Jeep Wrangler JL vs Wrangler JK Unlimited

In a matchup between the Jeep Wrangler JL vs. the Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited, there's no real loser. Both Jeeps have tons of available trims and plenty of multimedia options. Both can go the distance in the mountains or at the beach. But is one better than the other? It's really just a matter of what extras you want.

Jeep Wrangler Trims

The Jeep Wrangler JL has 10 impressive trims: Sport, Sport S, Willy's Wheeler, Golden Eagle, Freedom Edition, Willy's Wheeler W, Sahara, Attitude, Rubicon, and Rubicon Recon. The Sport features a maximum towing capacity of 2,000 pounds, a rear stabilizer bar, and a 3.6L V6 24-Valve VVT Engine. Command-Trac® Shift 4WD and Off-Road Tires are also standard. Upgrade to the Golden Eagle for steel bumpers, or the Rubicon Recon, and get air conditioning with automatic temperature control.

The Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited has the same trims as the Jeep Wrangler JL. Its Sport trim offers a 6-speed manual transmission with optional 5-speed automatic transmission. The Unlimited also has a Next Generation Dana 44 Heavy Duty Rear Axle and a Torx toolkit. Maximum towing capacity is 2,000 pounds and Electronic Stability Control is standard. An upgrade to Golden Eagle gives you a Tire Pressure Monitoring Display and the option for front seat side airbags. The Rubicon Recon offers all this plus an EVIC message center.

Jeep Wrangler Technology

You love Jeep for its great off-road capabilities, but it's also nice to connect with your favorite media. The Jeep Wrangler JL makes that easy. The Sport trim has eight speakers and an audio jack. The Golden Eagle upgrades that to include SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a 1-year subscription, while the Rubicon Recon gets a remote USB port and Uconnect® Voice Command with Bluetooth®, as well as an auto-dimming mirror with reading lamps.

The JK Unlimited provides plenty of media features, as well. Get the Sport trim and you'll have steering wheel mounted audio controls, plus an audio jack for a smartphone. This trim also has the option for Radio 430. Fly a little higher with the Golden Eagle, boasting these features plus an optional system with Alpine® premium 9-Speakers with an all-weather subwoofer. GPS navigation is also an add-on for the Golden Eagle. The Rubicon Recon goes the distance, providing standard SiriusXM® Satellite Radio with a 1-year subscription and options for SiriusXM Travel Link®, as well as a step up with Radio 430 NAV.

Whether you're a fan of the classic 2-door look or the practical 4-door body, Jeep has you covered. All the trims for both the Jeep Wrangler JL and the Wrangler JK Unlimited are available in 2-door and 4-door styles.