Ohio JKU
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I think I’ve driven my new 2021 JT (Willys) enough to offer an informed opinion. Especially compared to the prior generation (2015 wrangler unlimited Sport -S) “Jku” *I added a 2” lift (variable rate springs, adjustable shocks and 33” +\- tires), cooper st maxx tires, rear seat recline kit, and have hard and soft tops for it
I learned a lot on the wrangler, I bought it knowing cars & trucks but not jeeps. The biggest thing I didn’t know was the gearing of the sport S I bought was 3.21... or more specifically that there were other gearing/s 3.73 or 4.10. I would have likely gotten a 3.73 geared wrangler.... but keeping it mild, was just fine as it was my daily driver and I bought it more for making the commute fun, than rock crawling. We have hit some mild trails from time to time Ive taken the doors and tops down/off about every time the sun comes out and the temps are above 60... the 4 wheel drive system is great in the winter too. I Love the wrangler enough that I kept it. (Despite the apparent resale value). The 3.21 gearing hasn’t been a problem, just better if a little lower. Having owed trucks most of my life, with the wrangler I pulled a trailer frequently, it has plenty of power, long steep inclines I will manually shift, I also keep it out of overdrive when pulling a trailer with any weight. So this is the history & this is largly why I’ve bought a JT instead of another wrangler.
here are my impressions after 3,000 miles.
The Gladiator is:
The biggest difference is the 8 speed. Transmission! Shifts smoother and the shift points are spot on, it feels ready to pounce if you put your foot in it. (Fun)
It’s all around quieter
The ride is smoother* (see above as compared to my modified wrangler)
I’m surprised to say I love the heated seats
The wrangler feels a little more quirky like you are driving something “different”. This could be good or bad depending. The JT is less quirky, but still very similar it definitely is a “Jeep” just more refined and planted at 70+mph.
The jku feels bigger inside, seating area. I believe from the specs the gladiator is bigger by 2” longer and wider, but perception is the jku feels bigger (more hip room)
The 3.73 gearing in the JT (Willys-standard sport gearing) is great*.
The wrangler came with steps/running boards. These were needed for my kids to get in/out at the time... the gladiator willys has rock rails. I prefer no steps, I’m to tall to use them and was brushing them with my leg/pants.... they did help keep tire spray off the side of the wrangler, I put weather tech mud flaps on the JT to cut down on this... for daily drivers I’d suggest mud flaps
The bed: my biggest reason for a JT... About 50% of the time, there’s something in the bed/being used as a truck. It’s nice having that with you all the time. Trailers have their place but a Jeep with a bed is nice!!! I’d suggest a weather “resistant” cover too...
Overall: I think Jeep did a great job designing the Gladiator. I would say it’s just a little better at everything, which I think the Next generation vehicle probably should be....
Looking forward to warmer weather and getting the doors and top off this thing!
I learned a lot on the wrangler, I bought it knowing cars & trucks but not jeeps. The biggest thing I didn’t know was the gearing of the sport S I bought was 3.21... or more specifically that there were other gearing/s 3.73 or 4.10. I would have likely gotten a 3.73 geared wrangler.... but keeping it mild, was just fine as it was my daily driver and I bought it more for making the commute fun, than rock crawling. We have hit some mild trails from time to time Ive taken the doors and tops down/off about every time the sun comes out and the temps are above 60... the 4 wheel drive system is great in the winter too. I Love the wrangler enough that I kept it. (Despite the apparent resale value). The 3.21 gearing hasn’t been a problem, just better if a little lower. Having owed trucks most of my life, with the wrangler I pulled a trailer frequently, it has plenty of power, long steep inclines I will manually shift, I also keep it out of overdrive when pulling a trailer with any weight. So this is the history & this is largly why I’ve bought a JT instead of another wrangler.
here are my impressions after 3,000 miles.
The Gladiator is:
The biggest difference is the 8 speed. Transmission! Shifts smoother and the shift points are spot on, it feels ready to pounce if you put your foot in it. (Fun)
It’s all around quieter
The ride is smoother* (see above as compared to my modified wrangler)
I’m surprised to say I love the heated seats
The wrangler feels a little more quirky like you are driving something “different”. This could be good or bad depending. The JT is less quirky, but still very similar it definitely is a “Jeep” just more refined and planted at 70+mph.
The jku feels bigger inside, seating area. I believe from the specs the gladiator is bigger by 2” longer and wider, but perception is the jku feels bigger (more hip room)
The 3.73 gearing in the JT (Willys-standard sport gearing) is great*.
The wrangler came with steps/running boards. These were needed for my kids to get in/out at the time... the gladiator willys has rock rails. I prefer no steps, I’m to tall to use them and was brushing them with my leg/pants.... they did help keep tire spray off the side of the wrangler, I put weather tech mud flaps on the JT to cut down on this... for daily drivers I’d suggest mud flaps
The bed: my biggest reason for a JT... About 50% of the time, there’s something in the bed/being used as a truck. It’s nice having that with you all the time. Trailers have their place but a Jeep with a bed is nice!!! I’d suggest a weather “resistant” cover too...
Overall: I think Jeep did a great job designing the Gladiator. I would say it’s just a little better at everything, which I think the Next generation vehicle probably should be....
Looking forward to warmer weather and getting the doors and top off this thing!
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