2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport Vs. Rubicon: Which One Should You Buy?
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: One is for adventure enthusiasts seeking a value-oriented rig without compromise, and the other is for seasoned 4x4 veterans who want to push their trail capabilities to new heights. Whichever is best for your lifestyle, the Bice Motors team can help.
Learn the details surrounding the Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon with our guide below. When you've got an idea of your ideal Wrangler, visit our Jeep dealership to test drive it.
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: Price
To set the stage for the rest of the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon comparison, let's look at how much each model costs:
- 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport: Starting price of $32,095 MSRP1
- 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon: Starting price of $46,290 MSRP1
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: Performance & Specs
| 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport | 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon | |
| Standard Engine | 3.6L Pentastar V-6 | 3.6L Pentastar V-6 |
| Available Engine | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 2.0L Turbo I-4 |
| Standard Transmission | 6-Speed Manual | 6-Speed Manual |
| Available Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Horsepower (Standard/Available Engine) | 285/270 | 285/270 |
| Torque (Standard/Available Engine) | 260/295 lb-ft | 260/295 lb-ft |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs2 | 3,500 lbs2 |
| EPA-Est. MPG (City/Hwy/Combined) w/ Standard Engine | 17/25/203 | 17/25/203 |
| Body Configuration | 2-Door or 4-Door | 2-Door or 4-Door |
| Drivetrain | Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD | 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4WD |
| Ground Clearance | 9.7 in | 10.8 in |
| Approach Angle (2-Door) | 41.4 deg | 44 deg |
| Breakover Angle (2-Door) | 25 deg | 27.8 deg |
| Departure Angle (2-Door) | 35.9 deg | 37 deg |
Overall, the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon engine performance comparison is a tie, as both models offer the same standard and available engines.
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: MPG Ratings
The Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon share the same gas mileage at 17/25/20 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3 in the two-door configuration and 17/23/19 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)4 in the four-door configuration, as both offer the same standard and available engine and transmission options. Whether you choose the Sport trim of the Wrangler vs. Rubicon, you can expect the same fuel efficiency, making it a matter of personal preference in terms of off-road capabilities. In the next section, you'll see how the Wrangler Rubicon proves to be the ultimate off-roader in our entire Jeep inventory.
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: Off-Road Capability
The Wrangler Sport is an off-road-ready SUV that can venture further down trails than most SUVs can dream of. But the Wrangler Rubicon is the ultimate off-roader. We've already seen how it offers better ground clearance and complements it with higher approach, departure, and breakover angles. But the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon off-road battle involves much more than that.
For example, the Wrangler Sport has standard conventional differentials, while the Wrangler Rubicon features standard locking front and rear differentials. The Rubicon also has the stronger 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy-Duty Part-Time 4WD system that can take on rock crawls, while the Sport has the standard Command-Trac Part-Time 4WD system.
Both models feature standard skid plates and a full-size spare tire, but the Rubicon adds Off-Road Plus Mode and true off-road tires. As Wrangler fans have known for years, the Rubicon dominates the Jeep Wrangler trim levels for off-road capability.
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: Exterior Features
Not just more capable, the Rubicon is also a more stylish vehicle that communicates the true potential of the Wrangler spirit. The Sport, though, is a great way to get into a Wrangler and enjoy its legendary ride for a great price and with the same iconic silhouette.
You'll find the following exterior features arriving as standard on the value-packed 2024 Wrangler Sport:
- Outside Tire Carrier & Full-Size Spare Tire
- Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top
- 17-inch Black Steel Styled Wheels
- All-Season Tires
- Black Exterior Mirrors & Door Handles
- Solar Control Glass
- Molded Black Front/Rear Bumper
- Body-Color Grille
- Molded-In-Color Fender Flares
- Matte Black "Jeep" Badge
- Body-Color Sport Bar
Compare the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon, and you'll find these exterior elements as a starting point for the truly rugged and eye-catching Rubicon style that also enhances the capability of this vehicle. The 2024 Wrangler Rubicon includes the following standard exterior features:
- Outside Tire Carrier & Full-Size Spare Tire
- Premium Black Sunrider Soft Top
- 17-inch Machined/Painted Black Wheels
- Off-Road Tires
- Black Exterior Mirrors & Door Handles
- Deep-Tint Sunscreen Windows
- Windshield with Corning Gorilla Glass
- Mold-in-Color Bumper with Accent Color
- Body-Color/Accent-Color Grille
- Hood with Air Vents & Rubicon Decal
- Body-Color Sport Bar
- Red Tow Hooks
- Front Door Passive Entry and Lock
From a more aggressive hood that helps cool down your Wrangler on the trail to the Gorilla Glass windshield, the Rubicon is chock-full of exterior upgrades over the Sport trim.
But keep in mind that the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon price points make the Rubicon a premium model that costs more than the Sport. If off-road thrills are a hobby you take seriously, the Wrangler Rubicon will be well worth the upgrade. Otherwise, the Sport can be a satisfying entry to the Wrangler world.
Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon: Interior Features
Like their exterior features, the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon interior features comparison sees more coming standard in the more expensive Rubicon trim. To compare their standard features, let's start with the Sport trim's benefits:
- Uconnect 5 with 12.3-Inch Touch-Screen Display
- 3.5-Inch Cluster Display
- Off-Road Info Pages
- Remote USB Port
- Jeep Connect (Connected Services) w/ Trial
- Eight-Speaker Sound System
- Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats
- Six-Way Manual Driver Seat w/ Two-Way Manual Lumbar Support
- Front Seat Area Carpet
- Air Conditioning
- ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
- Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
Meanwhile, a 2024 Jeep Wrangler for sale in the Rubicon trim will include the following standard features:
- Uconnect 5 with 12.3-Inch Touch-Screen Display
- 7-Inch Digital Cluster Display
- Off-Road Info Pages
- Jeep Connect (Connected Services) w/ Trial
- Eight-Speaker Sound System
- Automatic Climate Control
- Premium Wrapped Steering Wheel
- Cloth Low-Back Bucket Seats
- Six-Way Manual Driver Seat w/ Two-Way Manual Lumbar Support
- Front Seat Area Carpet
- Universal Garage-Door Opener
- ParkView Rear Back-Up Camera
- Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus
- Sentry Key Theft Deterrent System
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more and compare the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon with a test drive at Bice Motors. In the meantime, check out some common questions about the Wrangler Sport and Rubicon comparison.
Which Jeep Wrangler is more expensive, the Sport or Rubicon?
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is more expensive than the Wrangler Sport by a large margin but delivers a massive selection of upgraded exterior and interior features in return. In detail, the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon carries a starting price of $46,290 MSRP,1 while the 2024 Jeep Wrangler Sport has a starting price of $32,095 MSRP.1
Which 2024 Jeep Wrangler is more suited for off-road driving?
The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, Rubicon X, and Rubicon 392 are the most suitable Wrangler models for off-road driving, as each one carries improved ground clearance, approach-departure angles, and off-road features over the rest of the Wrangler lineup. When you're searching for an iconic SUV that can conquer new trails, a Wrangler Rubicon is the right call.
What are the main differences between the Jeep Wrangler Sport and the Rubicon?
The main differences between the Jeep Wrangler Sport vs. Rubicon are price, off-road capability, and features. The Wrangler Rubicon has a higher price than the Wrangler Sport, but the Sport has less powerful off-road features and lower-tier exterior and interior features. Think of the Sport as a value-packed entry to Wrangler fun and the Rubicon as the ultimate trail rider.
1MSRP excludes destination, taxes, title and registration fees. Starting at price refers to the base model, optional equipment not included. A more expensive model may be shown. Pricing and offers may change at any time without notification. To get full pricing details, see your dealer.
2When properly equipped. See dealer for details.
3EPA estimated 17 city / 25 hwy / 20 combined MPG with 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 engine and six-speed manual transmission, two-door configuration. Actual mileage may vary.
4EPA estimated 17 city / 23 hwy / 19 combined MPG with 3.6-Liter Pentastar V-6 engine and six-speed manual transmission, four-door configuration. Actual mileage may vary.