Overland or Rubicon - Can't Decide

[Lou3.6]

Hi guys – longtime reader / first-time poster. I am preparing to place my Gladiator order and I remain torn between the Rubicon and Overland. Based on my configuration, there is “only” a $3K difference between the two models. Although I don’t plan to tap into the capability of the Rubicon, I do like the aesthetic look of the vented hood, Fox shocks, chunkier tires, and steel bumper. In my view, if I elected to make any of these modifications on my own to the Overland, even if for purely aesthetic reasons, I’d already be approaching Rubicon cost, and so I might as well just go with the Rubicon to start with, which, beyond the aesthetic appeal, brings the added capability of the locking diffs, disconnecting sway bar, etc… This is not as big of a deal for me, but I could see the Rubicon holding its value slightly better for someone looking to take it off my hands in a few years purely as an offroad / adventure vehicle.

As for the Overland, I really prefer the leather covering on the dash to the painted plastic look of the Rubicon. I’m planning to go with the saddle brown leather, so I would lose the red accents in the Rubicon (which I do not prefer). I also like the functionality of the side step on the Overland (versus the rock rails on the Rubicon), although I’m not a huge fan of the gray plastic. If I go with the Rubicon, I’d probably add an electric side step at some point down the line, which would give me the functionality without all of the plastic.

I’m probably 80% sold on the Rubicon at this point, but interested in getting others’ thoughts! I suppose I should drive a Rubicon / Sahara JL in stock form for a driving comparison as well, but any comparative thoughts on driving dynamics would be very helpful also, even considering that the Gladiator rear end has more in common with the Ram 1500 than the JL.

. . . . . . . . . life is so complicated sometimes, bummer !

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[wooderson]

You're alright by me. Irish and own a Pacifica. Welcome!

As for your plans, I like em. I too like the side steps, but i'm probably going rubicon with https://www.quadratec.com/p/rock-sl...YnP7d1xwU_IyYJfpJMdMPl1yGCSrgB9QaAgt2EALw_wcB these things, i too like the leather dash of the overland, but this doesn't look too bad on the Rubicon, https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/dash-photos-thread.15158/

You can also buy the leather dash insert for like $300 and then swap them post purchase. Saddle seats look sweet.

If you don't plan to offroad, you might want to consider the driving characteristics of each. Maybe the only difference is tires of the rubicon. Also Rubicon will tow more, so if towing is of concern, that's the route i'd go.

So if I have this right. The gray dash in the rubicon is different then the grey dash on the sport model? The sport model being a shiny silver while the Rubicon being more flat gray.

 

[steffen707]

So if I have this right. The gray dash in the rubicon is different then the grey dash on the sport model? The sport model being a shiny silver while the Rubicon being more flat gray.

I guess I don't know if the sport grey dash is the same as the saddle overland dash. I'll have to go back to build tool and compare.

 

[wooderson]

I guess I don't know if the sport grey dash is the same as the saddle overland dash. I'll have to go back to build tool and compare.

Overland dash is always black leather with white stitching. I'm curious of the Rubicon with saddle seats.

 

[Trickster]

Overland dash is always black leather with white stitching. I'm curious of the Rubicon with saddle seats.

When you choose the saddle color seats in the Rubi, the website shows the dash interior goes from red to silver or granite type color.

 

[wooderson]

When you choose the saddle color seats in the Rubi, the website shows the dash interior goes from red to silver or granite type color.

Right.
What I’m wondering if this Is same silver as the sport.

 

[steffen707]

Overland dash is always black leather with white stitching. I'm curious of the Rubicon with saddle seats.

Not with cloth seats.

 

[Jrtyler99]

I am also debating between the Rubicon and Overland. I cannot see the "luxury" interior comfort difference with the Overland over the Rubicon as you can add pretty the same add-ons with each model. With the saddle seats added to the Rubicon, would the interior not be the same between the two? I, like a lot of others here, don't care for the red interior when choosing the black leather bucket seats. Not a big off-roader but like the bigger tires/wheels and beefier setup of the Rubicon. I would appreciate if anyone could advise on what the Overland brings to the interior that the Rubicon doesn't. Thanks and happy trails.

 

[GoIrish]

I am also debating between the Rubicon and Overland. I cannot see the "luxury" interior comfort difference with the Overland over the Rubicon as you can add pretty the same add-ons with each model. With the saddle seats added to the Rubicon, would the interior not be the same between the two? I, like a lot of others here, don't care for the red interior when choosing the black leather bucket seats. Not a big off-roader but like the bigger tires/wheels and beefier setup of the Rubicon. I would appreciate if anyone could advise on what the Overland brings to the interior that the Rubicon doesn't. Thanks and happy trails.

If you get the saddle brown interior, then the primary difference between the Rubicon and Overland interior will be the painted plastic dash (in grey) on the Rubicon versus the leather wrapped dash on the Overland. Of course, on the Rubicon models, you will also have the differential lock controls (in red) on the bottom of the dash near the gear shifter; on the Overland, this space will just be a small tray. In other words, with the saddle interior, you lose all of the red accents and cross stitching on the Rubicon. If you go with the black leather (or cloth) interior on the Rubicon, you get all of the red accents and the red painted dash. I had decided on the saddle brown leather in any event, but it's worth it in my opinion to delete all of the red accents.

 

[Casique]

The overland with leather seats has a leather gray dash I believe, not plastic or metal.

I'm having the same dilemma, Overland or Rubicon, money is not an issue.

 

[Chukronos]

If overland had max tow, it would be my choice. But, I am thinking the Rubicon is the way to go.

I wonder if the dealership would be able to add the maxtow option to the overland .

 

[ThirtyOne]

Just for the record I have seen this same thread on Wrangler forums for years and 80% of the posts always tell you to get a Rubicon. Even though only like 25% of Jeeps are Rubicons. That's just the way it is on the forums.

 

[drogers]

If overland had max tow, it would be my choice. But, I am thinking the Rubicon is the way to go.

I wonder if the dealership would be able to add the maxtow option to the overland .

I doubt your dealership could swap the axles and cooling gear, and I’m positive they can’t change the capacity placard on the door sill.

 

[5JeepsAz]

Even if price doesn't matter, it's still a big difference so my Q's are price? Lighter rig? Smoother ride? Hood graphic? Red hooks? 4:10? Mpg? Highway speed diff?

 

[steffen707]

Every few days i go back to thinking maybe I want an overland, but then I remember the Rubicon can tow more.

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