Also I plan to run stock rubicon wheels since it’s an awesome rim in my opinion. I’d rather have big tires than premium rims.

 

I just bought a '21 Wrangler Rubicon. Here is my take, JK vs JL. If you plan to keep it for friggin ever the JK is probably the one to have. The JL is, I believe, going to be more than a headache. More electronics. The 4 banger is high strung and turbocharged. IMO a stupid combo. My wife has a 2.0 turbo in her focus and it's fun. But it's a street car. Not an offroad vehicle. The V6 in the JL is a good option if you can find it without the mild hybrid crap. No offense to anyone with the mild hybrid crap. But long term I think it is useless, stupid and expensive. I got my '21 Rubi with a stick to avoid the hybrid stuff but even that comes with a ridiculous dual battery setup with a little battery buried in the engine bay just waiting to strand you. I just got a Genesis dual battery kit in the mail to fix that. I won't go in to the potential issues of owning a Mopar with a small diesel engine. Long story short, you might aught get a 3.6L JK. I think it is the safest bet. But the JL drives a lot nicer. I drove them back to back and decided on the JL. If you do decide to get a JL go ahead and get a 3.6. Auto, stick, whatever. Just don't get the mild hybrid.

Like you said the market is twisted right now. I was shopping for a '15-'18 JKUR but they were all so expensive (10k more than they were 8-10 months ago) that I picked up a new one instead. I got an OK deal on the new Jeep and made out like a bandit on my trade in. I think they wanted this Jeep gone because it has a stick in it and most people want an automatic. If you want a stick you can probably find a better deal in general.

Long winded, but those are my thoughts. I think in 20 years history will smile more on the JK. Fewer drivetrain combinations means parts will be easier to get down the line. I think.

 

My question that I rarely see raised….are you tall? At 6’3” I don’t fit safely IMO. I’ve sat in several different trim levels of the JL model line killing time while at my dealership. After adjusting the seat to my preference & comfort my head is only about one inch from the sound bar. IMO not safe or smart particularly when off road. In contrast my ‘17 JKU I have about 4 inches betw my head & the sound bar. I can attest that sound bar has zero give as I’ve bumped my head too many times cleaning or putting things in the rear seating area. I also prefer less tech & such of my JKU

 

I had a 13 JKU that I recently traded for a 21 JLR with the 2.0t. I loved my JK, but the JL is definitely a nicer ride. The ease of operation of the JL soft top is head and shoulders above that of the JK. If you’re concerned about the 2.0T, you can look for a JL with the 3.6. The biggest plus of the JL in my opinion is the 8 spd tranny. It is smoother than the JK’s 5spd and I believe is the biggest contributor to the increased fuel mileage of the JL.

As far as gearing with 35’s, I put 4.88’s in my JK. I wish I would have gone with 4.56’s. The 4.88’s had me running higher RPM’s on the highway than I would have preferred. As for 35’s on the JL, I have not lifted mine yet, but hope to keep the stock Rubicon 4.10’s. Time will tell if that works. For what it’s worth though, I believe the new factory 35” tire package for the JL’s is coming with 4.56’s from the factory.

Good luck with your decision. I think you will be happy either way you go and with the way they hold their value, if you choose the JK and later decide you want a JL, you should be able to switch up without losing a ton of money.


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I had a 2017 manual JKU and loved it. My JT is way better.

I would go with a JL/JT only because the JKs have more time on them since they were made until 2018. The older a vehicle is, the higher probably of issues and cost of repair.

My life (getting older, wife and baby) requires that I have a more reliable and comfortable vehicle. The JLs have been around for ~4 years and there aren’t many glaring issues… look through the forum for reported issues if you would like. I’ve heard of loose steering, loose fuses, loose ball joints (maybe this is just JTs and not JLs, I’m not sure). Pretty sure Jeep fixed all that.

These are just my thoughts. Good luck 🙂 with your selection.

 

The steering issue has been addressed. It depends on your dealers delivery prep because they do come with loose fuses and over inflated tires.

 

While the JK & JL share the same DNA, they are completely different vehicles.
The JL addressed all the shortcomings of the JK series and Jeep nailed it.
If you want road noise, interior noise, bad steering, bad handling, low quality interior...settle for the lesser JK (with respect to JK owners!)
Lastly, IMO the JL series will likely be the last internal combustion Wrangler as the entire industry changes to EV.
Get one while you still can!

 

As a JL owner for 2 1/2 years now, you're completely exaggerating the improvement of the JL. It's not a significant upgrade over the JK when it comes to road/interior noise. Most argue steering is worse and handling is similar. The notable upgrades are the interior and transmission. If the JK had an updated interior and new transmission, 90% wouldn't see the difference between a JK or JL.

 

If you are willing to wait a few months order a new JL for less than buying a used JK or JL. That’s what I did.

 

Depends on what you're going to use it for as well. While I'll pass the burden of my JK on to my survivors, whatever year that may be, I enjoyed the JL's 8-speed auto transmission quite a bit when off road. If I buy another jeep, my finances at the time will determine CJ, TJ or JL.

 

They are two different animals. I have a JKR, one of my Grandsons has a JLR. There is pluses and minuses to each. But if you go with the JL, make sure that you take out a Mopar extended warranty Policy. The JL’s some serious steering issues, because it is a new electronic design. All about satisfying the FEDs fuel economy restrictions. Currently, there is a new designed cast iron steering gear box on order for my Grandson's JLR. I plan on keeping my JKR for ever. But I suggest that you drive them both, and then make your call.

 

If you follow the JL forums the steering issues have been addressed with a service bulletin and they are no longer using the aluminum steering boxes.

 

Drive them both and see what you think and what your pocketbook thinks. Both are fun and capable vehicles with the JL obviously being a bit more refined. You mention MPGs a lot but you are going to lift it, regear it and put 35s on it, its already a box on wheels so I would ignore anything with MPGs because its already bad and what you plan on doing is not going to make it any better. A few MPGs aren't going to make any difference in the long run. Just be careful and check it out because you don't want to be buying someone else's headache but if they check out then go for the one you want and the best you can find to fit your budget. After that don't look back and have fun with it!

 

I will simply point out that there are aftermarket wheel options from Quadratec that look like stock wheels but have proper backspacing to allow larger tires to fit.

 

I just finished going through this same process and bought a JK. Number one factor was avoiding the nanny stuff, especially the start/stop. Second was availability of aftermarket stuff I want to tinker with. Third was the amount of electronics/computer control; less is better (for me) when tapping into the wiring. The JL dove more car like and definitely had more options but...the JK Hard Rock has more of what I wanted and less of the stuff I didn't. I have a new F350 that has all the nanny stuff and I despise the amount of control the computer has over driving. I only drove one JL but once was enough. Best of luck on your decision.

 

JK if it is between a JKU Rubicon and JLU Sport.

 

JL with a Hemi or JK with an LS Swap. The other engine options are garbage IMO.


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JL with a Hemi or JK with an LS Swap. The other engine options are garbage IMO.


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i would preferrably drop a supercharger kit in though! that Pentastar can handle the extra power

 

JK is hands down more comfortable. Better seats, better knee room, 1.7" more hip room, more interior volume, etc. And if you sit in both it is noticeable.

JL has better engines, better transmission, better axles, and more tech.

Just depends on what matters.

 

Welcome to the forum.

If you can swing it, get the JL.

If you are undecided now, if you buy the JK, you will drive for awhile and then wish you got the JL. Save yourself the money and aggravation and go for the JL.

PS - you will be hard pressed to find a JLU in the low 30s, though.

 

I know it’s a horrible time to buy but I’m set on getting a wrangler soon and I have a decent trade in so it makes sense in my mind when I try to justify the purchase. I have a budget of about 35k and I keep coming back to this 40k mile 2014 JKU for 31. Something still doesn’t feel right as I see the JL’s have better gas mileage, features, etc. To me the JK just seems more rugged and I can’t seem to justify the gas mileage. I play to put a 3” lift and 35’s with a regear regardless. My question is should I search for JL that’s more expensive but offers some mpg saving? Or should I just go with my gut and stick with JKU.
I have owned the same truck since I was 16 and now that I’m 25 I’m ready to get my dream ride, I know some just from running through forums but I figured asking I’d ask you all for your personal opinion/experience. Also if you can help me with a good gear ratio for 35’s on 2014 or 2018 automatic JKU/JLU for mostly highway driving/mpg (some over landing probably once a month) that would be greeeaaaatttt. As it’s obvious, I’m new to the Jeep world as I’m looking to enter it and any advice/help will be appreciated!

I am curious. Why go used considering where the used market is at? Unless you are paying cash on a fixed budget, you will get better finance rates on a 2021 than on anything older.

just my $.02

 

Welcome to the Forum, from Cave Creek AZ.
Some like and prefer the JK, over the JL. It’s everybody to their own. Plus there are some that pay cash, and don’t have to worry about finance rates.

 

As others have said, you must drive the two. The JL interior is cramped compared to JK if you’re tall. The JL auto is good, the manual is not.


The MPG improvement is from a focus on trying to improve fuel efficiency in various methods.

• double overdrive transmissions
• Electronic Stop Start (ESS)
• aerodynamic curved windshield
• double ball bearing for the outer pinion bearing (vs JK’s tapered roller bearing)
• Front Axle Disconnect (FAD)
• smaller ring & pinion
• aluminum steering knuckles
• aluminum steering box
• aerodynamic front bumper (plastic)
• Electric Power Steering
• 48V Eco-Drive system

 

When I was purchasing a while back I had a choice between a 2014 JK and a new JL. I compared quite a bit before purchase but I never could click with the JL. I don't know why, maybe dual-zone climate control nonsense and all the bells and whistles and complexity was just more than I wanted to see in a vehicle of this type, The JL did have 'more', but not more of what I wanted, which was simplicity, functionality, serviceability, etc., not to mention the higher price. The JL just seemed to more SUV and less Wrangler to me. Also I wanted the V6 and that seemed to be hard to find in the JL when I was looking, they were really pushing the 4-cylinder (FCA trying to increase fleet average MPG numbers? IDK.) Anyway I ultimately went with the JK and have been very happy with it, and kept the extra $20k in the bank.

From my experience I do not agree that there is a significant difference in road manners in the JL, they both seemed pretty similar which is logically what you would expect. The JL's will eek out a little more mileage and the one thing that I would have preferred was the 8-speed, but then again the Mercedes WA-580/NAG1 5-speed in the JK is about as well-vetted as an auto trans can be in terms of reliability.

But all very subjective of course and all opinions are valid. Drive them both and one or the other will sing to you, and then buy that one.

 

What would you rather have ....35k Hard Rock Rubicon with low mileage + 12k in upgrades

or a new JL Sport?

This is the question I asked myself.

My signature is my answer.

 

Well they say that Jeeps hold their value. Sucks to be on the wrong end of that though.

 

I have considered selling my 18 Rubicon which actually has more options then a Hardrock . Just doesn’t have the steel bumpers. Resale is high enough I have considered trading up for an Extreme Recon.


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I have considered selling my 18 Rubicon which actually has more options then a Hardrock . Just doesn’t have the steel bumpers. Resale is high enough I have considered trading up for an Extreme Recon.


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Do it if you want to. Carvana, Vroom and Carmax all offered me over original MSRP for my used car, and the Mopar Man honored that price when I got my new Rubicon.

 

I know it’s a horrible time to buy but I’m set on getting a wrangler soon and I have a decent trade in so it makes sense in my mind when I try to justify the purchase. I have a budget of about 35k and I keep coming back to this 40k mile 2014 JKU for 31. Something still doesn’t feel right as I see the JL’s have better gas mileage, features, etc. To me the JK just seems more rugged and I can’t seem to justify the gas mileage. I play to put a 3” lift and 35’s with a regear regardless. My question is should I search for JL that’s more expensive but offers some mpg saving? Or should I just go with my gut and stick with JKU.
I have owned the same truck since I was 16 and now that I’m 25 I’m ready to get my dream ride, I know some just from running through forums but I figured asking I’d ask you all for your personal opinion/experience. Also if you can help me with a good gear ratio for 35’s on 2014 or 2018 automatic JKU/JLU for mostly highway driving/mpg (some over landing probably once a month) that would be greeeaaaatttt. As it’s obvious, I’m new to the Jeep world as I’m looking to enter it and any advice/help will be appreciated!

I can’t speak about the JL, but as I lifelong lover of all things Jeep I purchased my first JK at age 55, a well used 2008 Rubicon with a 6-speed manual transmission. After having my right shoulder repaired in 2018, I had to get something with an AT to be my daily driver. I purchased JK #2 which is way better, at least for me, a 2013 Sahara. I love my Jeep!! I get terrible mileage but I don’t care! My work commute is 38 miles each way so I spend a lot of hard earned $ on gas. Driving my Jeep makes me happy!!. And when it comes to buying add-ons the sky’s the limit for JKs from having been around with little changes for so long. I’m a 62 year young grandma and I can perform most of the maintenance and upgrades by my self. I’d highly recommend the Jeep JK. Get what makes you happy!! We only live once so make every day count! Good luck on whatever you choose!

 

Here’s Grandma’s 2013 Sahara daily driver. It makes me sooo happy that I love my hour long drive to work every day!!

 

Good for you. You are Rocking it!

 

I know it’s a horrible time to buy but I’m set on getting a wrangler soon and I have a decent trade in so it makes sense in my mind when I try to justify the purchase. I have a budget of about 35k and I keep coming back to this 40k mile 2014 JKU for 31. Something still doesn’t feel right as I see the JL’s have better gas mileage, features, etc. To me the JK just seems more rugged and I can’t seem to justify the gas mileage. I play to put a 3” lift and 35’s with a regear regardless. My question is should I search for JL that’s more expensive but offers some mpg saving? Or should I just go with my gut and stick with JKU.
I have owned the same truck since I was 16 and now that I’m 25 I’m ready to get my dream ride, I know some just from running through forums but I figured asking I’d ask you all for your personal opinion/experience. Also if you can help me with a good gear ratio for 35’s on 2014 or 2018 automatic JKU/JLU for mostly highway driving/mpg (some over landing probably once a month) that would be greeeaaaatttt. As it’s obvious, I’m new to the Jeep world as I’m looking to enter it and any advice/help will be appreciated!

I have a 2014 JK Sport and I've had to deal with the oil cooler leaking. According to the mechanic at Napleton Jeep, it's because the 2014 was a transition engine and the oil cooler is connected with rubber grommets to the top of the engine- it sits under the oil filter. The design was changed in 2015 but he said they did a bunch of oil cooler repairs to 2014's because of the poor transitionary design. It's an $800 job, but the way. On the bright side, they changed my spark plugs for free since they were that deep into the engine.
I would be wary of the 2014 just because of that one known issue that will look like a Rear Main Seal leak when it happens.

 

Not to side-track the thread, but 2014 is not a transition year. 2012 is the first year of the 3.6. The reason 2014s have issues with the oil cooler is because the 2012-2013 oil coolers kept popping the relief valves and you could lose the spring down the hole into the motor so they redesigned the part for 2014 and while they fixed the spring issue, they made them all plastic instead of reinforcing them with metal like the 2012-13s. The plastic doesn't age as well in the heat of the V and the result is leaks. They have again tried addressing that and so we are on part revision AF or the 6th version of it. Only time will tell if they have finally fixed the leaking issue.