Rubicon Unlimited vs Unlimited Sport

[cobblecrazy]

I have been looking at the 4dr Jeep for a while, and I have test driven an Unlimited Sport, but I have yet to be able to take the Rubicon model out for a test drive. I know the setup of the Rubicon is more for the technical trails/roads, and fairly stock does not need much to be up to par with some overland vehicles w/mods. I have two friends who have purchase the 4dr, and they seemed pleased with what they have, but one is not into anything off the paved roads, and the other just purchased the vehicle and is just getting into overlanding so he is unable to give me any firsthand accounts of issues/likes at this point.

Currently I have a Sportsmobile, but I have been considering going to a "SUV/truck" w/a light trailer as a base camp. One of the downsides to the SMB is your "camp" is also your exploration vehicle, but it can also be a positive in some respects.

I have been looking at the Habitat "shell/tent" as a pseudo SMB "take off from work and go directly out" option, but with the trailer option (ultra light/pop up - my favorite so far is the Cricket ultralight) for the extended stays. My better half is adventurous, but she also likes the comfort of an actual enclosed abode when we go for a week+. If traveling by myself I would be more inclined to travel with the Jeep/Habitat combo for any length of trip.

I guess the main question is are the Rubicon models worth the extra $$, or is the Sport with a midrange suspension upgrade acceptable for traveling off the beaten path.

First off, I am no rock crawler. I enjoy the backroads of Nevada, Utah, Colorado, which include the creek crossings, and some "technical" driving, but I think riding my mountain bike on the more big rocks/technical aspects of the Rubicon Trail is more appealing than trying to get through it with a vehicle. We enjoy Moab - White Rim Trail specifically - and the vastness of Grand Escalante; however, it seems as though our travels to these places always include a base camp and daily excursions on the dirt roads and double tracks.

Any experiences with the Rubicon and Sport models are much appreciated.

 

[NOMADIC_LJ]

I guess the main question is are the Rubicon models worth the extra $$

Hard to answer that as you are the one that will be using it. To some yes and to others no. Do you think you will need lockers at each end plus a 4:1 gear reduction? Just going off what you wrote I would say no. I would think applying that extra cash toward a trailer would suite your needs better. The sport is pretty capable off the lot. Plus side is you can always add pieces to it and have it grow with you.

 

[Lucky j]

Unless you plane on real offroading, you do not need a rubicon.

The rubi are also harder on gaz! A regular wrangler is a capable off road vehicule by design and is confortable in a lot of offroad situations! Suspension work great and to some point, even a rubicon need upgrades for heavy offroading and is not that great in muddy situations except for the lockers!

So if overlanding and some offroading is more your thing, a regular unlimited with a mild lift and good off road tires will get you prety far. And a winch on any model a very important feature to get you out of tricky situations!

Now, you need to decide what type of use you are planing for it!

 

[Bennyhana]

I've had my Rubi for 3 years now and I'd have to say with what you're describing, the Sport is a good choice. But.....the nice thing about the Rubicons is the tools are there if you need them.

 

[Rovertrader]

For your application, I would suggest the Sport, add a rear locker either Detroit or TT, AEV 2.5, a tire upgrade and winch. Then get out and enjoy as the ride will be amazing, and the insurance of the Detroit and winch should be plenty.
As far as the habitat, I choose a tent cot for my solo trips, and the JJ for the family outings- works well for us.

 

[Septu]

As others have said, unless you really plan to wheel it, get the sport, it's cheaper and you likely won't miss the few things the Rubi has. Had a sport and went to a Rubi... but I have plans to build it up and wheel it. However the sport with a small budget boost lift and some better tires is still quite capable. Surprised even myself on where I managed to go. My 07 sport was also better on gas than my 12 Rubi - at least around town (although manual vs auto and actually having power plays into that too).

But if you do plan on larger tires (or towing) at least get the 3.73 gears. You might even have to re-gear it depending on what you want to tow (or where you live - flat vs hills).

 

[nwoods]

If this your idea of pushing the limits, then you do not need a Rubicon:

However, if you feel you might want to do this sometime, I'd definitely recommend the Ruby. The factory lockers, disconnectable swaybar, and 4:1 transfer case are total gamechangers in off road capability.

 

[jeep-N-montero]

I have done many trails in Moab without lockers, a mild lift and good tires with the longer wheelbase will get you through many places that shorter wheelbase rigs even with lockers may struggle. We are fortunate out here in the west that we do not have to deal with mud or wet trails very often, so lockers are not needed as much. My 96 is open front and rear and has been through Kane Creek, Metal Masher, Steel Bender, and a few other trails down in Moab without getting stuck. So I would suggest getting the OME or AEV 2.5 inch lift and some 33's and call it good. If you feel that you need a locker after a few outings then throw a Spartan or Aussie in the rear.

And if you do a lot of solo trips, then a winch is also suggested.

 

[JDaPP]

I went through the same thing. I sat down and figured up the cost difference based on what it would cost for the parts and labor for the various upgrades I would do to get me to where I wanted. Now with the extras my wife wanted I was essentially buying a Sahara, so I was only looking at a~$2900 difference, I was creeping in on that for upgrades to tires, lockers, etc., and the couple of times I have been stuck I have always wished I had those features so it made sense to me to get it from the factory with all the toys on it and covered under warranty. If you are handy with cars and could do your upgrades on a budget or if you are going to upgrade the Rubi anyways then a Sport might be better. If you are looking for resale value the Rubi sticker is worth more....

 

[LawnDart-XJ]

I once heard it explained this way and it made alot of sense to me. If you are going to ever build the jeep past the stock Rubi specs. Ie: axels bigger than rubi 44's and a transfer case swap to like an atlas get the sport but if you are going to keep it pretty much stock except for some slightly bigger tires and a small lift get the Rubi. Personaly I do not see the reason to by a sport and then put a locker in it and build up those axles when you can get that right from the factory with a warrenty.

 

[JIMBO]

:sombrero: You'll never need a Rubicon, you have to want one--

You can NEVER duplicate a Rubicon, you can make a stock Sport/X, more capable off-road, but

It won't be a Rubicon, If I have to explain the reasons--don't buy a Rubicon-

:costumed-smiley-007 JIMBO

 

[Brigitta]

Like most have already said, it's going to depend how you use it. I use my JKUR for running trails from mild to wild. Living in the west we love to explore old mining camps, ghost towns and the like. Some of these camps can be up some very steep and eroded roads. Lockers are great for rocks but also come in handy on these types of eroded trails. Keep in mind that the Rubi also gives you the 4.1 t-case gearing which is also very helpful on steep eroded roads. The Rubicon isn't just for rock crawling, the lower gearing allows for safer travel on steep loose terrain. If it's within the budget I'd get the Rubicon, I'll always err on the side of being over prepared for the trail rather than under prepared.

 

[cobblecrazy]

Thanks for all the input. In the end I decided on the Sport. They had done some upgrades, and the price was right.

As part of the deal they'll be putting on a Warn front bumper and a tow kit on Monday. Now the search for a camper begins...

 

[NOMADIC_LJ]

WOW! Very nice and congratulations. Beautiful Jeep!

 

[Rovertrader]

Nice, now search the used camper section for a Jumping Jack- doubles as a utility trailer and/or camper