Is the Rubicon X worth the extra money and complexity over the standard Rubicon?

[Mr Miami]

In the process of getting a 2024 Gladiator to give the 2016 Wrangler some company while they have the 20% off MSRP. Waited until end of the month (2 more days) to hopefully get the best deal. I found a Rubi with every option I wanted (steel bumper, navigation for wife and active safety group) for about 42k. The Rubi X is about 6k more but has the leather and power seats and full time 4x4 along with some other stuff that I don't care about. I am just concerned about the full time 4x4 since I keep my vehicles a long time and the full time system adds more complexity. Any thoughts?

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[Gvsukids]

The Rubi X is about 6k more but has the leather and power seats and full time 4x4

$6,000 can buy fancy seat covers. Why not buy a 23?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/power-seat-adjustment-vs-stock-cloth.86193/

 

[Mr Miami]

Not any 23's around here (South Florida) that I have found that have what I want. I was actually more concerned about the full time 4x4 on the Rubi X as opposed to the standard 4x4 on the regular Rubi.

 

[Gvsukids]

Not any 23's around here (South Florida) that I have found that have what I want. I was actually more concerned about the full time 4x4 on the Rubi X as opposed to the standard 4x4 on the regular Rubi.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/4-1-rock-trac-full-time-4wd-system.35447/

 

[BSchanze]

As someone who bought in early 2024 (I was an idiot and impatient) on a new Rubicon X with almost every option. $48k is a steal on a X, especially with 2025 only being paint options differences. I think it depends on what you are looking for and the packages on the plain Rubicon - safety/tech/premo auto/nav/bumpers/heated seats and steering wheel.

But personally I thought the tech/safety with the leather and power seats were worth it - I wanted the comfort on long road trips. Standard steel front bumper. The color matched hardtop is money well spent - honestly would get the textured black fenders if I could, too many rock chips. My dealer threw in bedliner and the the trail-rails too. I never use the auto 4x4... maybe if I was in bad winter weather area? But if you're in Florida I doubt you'll use it. Just throw into 4hi when I need it. You'd be getting 12k of goodies for 6k, that would probably help resale value in the future (won't get your money back but still be valuable 2nd hand). The upgrades make it feel like something from this decade, that's my take.

Again up to you and your priorities & wants.

 

[Mr Miami]

@Gvsukids ...
Thank you. I guess I shouldn't worry about the full-time 4x4 long term. As I mentioned, I keep things a long time (I have a rare 2016 Willys Wrangler Unlimited with half doors and a '99 TJ which wife says has to go ... can't park 3 Jeeps here). Maybe go back and get another thousand or so off and then decide.

 

[ScottBeach]

I am not aware of any long term issues with select trac. Auto4wd) but it is more parts to break. Would it hold up to 40s as well as standard part time 4wd? I just don't know. But for me I wanted the safety tech and seats. Life changers over the cloth manual seats.

 

[van_tri]

I was in the same boat this past December. I was negotiating on a Rubicon with leather up until I found a Rubicon X in the same color with leather and started comparing the build sheets and realized I could get so much more in the Rubicon X during an unprecedented discount period on the leftover 2024.

In the end, I went with the $69k Rubicon X over the $62k Rubicon because of the $21k model year clearance sale discount. Yeah, it was $7k more but I got 31% off MSRP.

I look at like “Spaving” LOL!!

 

[ecidiego]

Did you want the Front camera? Standard on the X.... costs about $1,100 to add yourself.

 

[SaiintNick]

I am not aware of any long term issues with select trac. Auto4wd) but it is more parts to break. Would it hold up to 40s as well as standard part time 4wd? I just don't know. But for me I wanted the safety tech and seats. Life changers over the cloth manual seats.

I chose the regular Mojave specifically for no leather seats and no color matched fenders. Wouldn't mind a color matched top though. Living in Southern Utah, the leather seats would be brutal in the 115 degree summers. Mine did have all the safety tech that I have basically turned off. Wish it had the steel bumpers.

 

[Mr Miami]

@SaiintNick ....

I like the Mojave too, and there are a lot more 2024's still around on lots than the Rubis. My problem with the Mojave is the limited towing capacity, 6,000 lbs. vs. 7,000 lbs. with the Rubi. My boat, motor and trailer when fully loaded with fuel is about 6,000 lbs. Even though I don't move the boat long distances, about 10 miles from the marina to my home when I do maintenance, being overweight when involved in an accident can create all sorts of liability issues (at least in our litigious State of Florida). So that's why I prefer the Rubi (or a max tow).

 

[ecidiego]

@SaiintNick ....

I like the Mojave too, and there are a lot more 2024's still around on lots than the Rubis. My problem with the Mojave is the limited towing capacity, 6,000 lbs. vs. 7,000 lbs. with the Rubi. My boat, motor and trailer when fully loaded with fuel is about 6,000 lbs. Even though I don't move the boat long distances, about 10 miles from the marina to my home when I do maintenance, being overweight when involved in an accident can create all sorts of liability issues (at least in our litigious State of Florida). So that's why I prefer the Rubi (or a max tow).

At 6k I wouldn't tow it with any Gladiator. Others say 'No Problem!' though.

 

[ConqSoft]

@SaiintNick ....

I like the Mojave too, and there are a lot more 2024's still around on lots than the Rubis. My problem with the Mojave is the limited towing capacity, 6,000 lbs. vs. 7,000 lbs. with the Rubi. My boat, motor and trailer when fully loaded with fuel is about 6,000 lbs. Even though I don't move the boat long distances, about 10 miles from the marina to my home when I do maintenance, being overweight when involved in an accident can create all sorts of liability issues (at least in our litigious State of Florida). So that's why I prefer the Rubi (or a max tow).

My Mojave says 7700 towing.

Edit: Disregard I was looking at incorrect information.

 

[Jaxmax]

No Mojave I have seen tows 7700, nothing gets close to that other then a MaxTow optioned Sport with the small tires….Jack

 

[SaiintNick]

@SaiintNick ....

I like the Mojave too, and there are a lot more 2024's still around on lots than the Rubis. My problem with the Mojave is the limited towing capacity, 6,000 lbs. vs. 7,000 lbs. with the Rubi. My boat, motor and trailer when fully loaded with fuel is about 6,000 lbs. Even though I don't move the boat long distances, about 10 miles from the marina to my home when I do maintenance, being overweight when involved in an accident can create all sorts of liability issues (at least in our litigious State of Florida). So that's why I prefer the Rubi (or a max tow).

Definitely better for you to get the Rubi.

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