2021 Jeep Rubicon vs. Sahara | Which Vehicle is Right For You?

Matt discusses his thoughts on which Jeep model might be right for you. The 2021 Jeep Rubicon vs. Jeep Sahara.

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[four]

Before watching the video, here's my thoughts! Personally the Rubicon is someone who wants to try/going off-roading on a daily basis but doesn't need much upgrading to make that happen, the Sahara has equipment for a person who would like to daily drive a vehicle but have all the comfort compared to the Unlimited X, Overall the Rubicon is meant for someone who's going off-road, and the Sahara is meant for someone to daily drive in style, and comfort.

[darrenroos]

For those that don't need the added off-road features, a Sahara without aftermarket upgrades makes sense. For those that want the off-road options of a Rubicon and think they can build a "JL Rubicon" from a "JL Sahara" or "JL Sport" cheaper, pack a lunch for the following novel:

Rubicon: $42, 460 (base price)
Sahara: $38, 910 (base price)
Sport S: $35, 955 (base price)

For the Sahara or Sport to match the Rubicon, add:
Front 44 axle w/4.10 gearing and e-locker: $4, 500
Re-gear rear axle to 4.10 and add e-locker: $2, 500
High Top fenders: $750
Rock Slider: $365
Upgraded shocks: $500
Quick disconnects: $150
33" Tires: $1, 200
Total upgrades: $9, 815 (and still does not include the Rubicon transfer case, hood, skid system, and upgraded steering and brakes the Rubicon comes with)

Total built-up Sahara cost: $48, 875 (base price + upgrades)
Total built-up Sport S cost: $45, 770 (base price + upgrades)
Rubicon with built-in options: $42, 460 (base price + no upgrades needed)

Difference:
-built-up Sahara cost $6, 415 more than a Rubicon and the Sport S $3, 310 more than a Rubicon.
-built-up Sahara/Sport will no longer have a factory 36K basic/100K powertrain Warranty after adding the upgrades.
-future re-sell/trade-in value will be approximately $4, 000 less with the built-up Sahara and up to $10, 00 less with the built-up Sport vs the stock Rubicon.

-Here is the real kicker: These aftermarket upgrades total approximately $9, 815. For the Sahara you would have to pay $9, 815 cash for the upgrades and then pay about $700/month for 5 years for your car payment. For the Sport you would have to pay $9, 815 cash for the upgrades and then pay about $650/month for 5 years for your car payment. Since you don't need the upgrades with the Rubicon, if you put the $9, 815 down on a Rubicon, your monthly payment would be around $588/month.

Built-up Sahara: $700/month
Built-up Sport: $650/month
Rubicon: $588/month

If your monthly car budget was $700, after 5 years you would have $0 left over if you built a Sahara, $3, 000 left over if you built a Sport, and $6, 720 left over if you bought the Rubicon. 5 years later $6, 720 can go towards getting your Rubicon that lift kit you always wanted, larger tires, beadlock wheels, or hydro-assist steering, etc. And 0$, well....get's your built-up Sahara nothing.

All of the naysayers in the comments so far have been JK owners which is a completely different story since the JL Rubicon front axle is very different than the JK Rubicon front axle so let's stick to the topic of this video, the JL Rubicon vs the JL Sahara.

[vibrantlife]

Both models are good vehicles but my heart is with the Rubicon!

[pawpaw]

I went with a 2 door sport s. I got all the features I want for 41, 000. I'm not an aggressive off roader. I enjoy basic light trails. I love the jeep life and being able to take off the doors and top. If I ever get into more off roading I'll upgrade my jeep or get a Rubicon. But for now this suits my lifestyle and puts a smile on my face every time I get into my jeep!

[j.r.]

I just ordered my first Jeep ever, on 11-30-2020 and it arrived at the dealership on 02-12-2021. I was very impressed at how fast it was built and delivered to the dealership. I ordered a 2021 JL Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Mine was also white but I went with the black, 3 piece hard top, metal bumpers, and a handful of other options too.

[gangwaycrypto]

Id like a black Sahara with the leather interior 🤤

[johnk]

Wanted a rubicon but ended up with a high altitude although it wasn't cheap (55k). It drives so much nicer with the black 20 inch rims and looks amazing. I'm never going to off road so I prefer a premium drive and feel. I just like cruising with the top off

[Hay-tnhz]

That Rubicon is beautiful, but you're definitely going to pay a premium for it.

[endtimeimages]

Thanks for this video. Many questions answered 👍🏻 I think the Rubicon looks much better, but for a city person the Sahara seems to be the better choice.

[JesseAndMike]

The red top on the red jeep looks great!

[chrisrcarraher]

My gf bought a Sahara in 18 with dana 44 rear option and we ended up putting 2" lift, 35s, sway quick disconnects, etc. Hindsight, Rubi probably would have made more sense to get the lockers but haven't had any capability issues on moderate/difficult trails.

[socalnsx]

seems like the Rubi is the way to go....especially considering those seem to have the best discounts right now
love that white on in the video

[trublu]

This video is exactly what I was looking for when it came to explaining different trim levels. Liked, subscribed, looking forward to more content!

[oldsoldier]

Why isn't the Rubicon already optioned with a steel Bumper, considering the outrageous price?

[asunnywebb]

I consider my Sahara Unlimited the housewives/sports mom version. I love the clean lines with the matching hard top. The Rubicon has a more sporty look. I'd get one of those for son when he's old enough to drive. I can't wait to try the 1-touch roof, for convenience.

[markhosemann]

I went with the Sahara over the Rubicon purely for $$$. The dealer wanted $57, 000 for a Rubi. The Sahara was $38, 000. I had a gladiator but a teenager in a TJ ran into the back of me and totaled it. The wrangler is more fun to drive. But the gladiator had more utility value to it.

[PARSA]

I got my JL wrangler unlimited sport in 2018, it did not come with the fancy lockers or sway bar disconnect .. I switch the headlight & fog light bulbs to LED, put tow bar & harness, weather Matt’s plus after two crack windshield invested in gorilla glass windshield ..
Bought set of standers mopar aluminum wheels & put BS mud train km2 tires .. this vehicle has been in many skiing trips, hunting trips to mountain, etc .. I must say this is very capable & reliable vehicle & never ever let me down..
This is why on the side Badge it says .. Trail Rated 4*4 ... off-road experience is required regarding of owning the most expensive version of this type of vehicle..

[tccgrad]

Sahara looks nice and clean. Great daily driver. To each his/her own.

[TheKelvala]

Thanks for the great description of both models. Very simple and to the point.

[shanevanorder]

Save your self a lot of money and get a sport and add on what you need