2021 Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels with Comparisons & Configurations.
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The 2021 Jeep Wrangler is a mid-sized SUV with some serious off-road capabilities. This iconic vehicle can trace its roots all the way back to World War II military vehicles. The Wrangler's exterior design still retains its classic look after all of these years. The legendary off-road performance and retro design of the Jeep Wrangler make it one of the most recognizable vehicles in automotive history.
The Wrangler isn't about cargo space and passenger room like other SUVs in its class. This is a vehicle built for adventure. You get a unique, open-air experience with a Wrangler. The doors and roof are removable. You can opt for a hard or soft roof depending on which model you choose. There is also a line of four-door Wranglers called the Unlimited series. This article, however, will be focused solely on the classic two-door design.
All Wranglers offer 4X4 capabilities. The 2021 Wranglers also offer a nice amount of convenience and safety features. There are four different powertrains to choose from. The latest Jeep Wrangler two-door models come in a total of eight different trim levels. We will take a closer look at these trim levels and what each one has to offer.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport vs Willys Sport. What is the difference?
The Sport and Willys Sport model of the Wrangler both come equipped with a 3.6-liter, 24-valve V6 engine. This engine produces 284 horsepower at 6,400 revolutions-per-minute (rpm) and 260 pound-feet of torque at 4,800 rpm. It has a combined fuel-economy rating of 20 miles-per-gallon (mpg). These two trim levels can tow up to 2,000 pounds when properly equipped. They also both share the same 6-speed manual transmission system.
The Willys Sport model has a unique front bumper and a black grille. There are some unique decals and badges for the exterior of the Willys Sport model too. The hood features a Willys decal. There are black Jeep and Trail-Rated badges. There is also a 4-wheel drive decal on the swing gate. Last of all, the Willys Sport model has a unique Wrangler decal that's missing from the base model.
The Sport gets 17-inch black, steel wheels. The Willys Sport features 17-inch aluminum wheels in Moab Black. The Sport gets all-season tires while the Willys Sport has standard tires. Both models are available with a three-piece hardtop, a solid sunbonnet top or a mesh sunbonnet top. The Willys Sport trim gets some extra rock-protection sill rails.
The Willys Sport offers deep-tinted sunscreen glass. This is optional for the Sport trim. The base model also has optional MOPAR graphics. These include graphics applications for the hood, lower body sides and upper body sides. The base model also gives you some more options for side steps.
When it comes to mechanical features, the Willys Sport gets upgraded brakes. This trim also gives you an anti-spin differential rear axle. Both models can have an engine-block heater added on. There is also the option for a 4- or 7-pin towing harnesses.
For the interior, both models get low-back bucket seats up front. These trims get you basic cloth upholstery. The interior color choices consist of either black or tan for both trims. The Sport and Willys Sport can be purchased with or without air conditioning. The Willys version throws in all-weather floor mats by MOPAR.
Both trim levels get the same infotainment system. In this case, it's the Jeep Uconnect 3 system. This setup offers a 5-inch display and an AM/FM stereo. SiriusXM service is available as well. This system also offers Hands-Free Calling, Voice-Command Technology and Streaming Audio. Bluetooth technology makes it easy to connect your smartphone and other mobile devices.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport vs Sport S Trim. What is the difference?
The Sport S trim comes equipped with the same engine and transmission system as the previous two models. For the exterior, this trim level adds on heated mirrors and automatic headlights. You get the option for premium LED reflector headlights, LED taillights and fog lamps. The Sport S gets 17-inch aluminum wheels with a Tech-Silver paint scheme and a set of all-season tires.
One new feature available to the Sport S is the option for a premium, tan Sunrider Soft Top. The previously mentioned top styles are still available for the Sport S too. On the inside, you get the same seats as before, only now you can add on a heating feature for up front. The Infotainment system is upgraded to the Uconnect 4 system with a larger 7-inch display.
The new infotainment system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The audio setup is upgraded to a premium system from Alpine with nine speakers and a 552-watt amplifier. An air conditioner, power windows, power locks and a leather-wrapped steering wheel are all stock features at this level. The instrument cluster now comes with an additional 7-inch display.
This trim level finally gets you a security alarm and access to some more safety features. Available options include a Rear Park-Assist System, Full-Speed Forward-Collision Warning Plus and Blind-Spot with Cross-Path Detection. Remote Keyless Entry and a Tire-Fill Alert are also included at this level.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport S vs Islander Trims. What is the difference?
The Islander special model finally returns to the Jeep Wrangler lineup after a ten-year hiatus. This model has the same engine, transmission and suspension system as the Sport S. The main differences here lie in the aesthetics. The new features are mostly cosmetic and designed to evoke the feeling and atmosphere of a tropical island. It's the perfect ride to take to the beach.
The hood has new Tiki Bob and Islander decals. There are also a number of graphics packages for the sides of this Jeep Wrangler. These range from lines to wave-type patterns in keeping with the island motif. Inside of the Islander, you'll get special upholstery with impeccable stitching and the Islander name emblazoned on the seats. Unique to this trim is the option for a white, three-piece hard top.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Islander vs Willys. What Is the Difference?
This Willys model was inspired by the Willys Overland CJ-3A vehicle of 1948. These original Willys models were the forerunner of all modern recreational vehicles. The 2021 model offers Trail-Rated parts upgrades for superior off-road performance. This includes tougher under-body armor and some high-performance shock absorbers.
A stock Willys Jeep Wrangler comes with the same V6 engine as all of the previous trims. You can also opt for a 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cams, turbocharged I4 engine. That choice will get you 270 horsepower with plenty of low-end torque. There is also a mild-hybrid model with a 3.6-liter V6 VVT eTorque engine.
This Willys model has all of the same badges and decals that the Willys Sport model offered. This model gives buyers the option to add on Jeep's Selec-Trac Full-Time 4WD System. It has the top-tier infotainment system and the security alarm. The Rear Park-Assist System and Forward Collision Warning can be added on as well.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Willys vs Freedom Trims. What is the difference?
The Freedom model is yet another special-edition Jeep Wrangler. This is a limited edition that was designed to honor all of those who have served in America's Armed Forces. Jeep makes a donation to military charities for every Freedom model that is produced. One of the most distinctive features for this model is a large, five-point star symbol right on the hood.
On the inside, there are leather-trimmed seats with military-inspired stitching and badges. The upholstery has a unique hexagon pattern and there are Tungsten accents throughout the cabin. Back on the outside, there's an aluminum data plate on the rear swing gate. It provides details and specs on this specific model. It's similar to plates that were placed on official military Jeeps of the past.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler Freedom vs 80th Anniversary. What is the difference?
The 80th Anniversary trim is our third special-edition Jeep Wrangler in a row. This model, as the name suggests, is a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the Jeep brand. This model uses the 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cams, turbocharged I4 engine along with an 8-speed automatic transmission system. This trim level is all about comfort and convenience.
While this Jeep Wrangler is still a formidable off-road machine, special care was taken to make this a nice road vehicle. It offers a lot of creature comforts and a smooth ride quality. This trim gets an upgraded Uconnect 4C infotainment system with an 8.4-inch display screen and a navigation system.
On the inside of this trim, you will find Light Tungsten interior accents and annodized Gunmetal instrument-panel bezels. There's a Jeep 80th Anniversary badge on the console and badges on the exterior as well. All of the previously mentioned safety features and driver assists are included here.
Compare the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 80th Anniversary vs Rubicon Trim Level. What Is the Difference?
The Rubicon represents the best of what Jeep has to offer for their 2021 Wranglers. This top trim level gives you the best in both off-road capabilities and in creature comforts. It comes stock with the big V6 engine and a 6-speed manual transmission. You can, however, get a Rubicon with any of the available engine choices. In fact, nearly every option and package is available for this trim level.
While most of the Jeep Wranglers on this list could be ordered with the best off-road features, the Rubicon comes with them all automatically. This includes off-road tires and a special performance suspension system. This is the only model that has an electronic disconnect for the front sway bar.
The Rubicon comes with Jeep's Rock-Trac System, which is the best Jeep traction system available. It has multiple modes that the driver can choose depending on the road or terrain conditions. A high ground clearance and rock rails further enhance the Rubicon's off-road abilities. This is the perfect vehicle for rock crawling and navigating over rough terrain.
Which Trim to Choose?
Unless you have a tight budget, it's recommended to go right for the Rubicon trim level here. This has been the top trim level for the Wrangler for several years now. The 2021 model year is no different. You get the best off-road performance along with most of the better convenience and safety features with the Rubicon. This trim level gives you the most optional features and package choices as well.
The 80th Anniversary model represents an interesting alternative. It may be the preferred choice for many Jeep fans. Jeep Wranglers already do well in retaining their value, but the special 80th Anniversary model will likely do even better in this category. Its base cost is slightly less than the price of a stock Rubicon. Most of the features that the Rubicon offers can also be added on to the 80th Anniversary trim as optional equipment.
