller version always feels almost too fast for its chassis. The JKU is not slow, just not able to match the nimble hop off the line as well. At speed things are closer, but from 50 mph the 2 door retains a significant edge in being able to accelerate. No hard numbers here; just side-by-side driving. Winner = 2 door!
Handling - Now once again the 2 door was always more nimble, but there are other factors. At times the JKU feels more stable and offers a superior ride with less front-rear hop. Neither of these is for canyon carving, but if pressed, the 2 door is better. So far as off road goes? My friend claims the 2 door is the master but also adds that the 4 door is a lot less taxing over moderate terrain over extended periods. After driving both I preferred the feedback of the 2 door, but it's not a big difference. At times the 2 door will hit a bad spot in the road that can really ruffle the composure of the chassis while the JKU handles it better. Winner = tie!
Comfort - While this really relates to the size of your family, the longer chassis is a bit kinder on the highway as stated above. Winner = JKU
MPG - 1.5 MPG better for the 2 door. Winner = 2 door
Practicality - Hey, sorry but the 2 door is NOT very practical. Go to Shoprite and it's like sitting in the grocery cart and trying to pull in the groceries in after you! The 2 door does not carry much at all. It's fine for a small family like mine, but I could not own it without a larger car in the fleet. The JKU solves these issues and then some! It can carry stuff and is much nicer for the rear passengers to deal with. I know some older folks who would NEVER be able to get into the back seat of my 2 door. Winner = JKU
Appearance - They both look like Jeeps! I love the way a naked JKU looks and the 2 door looks like a beast of a different sort when it's fitted out. I'm 51, so I'm more accustomed to the 2 door look. Winner = Tie
The winner is...
US! You can have your cake and eat it too with these brutes. I think a one car family will be far better served by the JKU in the long run. The 2 door is less of a practical car and more of a giant ATV in some respects...and that's a good thing.
Cheers...
Robert
My buddy picked up his 2014 JKU Sahara last week and I own the same car in 2 door. Both are well loaded, though I drove both with only the soft tops. We took turns on the GCP here in Queens and here are the results:
Speed - Make no mistake, the 2 door is quicker. I did not check the weight difference, but the smaller version always feels almost too fast for its chassis. The JKU is not slow, just not able to match the nimble hop off the line as well. At speed things are closer, but from 50 mph the 2 door retains a significant edge in being able to accelerate. No hard numbers here; just side-by-side driving. Winner = 2 door!
Handling - Now once again the 2 door was always more nimble, but there are other factors. At times the JKU feels more stable and offers a superior ride with less front-rear hop. Neither of these is for canyon carving, but if pressed, the 2 door is better. So far as off road goes? My friend claims the 2 door is the master but also adds that the 4 door is a lot less taxing over moderate terrain over extended periods. After driving both I preferred the feedback of the 2 door, but it's not a big difference. At times the 2 door will hit a bad spot in the road that can really ruffle the composure of the chassis while the JKU handles it better. Winner = tie!
Comfort - While this really relates to the size of your family, the longer chassis is a bit kinder on the highway as stated above. Winner = JKU
MPG - 1.5 MPG better for the 2 door. Winner = 2 door
Practicality - Hey, sorry but the 2 door is NOT very practical. Go to Shoprite and it's like sitting in the grocery cart and trying to pull in the groceries in after you! The 2 door does not carry much at all. It's fine for a small family like mine, but I could not own it without a larger car in the fleet. The JKU solves these issues and then some! It can carry stuff and is much nicer for the rear passengers to deal with. I know some older folks who would NEVER be able to get into the back seat of my 2 door. Winner = JKU
Appearance - They both look like Jeeps! I love the way a naked JKU looks and the 2 door looks like a beast of a different sort when it's fitted out. I'm 51, so I'm more accustomed to the 2 door look. Winner = Tie
The winner is...
US! You can have your cake and eat it too with these brutes. I think a one car family will be far better served by the JKU in the long run. The 2 door is less of a practical car and more of a giant ATV in some respects...and that's a good thing.
Cheers...
Robert
opcorn:
