Jeep Wrangler Sport Vs. Rubicon Comparison Guide
Choosing between a Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon when shopping for a new off-road SUV can be challenging. After all, both of these versions of the legendary Wrangler can take you farther off the beaten path than your average SUV.
Marion CDJR, your local Jeep dealer near Asheville, NC, is here with a detailed comparison review of the Wrangler Rubicon vs. Wrangler Sport. Our side-by-side comparison of these two rugged and capable Wrangler trims will help you determine which edition is right for your upcoming all-terrain adventures.
Comparing the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon
Overall, the Wrangler Rubicon vs. Sport debate is tame, as both trims provide powerful off-roading capabilities, advanced features, and a unique value proposition.
We’re comparing the same model years, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, so SUV shoppers can find out how these two trim levels stack up in key areas like specs and exterior and interior features.
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon Specs
Both Wrangler trim levels boast a trusty 3.6-liter V-6 powertrain under the hood, producing 260 pound-feet of torque and 285 horsepower routed through a six-speed manual transmission in base form. An eight-speed automatic is available in these Wrangler SUVs.
While the Wrangler Sport and Rubicon share a powertrain, they feature different 4×4 equipment. The Wrangler Sport base trim is fitted with a Command-Trac Part-Time 4×4 system engineered to take you to the trails and back confidently.
The off-road-focused Wrangler Rubicon features a 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4×4 system, enabling this SUV to take on rocky trails like the legendary Rubicon Trail with even greater capability. While every new Jeep Wrangler for sale is Trail Rated, the Rubicon takes off-road performance to an even higher level than the Sport.
Compare the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon MPG ratings, and you’ll find these models both offer impressive efficiency considering their powerful engines and off-road performance capabilities. The same goes when comparing the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon towing capacities. Both models can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped in their four-door body styles.
| 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport | 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | |
| Engine | 3.6L V-6 | 3.6L V-6 |
| Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
| Horsepower | 285 | 285 |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft | 260 lb-ft |
| Max Towing Capacity | 3,500 pounds1 | 3,500 pounds1 |
| Max EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy) | 17/232 | 17/232 |
| Body Style | 2-Door or 4-Door SUV | 2-Door or 4-Door SUV |
| Drivetrain | 4×4 | 4×4 |
| Ground Clearance | 9.7 in | 10.8 in |
| Seating Capacity | 4 or 5 | 4 or 5 |
| Max Cargo Space | 72.4 cu ft | 72.4 cu ft |
| Key Features | -12.3-inch touch screen 3.5-inch cluster display Uconnect 5 infotainment system Trailer Sway Damping Removable top and doors 17-inch black steel wheels 31.5-inch all-season tires Command-Trac Part-Time 4×4 system Solid front and rear axles Front and rear tow hooks Skid plates |
7-inch digital cluster display 17-inch machined aluminum wheels 33-inch off-road tires 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4×4 system Off-Road Plus Mode Front and rear locking differentials Auxiliary switches LED headlamps, fog lamps, and taillamps |
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon Exterior Features
Sporty black wheels and 31.5-inch all-season tires grace the exterior of the Wrangler Sport, the well-equipped base trim of this iconic off-road SUV. Drivers and passengers can enjoy the exhilaration of open-air freedom with a removable top and doors on this latest Wrangler model, starting in its base configuration.
Its 17-inch fully black steel wheels and black exterior accents give the Wrangler Sport an athletic and aggressive appearance backed up by its Trail Rated status. Opting for the Wrangler Rubicon means increased ground clearance and off-road capabilities. This SUV boasts 10.8 inches of ground clearance compared to the Sport model’s already impressive 9.7 inches.
The Rubicon also wears 17-inch wheels but with a stylish machined face and black inserts. It also gets larger 33-inch off-road tires to soak up the bumps when traversing roots, rocks, and broken pavement. Opt for the Wrangler Rubicon for upgraded LED lighting throughout the exterior.
Compare the Wrangler Rubicon vs. Wrangler Sport at Marion CDJR
Are you ready to compare the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon interior features in person? Shop and visit Marion CDJR, where we proudly offer an ever-changing inventory of new Wrangler SUVs and new Jeep specials.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which can tow more between the Wrangler Rubicon vs. Wrangler Sport?
Both the Wrangler Rubicon and Wrangler Sport provide impressive towing capabilities. In fact, these editions of the rugged Wrangler off-road SUV offer the same tow ratings. Two-door models of the Wrangler Sport and Wrangler Rubicon can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. The four-door models of these Wrangler trims can tow up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Which trim has more features, the Jeep Wrangler Sport or Rubicon?
The Jeep Wrangler Rubicon has more features than the Wrangler Sport. While the Sport trim comes loaded with a long list of standard features like a 12.3-inch touch screen, Uconnect 5 infotainment system, comfortable cloth seating, a 285-horsepower engine, and a Jeep 4×4 system, the Rubicon includes those features and more, like two charge-only USB ports and upgraded off-road performance componentry.
Which trim is better for off-roading: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Jeep Wrangler Sport?
While both Wrangler models are Trail Rated to take on challenging terrain with ease, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon trim is still the better option for off-roading. It gets increased ground clearance, larger 33-inch off-road tires, front and rear locking differentials, and Off-Road Plus Mode, which together make it even more off-road capable than the stellar Wrangler Sport.
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