by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
Go anywhere, do anything.
You’ve no doubt heard that mantra about the Jeep Wrangler JL plenty of times over the past few years. And the truth is, yeah, you can reach a lot of places where other vehicles will struggle. Even as a bone-stock Jeep.
But you know, just like we do, that a Jeep can seriously reach its full potential following a few important upgrades. Upgrades that can make your ‘Go Anywhere, Do Anything’ dream much easier to reach.
Whether that means new rugged tires, a larger suspension, stronger steering components, protective bumpers, or side armor — the possibilities of how you can outfit a Jeep are relentless.
And therein lies the issue. With so many different part versions, how do you know what will reliably fit your Wrangler? Or the one you want to purchase.
After all, Jeep, like most automotive brands, offers multiple Wrangler trim levels and special edition vehicles that (sometimes) offer different features. These unfortunately can turn something that seems like a universal fit item into a product that just will not play nice with your particular model — or one you are debating on buying.
Currently, there are four main trim levels (two- and four-door) in the 2018-24 Wrangler JL lineup: Sport, Willys, Sahara and Rubicon, as well as numerous sub-levels with the most popular being the brand’s Willys edition, Rubicon 392 and 4xe hybrid.
Other submodels include High Tide, Black and Tan, Freedom, Moab, North Edition, High Altitude, Recon and Extreme Recon.
While you probably know which version you own or like, there are some simple ways to find out if you are unsure.
A quick glance at the hood could reveal either a Rubicon or Willys decal, or just to the left of the vehicle’s driver door could read Sport (or Sport Unlimited) or Sahara. Additionally, and most will know this right away, if your Wrangler came with a charging kit then it is a 4xe hybrid.
Now, some submodels could be tricky to determine if you are not sure what you have, as many do not have specific badging. The fastest way to remedy this is to pull out your insurance card and locate your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), and then look up its specifics online.
As long as you know what you have, down to a submodel, then it will be much easier to determine what products will work on your Wrangler.
On the other side, if you are looking into purchasing a Wrangler and want to know model differences, as well as how easy (or difficult) it will be to acquire aftermarket parts, there is plenty of information to learn.
So let’s look at some specifics, features and benefits of each trim level, as well as what parts may (or may not) fit.
Jeep Wrangler Sport / Sport Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler Sport (and Sport Unlimited) is the brand’s entry-level trim and has proven year after year to be the most popular selling model.
These days, it comes standard with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, you can still order a Wrangler with that longtime standard Pentastar 3.6L V6 powerplant that pushes 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. That is, if you are willing to wait. Either can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or the 2.0L can be upgraded to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Wrangler Sport can tow up to 2,000 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,350 pounds, while offering a 10.8-inch ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 37.4 degrees and 43.6 degrees, respectively.
On the inside, the Wrangler JL Sport and Sport Unlimited are way more comfortable and practical than any previous edition, even at this base level. It offers a roomy cabin that seats up to five people, with supportive and comfortable front seats, and rear seats spacious enough for adults. Additionally, it has a long list of standard features, including a touchscreen infotainment system with a screen that can stretch up to 8.4”, a six-speaker sound system, USB ports and Bluetooth connectivity.
Two other editions in this series upgrade the base sport and include the Willys Sport and Sport S.
The Willys essentially is a slightly more rugged version of the sport, with upgraded 32-inch mud terrain tires, gloss black wheels, heavy-duty shocks, rock rails and a limited-slip rear differential for better off-road traction.
For the Sport S, Jeep included many of the Willys upgrades, as well as adding some creature comforts such as power mirrors, windows and locks. This model even opens the window to an expansive array of optional packages such as audio, safety, cold weather, and convenience groups.
On all these models, just about every non-specific aftermarket product designed for a JL Wrangler vehicle will fit. These include suspension components, wheels, bumpers and side armor, doors, exhaust kits, soft and hardtops, steering and brakes, lighting, floor liners, seat covers, consoles and plenty more.
Some products, like engine and driveline parts, do require a little more information such as engine and transmission type to ensure proper fitment.
Reviewing key features of the Jeep Wrangler Sport:
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Optional 3.6L V6 (manual only)
- Four-wheel drive
- Locking front differential
- Rear differential lock
- Sway bar disconnect
- 10.8-inch ground clearance
- Approach and departure angles of 37.4 degrees and 43.6 degrees
- Roomy cabin
- Comfortable front seats
- Spacious rear seats
Jeep Wrangler Willys / Willys Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler Willys is a special edition of the iconic Wrangler SUV that pays homage to the original Willys MB, which was used by the U.S. military during World War II. The Willys features several unique styling elements and off-road features that make it a capable and stylish off-roader. This trim level is also a step up from the Willys Sport as well.
The Willys is powered from the factory with a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission that offers 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. However, those who still feel the pull for a manual transmission can order a Willys with Jeep’s longstanding Pentastar 3.6L engine that moves those power numbers to 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Additionally, that 3.6L can be ordered with an automatic transmission as well.
Recently, Jeep also expanded its 4xe footprint to include the Willys edition. Read on below for more about that model.
The Willys displays a ground clearance of 10.9 inches, approach and departure angles of 37.8 degrees and 44 degrees, respectively, and can tow up to 2,200 pounds.
Some of its unique styling elements include a heritage grille, Willys graphics, LED lighting and black fender flares. It also comes standard with several off-road features, such as upgraded shocks, rock rail protection and Trac-Lock Limited Slip rear differential.
On the inside, the Willys is a step up from the Sport edition, with a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, optional heated front seats, and a standard 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, optional nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and a rearview camera.
Reviewing key features of the Jeep Willys
- 2.0L Four-cylinder engine
- 270 horsepower, 295 lb-ft of torque
- Optional 3.6L V6 engine
- 285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque
- Eight-speed automatic transmission
- Optional manual transmission
- Four-wheel drive
- 10.9-inch ground clearance
- Approach and departure angles of 37.8 degrees and 44 degrees
- Towing capacity of 2,200 pounds
- Heritage grille
- Willys graphics
- Black fender flares
- LED Lightiung
- Limited slip rear differential
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Optional Heated front seats
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Optional nine-speaker Alpine sound system
- Rearview camera
While the Willys trim level offers a bit more bling than the standard Sport, it does match the sport as far as accepting just about all aftermarket part options designed for JL Wranglers. There is no issue with exterior part swaps like bumpers, side protection, lighting, tops, suspension/drivetrain or exhaust, and interior products do not have any conflicts either.
Of course, when making changes to some products like wheels, tires and exhaust, just make sure to choose the correct size (17 inch wheels/tires) and/or engine type.
Jeep Wrangler Sahara / Sahara Unlimited
The Jeep Wrangler Sahara is the brand’s unofficial luxury trim level and offers a more extravagant interior and a wider range of standard features than the Sport, while still retaining that legendary off-road capability.
The Sahara is powered by a 3.6L V6 engine that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, but also offers the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder as an option. Either engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission as no manual option is available for the Sahara trim.
Additionally, like all other Wranglers, it comes standard with four-wheel drive, but this edition adds a ton of cosmetic features like headlight trim rings, tubular side steps, 18-inch alloy wheels, as well as optional body-colored hardtop and fender flares. It also has a 10.9-inch ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 37.8 degrees and 44 degrees.
Moving inside, Sahara’s comfortable and luxurious interior offered a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel, leather-wrapped shift and transfer case knobs, heated front seats, dual zone climate control, keyless entry and optional leather seats. It also came standard with an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system and a rearview camera.
A slight variation of this model is the Sahara Altitude, which contains most of the same Sahara components except this one utilizes blacked-out trim rings, badging and other black-colored accents on the vehicle.
Like the Sport edition, product fitment for Sahara models is pretty straightforward for most items — just understand your door and engine configuration for things like tops, floor liners, exhaust and engine compartment items. Additionally, the Sahara does feature larger 18-inch alloy wheels, so when upgrading, make sure to choose ones specifically in that size and not the standard sport 17-inch configuration.
Reviewing key features of the Jeep Wrangler Sahara / Sahara Unlimited:
- 3.6L V6 engine — optional 2.0L four-cylinder
- Four-wheel drive
- Locking front differential
- Rear differential lock
- Sway bar disconnect
- 10.9-inch ground clearance
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- Approach and departure angles of 37.8 degrees and 44 degrees
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Keyless entry
- Dual zone climate control
- Heated front seats
- 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-speaker Alpine sound system
- Rear camera
Jeep Wrangler Rubicon / Rubicon Unlimited
While any Wrangler can transform into a true trail monster, the brand’s Rubicon trim level is the high-end edition designed for serious off-roaders who demand the best in capability and performance right off the showroom floor.
This model’s standard engine is a potent 3.6L V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque and is paired with a six-speed manual transmission. The brand also offers an optional 3.6L producing the same power on an eight-speed automatic transmission, while a third engine choice is that 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder version offering 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Finally, some model years up through 2023 even saw a diesel engine option that turns 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque.
While featuring the brand’s standard four-wheel drive, this Rubicon edition excels in off-road features beyond other trim levels thanks to upgrades like front and rear electronic locking differentials, automatic sway-bar disconnect system and upgraded transfer case with superior 4:1 low-range gearing.
With the inclusion of 33-inch all-terrain tires, the Rubicon provides exceptional approach and departure angles at 44.5 and 37.8 degrees, respectively, while still keeping its 10.9-inch ground clearance and 27-degree breakover angle. Overall, the Rubicon can tow up to 2,200 pounds and has a payload capacity of 1,300 pounds.
Inside, the Rubicon features refinements similar to Sahara such as a leather-wrapped and heated steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, and comfortable cloth front and rear seats with a leather option. The Rubicon also has an available audio package sporting an 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, upgraded nine-speaker Alpine sound system and rear subwoofer.
Moving up in this trim level is the significantly more powerful Rubicon 392 model that throws in a 6.4L V8 powerplant pushing 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque — making it the most powerful Wrangler ever off the production line.
While many of the same Rubicon refinements are in the 392, this vehicle does not have a manual transmission option, but does add steering wheel paddle shifters, standard remote start, heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, side protection and 35-inch off-road tires for superior trail performance.
As far as part fitment on the Rubicon trim level, most standard parts designed for JL Wranglers will work. However, you will need to review descriptions on stuff like engine, driveline, transfer case and suspension products, as well as fender flares that have smaller coverage areas. Additionally, those with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine will obviously need to take care with exhaust components, engine filters, suspension and steering components as this heavier diesel vehicle needs specialized products in those areas.
Reviewing key features of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon / Rubicon Unlimited:
- 3.6L V6 engine w/ manual — optional 3.6L for automatic / 2.0L automatic / 3.0L EcoDiesel automatic / 6.4L V8
- Four-wheel drive
- Tru-Lok® electronic locking differentials (front, rear, and sway bar)
- Rock-Trac® 4x4 system with 4:1 low-range gearing
- 33-inch all-terrain tires
- 10.9-inch ground clearance
- Approach and departure angles of 44.5 degrees and 37.8 degrees
- 27-degree breakover angle
- Leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and shift knob
- Heated front seats
- 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-speaker Alpine sound system
- Rear camera
Jeep Wrangler 4xe
With a serious splash of off-road prowess, backed up by powerful hybrid-electric capability, it is no wonder that about one of every three Wranglers sold these days is a 4xe version. Additionally, it is also the best-selling plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) in North America. And if this one is in your driveway, or parked at your curb, then you should be very familiar with its prowess.
The 4xe is the Jeep’s first PHEV in the Wrangler lineup and offers legendary off-road capability coupled with unrivaled fuel efficiency and emissions benefits of a hybrid powertrain.
It is powered by a 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an electric motor, which together produce 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of instant torque. Additionally, it can go up to around 25 miles solely on electric power, and has an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 49 MPGe.
If/when the electric charge runs out, the vehicle automatically swaps over to that gasoline engine until you have a chance to recharge. However, helping the cause is regenerative braking which takes energy whenever you stop and feeds it back into the battery.
Of course, like every Wrangler, the 4xe comes standard with four-wheel drive and a variety of off-road features, including a locking front differential, a rear differential lock, and a sway bar disconnect. It also has a 10.9-inch ground clearance and approach and departure angles of 37.8 degrees and 44 degrees.
On the inside, the Wrangler 4xe is comfortable and stylish. It features a leather-wrapped, heated steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, and a power-adjustable driver's seat. The Wrangler 4xe also comes standard with a 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a nine-speaker Alpine sound system, and a rearview camera.
Finally, the 4xe isn’t limited to just the Rubicon trim level, either, as Jeep has them in the Willys edition, as well as Sahara, Rubicon and High Altitude.
Reviewing key features of the Jeep Wrangler 4xe
- 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Electric motor
- 375 horsepower
- 470 lb-ft of torque
- 25 miles of electric range
- EPA-estimated fuel economy of 49 MPGe
- Four-wheel drive
- Locking front differential
- Rear differential lock
- Sway bar disconnect
- 10.9-inch ground clearance
- Approach and departure angles of 37.8 degrees and 44 degrees, respectively
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob
- Heated front seats
- Power-adjustable driver's seat
- 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Nine-speaker Alpine sound system
- Rearview camera
As far as parts that will work on the 4xe — this one is a bit trickier because of battery position, wiring and vehicle weight.
Many universal JL products will work with no problem like bumpers, side protection, wheels and tires (Sahara owners remember you have 18” wheels), lighting, soft and hardtops.
However, several other universal JL Wrangler products are restricted and will not work unless they directly indicate fitment for the 4xe. These include:
Air intakes: The Wrangler 4xe has a different air intake system than other Wrangler models. This is because the hybrid powertrain requires more air to operate properly. As a result, aftermarket air intakes that are designed for other Wrangler models will not fit the 4xe.
Exhaust systems: The Wrangler 4xe also has a different exhaust system than other Wrangler models. This is because the hybrid powertrain produces more exhaust gases than a gasoline engine. As a result, aftermarket exhaust systems that are designed for other Wrangler models will not fit the 4xe.
Lift kits: Lift kits that are designed for other Wrangler models may not fit the 4xe. This is because the hybrid powertrain is heavier than a gasoline engine. As a result, lift kits that are not designed for the extra weight of the hybrid powertrain may cause problems.
Tires: While most aftermarket ones will work on the Wrangler 4xe, you may want to look for ones that have thicker and more durable rubber as the instant 4xe torque can cause issues with thinner versions.
Rear Floor Liners: The 4xe’s rear seat is configured slightly differently because of the battery component. So when you are purchasing new floor liners, make sure they are specifically for 4xe models, and not for standard Rubicon models.
Seat Covers: Regular JL Wrangler covers, no matter the material, will not work on the 4xe because of seat design. So when you are set to purchase a new set, make sure to look for ones that exclusively list fitment for 4xe models.
