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2021 v 2020 Differences

eternus

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I just realized this evening that one of the things I didn't like about the 2020 Sport was how blingy the interior was. The AC bezels and steering wheel were both super chrome looking, if I remember correctly. I had ordered my 2021 without seeing one yet... so everything I got is new to me now.

Sport S
  • Steering wheel is all black
  • HVAC bezels are black
  • Color matched fenders
  • Rubicon/Overand/Mojave style plastic front bumper, black hooks
I'll try to get pictures and identify other differences if I figure any out.
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STL Gladiator

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I just realized this evening that one of the things I didn't like about the 2020 Sport was how blingy the interior was. The AC bezels and steering wheel were both super chrome looking, if I remember correctly. I had ordered my 2021 without seeing one yet... so everything I got is new to me now.

Sport S
  • Steering wheel is all black
  • HVAC bezels are black
  • Color matched fenders
  • Rubicon/Overand/Mojave style plastic front bumper, black hooks
  • Rear shock bolts are 21mm instead of 18mm
I'll try to get pictures and identify other differences if I figure any out.
I actually just traded a 2020 Sport S max tow for a 2021 JTR.
There are quite a few differences from 2020 to 2021 all across the board that I noticed..but I had no idea about the rear shock bolts. wonder why they did that? Wait I am pretty sure 2020 the rears were 21mm heads already on the sport s.
My 2021 Rubicon has:
1. black bump stops vs cream yellow one that my 2020 had.
2. of course black steel steering box vs aluminum.
3. there's an additional rubber seal on the front doors that was there before.
4. the holes that RR bed cover bracket attached are through hole instead of threaded like on the 2020. Will have to contact Rugged Ridge to see how they address the change.
5. 2021 UConnect won't support my old iPod classic, the 2020 Sport S had no issues.
 

Mac

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Interesting, I have a 2020 Sport S and it has black trim on the steering wheel and no chrome on the dash, build date is 7/20/2020. I wondered about the chrome as I has seen it in videos of 2020 JTs.
 

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I actually just traded a 2020 Sport S max tow for a 2021 JTR.
There are quite a few differences from 2020 to 2021 all across the board that I noticed..but I had no idea about the rear shock bolts. wonder why they did that? Wait I am pretty sure 2020 the rears were 21mm heads already on the sport s.
My 2021 Rubicon has:
1. black bump stops vs cream yellow one that my 2020 had.
2. of course black steel steering box vs aluminum.
3. there's an additional rubber seal on the front doors that was there before.
4. the holes that RR bed cover bracket attached are through hole instead of threaded like on the 2020. Will have to contact Rugged Ridge to see how they address the change.
5. 2021 UConnect won't support my old iPod classic, the 2020 Sport S had no issues.
I am actually considering the same move. I originally thought I wouldn't want leather. Also hearing the excellent trade values, no cars at auction ect, it seems like a great time to trade.
 
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eternus

eternus

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Wait I am pretty sure 2020 the rears were 21mm heads already on the sport s.
Ok, all I could find before doing my suspension was torque specs saying it was an 18mm in the back... I'll remove that from my list. (c:
 

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STL Gladiator

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Ok, all I could find before doing my suspension was torque specs saying it was an 18mm in the back... I'll remove that from my list. (c:
I have set of rubicon fox shocks from 2020 I can compare part numbers against my 2021 rubi. and get back with you tomorrow. I ran the 2020 fox shocks on my max tow so I know they worked with out issue before removal and trading it in.
 
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Kaiser

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I just realized this evening that one of the things I didn't like about the 2020 Sport was how blingy the interior was. The AC bezels and steering wheel were both super chrome looking, if I remember correctly. I had ordered my 2021 without seeing one yet... so everything I got is new to me now.

Sport S
  • Steering wheel is all black
  • HVAC bezels are black
  • Color matched fenders
  • Rubicon/Overand/Mojave style plastic front bumper, black hooks
I'll try to get pictures and identify other differences if I figure any out.
Looking forward to interior pics, I only knew about the fenders and bumper change
 

morejeepsthanicancount

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Interesting, I have a 2020 Sport S and it has black trim on the steering wheel and no chrome on the dash, build date is 7/20/2020. I wondered about the chrome as I has seen it in videos of 2020 JTs.
Same here, Build date in March, delivery in March and I have all black wheel, no bright trims inside, and black bump stops too I believe.
 

Murgatroid

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Interesting, I have a 2020 Sport S and it has black trim on the steering wheel and no chrome on the dash, build date is 7/20/2020. I wondered about the chrome as I has seen it in videos of 2020 JTs.
My 2020 was built a little over a year before your 2020. Makes me wonder how many months did they build the 2020 Gladiator.
 

sirsamuel764

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My steering wheel is all black (2020 sport s). It is one thing that I actually really like that I didn't even think much about before I bought it. It goes well with the theme of the truck because I'm going with a blacked out sting gray.
 

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Interesting, I have a 2020 Sport S and it has black trim on the steering wheel and no chrome on the dash, build date is 7/20/2020. I wondered about the chrome as I has seen it in videos of 2020 JTs.
Also interesting...my Sport S was built 7/19/20 and has chrome trim on the steering wheel but none on the dash.
 
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Mac

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Also interesting...my Sport S was built 7/19/20 and has chrome trim on the steering wheel but none on the dash.
That’s pretty crazy
 
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eternus

eternus

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Looking forward to interior pics, I only knew about the fenders and bumper change
Jeep Gladiator 2021 v 2020 Differences 725A1E29-CFD7-45A7-A0AD-CF2046F16027_1_105_c


Jeep Gladiator 2021 v 2020 Differences 6E426E91-AD7A-4367-861F-3209750957F0_1_105_c


I guess its mostly noticable if you're considering that it should be shiny and chrome, especially on the steering wheel. I don't 100% remember if the hvac bezels were chrome. I need to find someone with a Sport S from last fall to compare notes
 

Murgatroid

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Jeep Gladiator 2021 v 2020 Differences 6E426E91-AD7A-4367-861F-3209750957F0_1_105_c


Jeep Gladiator 2021 v 2020 Differences 6E426E91-AD7A-4367-861F-3209750957F0_1_105_c


I guess its mostly noticable if you're considering that it should be shiny and chrome, especially on the steering wheel. I don't 100% remember if the hvac bezels were chrome. I need to find someone with a Sport S from last fall to compare notes
Mine built in july of 2019 has metal around the hvac and window switches
 

CG32

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725A1E29-CFD7-45A7-A0AD-CF2046F16027_1_105_c.jpeg


6E426E91-AD7A-4367-861F-3209750957F0_1_105_c.jpeg


I guess its mostly noticable if you're considering that it should be shiny and chrome, especially on the steering wheel. I don't 100% remember if the hvac bezels were chrome. I need to find someone with a Sport S from last fall to compare notes
That’s interesting. I bought a 2020 sport s max tow in early August and mine has the color match fenders, the overland style bumper and the same interior accents as yours.
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