Sport S vs Rubicon

[Supazuk]

My 2023 mojave loaded had a sticker of $65k, got it for $52k and I much prefer the leather for ease of cleaning between the dog hair and their muddy footprints. Tires were replaced with 37s that I scored from Walmart for $412 shipped. Sold the take offs for $600. AEV 2" lift for $500. Could have done the exact same with a Rubicon at the time. A little more than you spent but more built, huge time savings, and resale value. Not that is the only way, but a lot of guys on here aren't installing lockers themselves either so there would be almost no savings for them going your route vs buying the Rubicon.

Mine was 59K sticker got for 43K
I have neoprene seat covers so i just toss them in the wash to clean so leather would be a waist of money and I don't let muddy dogs in my rig
I have a seat cover for my seat cover when the dog comes

I did the flares in a couple hours and, he next day lift and Rubicon springs at the same time, maybe 4 -6 hours, more time taken for pics next day took it for tires
Tires my 35's (toyo's) were $300 each and I needed new tires anyway so they are really replacements (I can't believe how fast the factory tires wore out 30k)
am I done not at all
Upgraded steering, draglink wore out with front tires at 30K so replacment

Front Locker one night and a few cold beers and was gonna change the diff fluid anyway (already rear posi) so essentially locked front and rear most of the time was taking pics

but then again I love wrenching and why I bought a new jeep wanted a clean project I knew I was tossing the warranty out the window so .. didn't waste money on that either

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[Zachanadandy]

Mine was 59K sticker got for 43K
I have neoprene seat covers so i just toss them in the wash to clean so leather would be a waist of money and I don't let muddy dogs in my rig
I have a seat cover for my seat cover when the dog comes

I did the flares in a couple hours and, he next day lift and Rubicon springs at the same time, maybe 4 -6 hours, more time taken for pics next day took it for tires
Tires my 35's (toyo's) were $300 each and I needed new tires anyway so they are really replacements (I can't believe how fast the factory tires wore out 30k)
am I done not at all
Upgraded steering, draglink wore out with front tires at 30K so replacment

Front Locker one night and a few cold beers and was gonna change the diff fluid anyway (already rear posi) so essentially locked front and rear most of the time was taking pics

but then again I love wrenching and why I bought a new jeep wanted a clean project I knew I was tossing the warranty out the window so .. didn't waste money on that either

As with every other Jeep I've owned, it was going to start stock for awhile... Found the deal on the tires on here and couldn't pass it up at $94 each. 1,100 miles and it was lifted on 37s. Of course it never stops there. In the 38k miles since it's gotten metalcloak 3.5" springs, rock krawler triangulated rear 4 link, evo front geometry correction brackets, metalcloak disconnects, and their crossover steering and raised track bar. If livernoise starts offering a tune for the GPEC5 that will likely be next.

 

[Supazuk]

As with every other Jeep I've owned, it was going to start stock for awhile...

I had parts on order when we picked up the gladiator But it was supposed to stay a tow rig ......

Found the deal on the tires on here and couldn't pass it up at $94 each.

that is a smoking deal I thought you meant 400 each ..
I really wanted 37's but I just haven't found wheels I want
I already want 40's

If livernoise starts offering a tune for the GPEC5 that will likely be next.

I was thinking about this on my ride to work this am I really would love a V8 But But i would be just as happy with the 3.6 with forced induction However until there is aftermarket Head / cam package and tunes this is a scary idea

 

[Supazuk]

If livernoise starts offering a tune for the GPEC5 that will likely be next.

ohh this is a good thing! https://www.hptuners.com/product/dodge-pcm-service-gpec5/
now about those heads, cams and valvetrain..

 

[Rubicon Runnin' Bob]

For me, unless something happens to my 2004 TJ Rubicon, I'll never purchase another Rubicon

Since I bought my '04 TJR (Oct '03), I've purchased a '07 JKU, and then a '13 JKU (both Sports, new), to be used as my everyday vehicles

In '23 I purchased my '23 JT Sport, and will likely own this for a good many years, again it being my everyday vehicle

So, for me, I have no need to spend additional money (lots of money, let's face facts) on a vehicle (another Rubicon) that has things I don't need, and won't use, on an everyday vehicle

I also have no need to drive around in a Rubicon "Hey look at me" Mall-Crawler, that will NEVER see more than a dirt road

I'll save that for all of the Rubicon "wanna be's" I see ridin' around, that will NEVER see real off-road use

As I said, FOR ME, I have NO need for another Rubicon, or spending the additional money (lots of money) they cost, while I have my TJR available to handle that small amount of use I have

Also, to be honest, I rarely recommend a Rubicon package to folks that ask me, unless I know they would likely use them in a manner that would justify the cost, which the VAST majority of people will not

For those that have money to blow/waste, and want that "Hey, LOOK at me" (wanna be) Mall-Crawler, which are the VAST majority in my area, please feel free to waste your money

I'm sure many here will disagree with me, and that's fine, I'm just being honest to the question asked

 

[ChrisNLA]

For me, unless something happens to my 2004 TJ Rubicon, I'll never purchase another Rubicon

Since I bought my '04 TJR (Oct '03), I've purchased a '07 JKU, and then a '13 JKU (both Sports, new), to be used as my everyday vehicles

In '23 I purchased my '23 JT Sport, and will likely own this for a good many years, again it being my everyday vehicle

So, for me, I have no need to spend additional money (lots of money, let's face facts) on a vehicle (another Rubicon) that has things I don't need, and won't use, on an everyday vehicle

I also have no need to drive around in a Rubicon "Hey look at me" Mall-Crawler, that will NEVER see more than a dirt road

I'll save that for all of the Rubicon "wanna be's" I see ridin' around, that will NEVER see real off-road use

As I said, FOR ME, I have NO need for another Rubicon, or spending the additional money (lots of money) they cost, while I have my TJR available to handle that small amount of use I have

Also, to be honest, I rarely recommend a Rubicon package to folks that ask me, unless I know they would likely use them in a manner that would justify the cost, which the VAST majority of people will not

For those that have money to blow/waste, and want that "Hey, LOOK at me" (wanna be) Mall-Crawler, which are the VAST majority in my area, please feel free to waste your money

I'm sure many here will disagree with me, and that's fine, I'm just being honest to the question asked

You'd be surprised how many people think they need front and rear lockers to do literally anything off road. I have watched countless videos online of folks locking up for literally EVERYTHING. Either that or to justify the purchase lol.

But lets be honest. How many people buy $100K F250 Platinums and don't have anything more than a bass boat to pull. Some folks just can't hide money

Also turns out that for some time the Rubicons were often the fully loaded models. You could get an Overland loaded out, but it looked a bit tame so I imagine a lot of folks bought Rubi's to get loaded trucks. Now you have High Tides and stuff that look more aggressive and have leather, power seats, etc.

 

[Zachanadandy]

For me, unless something happens to my 2004 TJ Rubicon, I'll never purchase another Rubicon

Since I bought my '04 TJR (Oct '03), I've purchased a '07 JKU, and then a '13 JKU (both Sports, new), to be used as my everyday vehicles

In '23 I purchased my '23 JT Sport, and will likely own this for a good many years, again it being my everyday vehicle

So, for me, I have no need to spend additional money (lots of money, let's face facts) on a vehicle (another Rubicon) that has things I don't need, and won't use, on an everyday vehicle

I also have no need to drive around in a Rubicon "Hey look at me" Mall-Crawler, that will NEVER see more than a dirt road

I'll save that for all of the Rubicon "wanna be's" I see ridin' around, that will NEVER see real off-road use

As I said, FOR ME, I have NO need for another Rubicon, or spending the additional money (lots of money) they cost, while I have my TJR available to handle that small amount of use I have

Also, to be honest, I rarely recommend a Rubicon package to folks that ask me, unless I know they would likely use them in a manner that would justify the cost, which the VAST majority of people will not

For those that have money to blow/waste, and want that "Hey, LOOK at me" (wanna be) Mall-Crawler, which are the VAST majority in my area, please feel free to waste your money

I'm sure many here will disagree with me, and that's fine, I'm just being honest to the question asked

I wouldn't waste money on a Jeep JT or JL period if it wasn't going to see off road use personally, so the rubicon distinction you make sounds weird. Why own a compromised road vehicle with an off road biased design as a "wanna-be mall crawler" period. Sure the rubicon is more expensive and more of a waste if not used, but none of these rigs are cheap and there are far better SUVs and trucks if you aren't wheeling. The body is narrow to fit on trails, giving the worst leg room and seat comfort in their respective classes. The solid axle is just not as good on road as IFS and it's only advantages are offroad and in ease of lifting/modifying. If it was just a road truck I'd still be in a ram 1500 which was way more comfortable, way more capable at truck things, had over 100hp more, barely weighed any more, and returned far better fuel economy. And the prices are very similar. Unless it's for trail use, I never understood the mid sized truck market. You need basically the same amount of parking room, and they don't save you anything in cost, fuel, etc. The wife dailies her JLUR, on 39s. But that sees trails like the rubicon, John Bull, etc regularly so it's worth the compromise. I'm a huge Jeep fan and aside from my company car they are all we own, but I'd be hard pressed to justify owning one just for the street.

 

[Rubicon Runnin' Bob]

You'd be surprised how many people think they need front and rear lockers to do literally anything off road. I have watched countless videos online of folks locking up for literally EVERYTHING. Either that or to justify the purchase lol.

But lets be honest. How many people buy $100K F250 Platinums and don't have anything more than a bass boat to pull. Some folks just can't hide money

Also turns out that for some time the Rubicons were often the fully loaded models. You could get an Overland loaded out, but it looked a bit tame so I imagine a lot of folks bought Rubi's to get loaded trucks. Now you have High Tides and stuff that look more aggressive and have leather, power seats, etc.

I agree

I'm all for people doing what they wish with THEIR money

But I most certainly do NOT have the money to throw away on wanna be "status symbols", LOL

I will also admit that I do NOT want "fully loaded" models, which is one of the things I've always liked about my Wranglers, being able to get a more "base" model

I did have to laugh when I read you saying about Rubicons often being the fully loaded models, and agree that these days, that is very true

My '04 Rubicon would be a BIG disappointment for all those who want "fully loaded" (I'll include a pic of it's window sticker), as you might be able to tell, I'm the ANTI-Fully Loaded guy, LOL!

 

[Rubicon Runnin' Bob]

I wouldn't waste money on a Jeep JT or JL period if it wasn't going to see off road use personally, so the rubicon distinction you make sounds weird. Why own a compromised road vehicle with an off road biased design as a "wanna-be mall crawler" period. Sure the rubicon is more expensive and more of a waste if not used, but none of these rigs are cheap and there are far better SUVs and trucks if you aren't wheeling. The body is narrow to fit on trails, giving the worst leg room and seat comfort in their respective classes. The solid axle is just not as good on road as IFS and it's only advantages are offroad and in ease of lifting/modifying. If it was just a road truck I'd still be in a ram 1500 which was way more comfortable, way more capable at truck things, had over 100hp more, barely weighed any more, and returned far better fuel economy. And the prices are very similar. Unless it's for trail use, I never understood the mid sized truck market. You need basically the same amount of parking room, and they don't save you anything in cost, fuel, etc. The wife dailies her JLUR, on 39s. But that sees trails like the rubicon, John Bull, etc regularly so it's worth the compromise. I'm a huge Jeep fan and aside from my company car they are all we own, but I'd be hard pressed to justify owning one just for the street.

Just so we're clear, I have a Rubicon for what little I do that, have had it for 22 years

So, what you're saying is that the majority of folks use their Rubicon in the manner you're talking about?

That most certainly is NOT what I've seen

FOR ME, my '04 TJR is a FAR more capable off-road vehicle, than a Gladiator Rubicon would be, FOR ME

I get what you're saying about an everyday vehicle, for YOU something else might be better

I decided that I luved my '04 TJR enough that when Jeep came out with the JK/U version in 2007, I was willing to get rid of my car and move into a JKU Sport, full well knowing that I might be right back into a car, if I wasn't happy with the JKU

As it so happened, I luved driving my JKU's as an everyday vehicle (putting 300,000 +/- miles on them) before getting my '23 JT Sport

So yes, I have some experience, and "time" in them, from which I speak

 

[Zachanadandy]

Just so we're clear, I have a Rubicon for what little I do that, have had it for 22 years

So, what you're saying is that the majority of folks use their Rubicon in the manner you're talking about?

That most certainly is NOT what I've seen

FOR ME, my '04 TJR is a FAR more capable off-road vehicle, than a Gladiator Rubicon would be, FOR ME

I get what you're saying about an everyday vehicle, for YOU something else might be better

I decided that I luved my '04 TJR enough that when Jeep came out with the JK/U version in 2007, I was willing to get rid of my car and move into a JKU Sport, full well knowing that I might be right back into a car, if I wasn't happy with the JKU

As it so happened, I luved driving my JKU's as an everyday vehicle (putting 300,000 +/- miles on them) before getting my '23 JT Sport

So yes, I have some experience, and "time" in them, from which I speak

I agree that they are perfectly useable as daily drivers, but with where prices are now I still think the JT is a terrible choice if you aren't going to wheel it ever. They cost the same as a full size truck and generally get worse fuel economy, have lower tow ratings, have lower payload, handle worse, have worse power, and are less comfortable. It's your money to do as you please, but have you driven a modern ram 1500 with a 5.7L? The JT does literally nothing as well for your described use in my experience. My JT gets flogged off road, but if it didn't I would be in anther Ram. Better road truck in every way I can think of. I never said most Rubicon owners use or need Rubicons. But if that's your argument against buying one, every aspect of that argument applies to not buying a Jeep for the mall period.

 

[ChrisNLA]

I agree that they are perfectly useable as daily drivers, but with where prices are now I still think the JT is a terrible choice if you aren't going to wheel it ever. They cost the same as a full size truck and generally get worse fuel economy, have lower tow ratings, have lower payload, handle worse, have worse power, and are less comfortable. It's your money to do as you please, but have you driven a modern ram 1500 with a 5.7L? The JT does literally nothing as well for your described use in my experience. My JT gets flogged off road, but if it didn't I would be in anther Ram. Better road truck in every way I can think of. I never said most Rubicon owners use or need Rubicons. But if that's your argument against buying one, every aspect of that argument applies to not buying a Jeep for the mall period.

Fella I work with just bought a brand new 2026 GMC Sierra Pro 4x4 (small crew). It has the X31 package so it's really sharp looking despite being a base model. LED headlights, everything you need inside, nothing you don't. Even has the full safety package (lane keep, steering assist, collision avoid, blind spot). It even has the 5.3L V8 instead of the 4 pot.

$45K after all current discounts.

For that money hell of a lot better than a Jeep unless you plan to wheel twice a month or live with the doors off...

 

[ShadowsPapa]

They cost the same as a full size truck and generally get worse fuel economy, have lower tow ratings, have lower payload, handle worse, have worse power, and are less comfortable.

The full size truck is cumbersome in a parking lot or big city and my JT will get into parking spots, even parking ramps, a large truck would struggle with. UofI hospital ramps p you won't see a full-size truck make it in there. Tow rating is perfect for my needs, power is fine for my needs, I can't say the JT is less comfortable - maybe in the narrow place for the driver's legs, but that's pretty much it. Comfort is fine.
Had a newer Ram as a loaner earlier this summer - big, huge, clunky, hard to maneuver, big in the garage. A lot of wasted sheet metal and wasted space making it just look big.
JT is nimble and quick and easy to maneuver, and great on the interstates. Ride comfort and handling really is no worse than other trucks I've had. Don't know where people get that it handles worse - mine haven't.

 

[Wheelin98TJ]

I agree that they are perfectly useable as daily drivers, but with where prices are now I still think the JT is a terrible choice if you aren't going to wheel it ever. They cost the same as a full size truck and generally get worse fuel economy, have lower tow ratings, have lower payload, handle worse, have worse power, and are less comfortable. It's your money to do as you please, but have you driven a modern ram 1500 with a 5.7L? The JT does literally nothing as well for your described use in my experience. My JT gets flogged off road, but if it didn't I would be in anther Ram. Better road truck in every way I can think of. I never said most Rubicon owners use or need Rubicons. But if that's your argument against buying one, every aspect of that argument applies to not buying a Jeep for the mall period.

Fella I work with just bought a brand new 2026 GMC Sierra Pro 4x4 (small crew). It has the X31 package so it's really sharp looking despite being a base model. LED headlights, everything you need inside, nothing you don't. Even has the full safety package (lane keep, steering assist, collision avoid, blind spot). It even has the 5.3L V8 instead of the 4 pot.

$45K after all current discounts.

For that money hell of a lot better than a Jeep unless you plan to wheel twice a month or live with the doors off...

I don't wheel my Gladiator. The doors didn't come off once this summer.

I have an F150 for my daily.

I've had the Gladiator 4.5 years and haven't thought about selling it. I like it for whatever reason.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Fella I work with just bought a brand new 2026 GMC Sierra Pro 4x4 (small crew). It has the X31 package so it's really sharp looking despite being a base model. LED headlights, everything you need inside, nothing you don't. Even has the full safety package (lane keep, steering assist, collision avoid, blind spot). It even has the 5.3L V8 instead of the 4 pot.

$45K after all current discounts.

For that money hell of a lot better than a Jeep unless you plan to wheel twice a month or live with the doors off...

Too big and bulky for me. I'll never go back to a full-size truck, never. I bet I have a better turning radius, and don't like the huge front ends most trucks have now. Too much bulk.

 

[Gvsukids]

If it was just a road truck I'd still be in a ram 1500

What about a Colorado or Ranger?

My '04 Rubicon would be a BIG disappointment for all those who want "fully loaded" (I'll include a pic of it's window sticker), as you might be able to tell, I'm the ANTI-Fully Loaded guy, LOL!

That's what made the early year Gladiators great, you could add the Max Tow to a base Sport with crank windows and manual locks.

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