Knoxville drivers who prefer top-tier off-road capability with an equally impressive style choose the legendary Jeep Wrangler. Known globally for its ability to conquer the most rugged terrain, this icon offers Oak Ridge thrill-seekers fantastic customization options. That said, sometimes you can find all your desired features in a pre-configured trim. Both models provide a seemingly endless list of features and several powertrain options, depending on the performance you’re looking for. Jeep Wrangler Sahara vs. Rubicon: Which one is the ideal vehicle for you? Find out more about the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs. Sahara in this short guide courtesy of Lenoir City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.
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Starting MSRP
Door Options
Wheel Size
Standard Engine
Standard Transmission
4x4 System
Regardless of which Jeep Wrangler configuration you choose, both provide top-tier power for a modest price. Athens drivers will find a few additional options in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs. the Sahara, as the Rubicon comes in a two and four-door configuration. The Sahara is slightly higher, but only because it’s available in a 4-door design. Take a look at the Jeep Wrangler Sahara vs. Rubicon prices below:
Comparing the Jeep Wrangler Sahara vs. Rubicon regarding engine options, you’ll find a more diverse set of powertrain configurations for the Rubicon. This gives the Rubicon the edge regarding flexibility when deciding on your desired performance output. Take a look at the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs. Sahara powertrain comparison below:
Don’t let the smaller engine on the Sahara fool you. Despite the equipped 4-cylinder engine, the four-door Sahara outmatches the standard 3.6L V6 of the two-door Rubicon for towing. With the standard two-door Rubicon, you can tow a maximum of 2,000 pounds. The Turbocharged Sahara engine allows drivers to tow up to 3,500 pounds in its four-door configuration—a noticeable difference of 1,500 pounds of capability.
You can’t go wrong with either of these trims if you’re looking for cutting-edge driver safety and technology. The two are almost identical in technology and driver assist features. These are just some of the standard specs you’ll find on both the Rubicon and Sahara:
The Wrangler has one of the longest lists of available trim levels—with two of the top configurations being the Rubicon and Sahara. Only minor differences separate these top-tier SUVs, leaving you with one practical option. See us at our Lenoir City retail location and jump behind the wheel for a test drive. For more information on these or any other available Wrangler trims, contact a member of our team today!
When Oak Ridge drivers crave off-roading adventure and signature style, they choose the Jeep Wrangler. Known for its ability to tackle any terrain and incredible customization, the Jeep Wrangler is a staple on the trails and the streets of Athens. But, if you’re searching for your next Wrangler, you may be stuck between two popular trims: the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and the Jeep Wrangler Sahara. Which is right for the way you drive? Find out in Lenoir City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram’s Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs. Sahara comparison, and decide which Wrangler trim will fuel your next journey off the beaten track!
No matter which Jeep Wrangler configuration you choose, the Rubicon or Sahara, you’ll find exceptional power at an affordable price! That said, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon offers a few more options than its Sahara counterpart, the main difference being the option of having a two-door body and a four-door body. The Sahara is only available in the four-door configuration, meaning it starts at a higher price than the Rubicon. If you opt for the four-door model of the Wrangler Rubicon, though, you’ll find that the starting prices are evenly matched. Take a look at the breakdown of trims, starting MSRPs, and body styles below:
Another area in which the Rubicon differs from the Sahara is its off-roading performance. Depending on the Wrangler trim you choose, you’ll either find a generous 3.6L V6 engine paired with a manual transmission or a more fuel-efficient 2.0L I4 engine paired with an automatic transmission. The two trims are built for different levels of off-road prowess, with the Rubicon coming out on top as the one with the most capability and low-gear torque available. Which you choose will depend on what kind of trails you plan on traversing outside of Knoxville:
3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine
2.0L I4 Turbo Engine
Reading about the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon vs. Sahara specs can only tell you so much about each model. Instead, get behind the wheel of each trim when you visit Lenoir City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram! Contact us online or at (865) 326-6311 to set up a test drive, and our team will walk you through all the off-roading features, performance specs, and capabilities of each Jeep SUV. Want to get a head start on your next Jeep purchase? Apply for financing before stopping in, and skip the paperwork that stands between you and your new Wrangler!
“Let freedom roam. Tried, tested, Trail Rated and true. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler is the original icon of adventure. Experience the legend and start your journey.” Discover how the Wrangler Rubicon compares to the Wrangler Sahara.
In terms of performance, the Rubicon is more powerful than the Sahara, offering more horsepower. The Wrangler trims are also equipped with 4×4 capabilities, giving you power over your driving experience. Both trims come with Jeep Drive Modes. The Rubicon offers five modes, while the Sahara features a total of seven.
The Wrangler Rubicon and the Wrangler Sahara are identical in size. However, the Rubicon is heavier, offering a more balanced and controlled driving experience.
When it comes to customizing your Wrangler, you can pick between 11 colors and three wheel designs with the Rubicon. The Sahara offers the same color options but only two wheel designs to choose from.
Like the exterior, the interior of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara are identical in size. Both of the adventurous vehicles are large enough to keep your passengers comfortable all while offering enough space for your cargo.
In the Rubicon, Premium Cloth seating comes standard, whereas the Sahara’s seats are made with standard Cloth seating. However, leather upholstery is available. Both trims also come with an array of comfort features, including heated seating, ambient lighting, advanced Automatic Temperature Control, and more.
Both trims come standard with an Uconnect 4C NAV with an 8.4” Display, Apple Carplay, Android Auto, and Bluetooth hands-free phone and audio streaming capability.
While the Jeep Wrangler has not yet been reviewed or rated by the NHTSA, it did receive a Crashworthiness rating of ‘Good’ from the IIHS, which is the highest rating a vehicle can obtain. Both trim levels offer an array of safety features and driver assistance technologies that keep you and your passengers safe and sound.
| 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | VS | 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara |
|---|---|---|
| $40,995 | MSRP | $37,845 |
| 285 HP | Horsepower | 285 HP |
| 23 city / 25 hwy | Fuel Economy | 23 city / 25 hwy |
When it comes to these two variants, the largest differences can be found in off-road performance, with the Sahara being a little more comfortable on the pavement and the Rubicon right at home crawling over rocks. Both the Sahara and Rubicon are equipped with a Dana 44 rear-axle, but that is just about where the similarities end. Looking at the front-axle, you will find the 44 on the Rubicon and the less robust Dana 30 front-axle in the Sahara. Moving to 4×4 tech, the Sahara is armed with the Wrangler standard Command-Trac system, whereas the Rubicon has the Rock-Trac 4×4 system which offers a 73.1:1 ratio and locking differentials. You will find the Wrangler standard gas shocks on the Sahara and a fully tunable performance setup on the Rubicon. If we look at the Rubicon’s suspension in depth, you will also find that it is equipped with a system to electronically disengage the front sway bar, allowing for more suspension travel when in the Rubicon’s 4LO mode.
While the Rubicon outshines the Sahara in just about every measurable way off the road, the Sahara comes standard with a few more creature comforts. On the Sahara, you will find power locks and windows standard, while this is an option on the Rubicon which comes with the all-but-forgotten manual crank windows and locks of yesteryear. Also coming standard on the Sahara, you will find power heated mirrors, keyless entry, and an alarm system. If you are looking for these technologies on a Rubicon, you will have to purchase the Power Convenience Group Package at an additional cost. Both models come standard with a removable soft top and have the option for a paint matched hard top.
“All-new” means the interior as well. On both the Sahara and Rubicon, you will find longer armrests, a center-console with more storage space, larger door pockets, a small army of USB charging ports in the front and back, and fourth generation Uconnect, allowing you to connect your Apple CarPlay and Android Auto enabled devices to the entertainment system.
Whether you are an off-road junkie, or new to the scene, there is only one way to find out which Wrangler is right for you. We invite you to stop into Lenoir City Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. You won’t be disappointed.
MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at MSRP refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
All figures are EPA estimates. Actual mileage may vary.
We operate with you in mind. If you can’t come to the dealership, we understand. We can have your brand-new car delivered to you at no additional cost. We want the best for you, so we also offer a Lifetime Warranty on all new car buys plus a 72-hour exchange policy. Shop our online inventory and see for yourself why we are Lenoir City’s number-one recommended Dodge dealership!
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