Which Wrangler Is Which: Your 2021 Trim Guide

If someone were to write a used Jeep Wrangler’s buyer’s guide, the thing would either be a full encyclopedic set, or it would be four words long: Rust ok? Buy it. Over the years, there have been so many trims, limited editions, and special edition Jeep Wranglers, it can be hard to understand what you’re really looking at, especially when a lot of similar terms are being thrown around. What’s the difference between an Unlimited Sport Altitude and an Unlimited High Altitude? What do those words even mean? How does someone read through the pages of features to decide what’s important or not?

At the end of the day, many Wrangler drivers would advise you to buy the specific vehicle that speaks to you. But that isn’t exactly helpful when you’re standing in the dealership lot, trying to make a deal. Bear in mind that many used Jeep Wranglers will have modifications, updates, and upgrades, courtesy of their previous owners, further muddying the waters. However, if you’d like an idea of what to expect and look for when shopping for a Jeep Wrangler, check out this handy 2021 trim guide.

The Actual 2021 Jeep Wrangler Trims

If you’ve taken a quick peek at a Jeep Wrangler sales page, you’ve likely noticed a dizzying array of vehicles to choose from. Here’s something to keep in mind: only four of those names and editions are Wrangler trims: Sport, Sport S, Sahara, and Rubicon.

In 2021, drivers can choose from a total of 11 different other editions of the Jeep Wrangler, not including the 4xe electric Wrangler. However, most of those are special or limited editions based on one of the four base trims. The Willys Sport is a special version of the base Sport trim. The Sport S trim provides the base for the Willys edition and the Sport Altitude. The Sahara Altitude is an offshoot of the Sahara trim. The Rubicon can be upgraded to the Rubicon 392. The High Altitude trim takes cues from both the Sahara and the Rubicon in that it has upscale fittings.

If that sounds like a very messy family tree, think of it in this order, from smallest MSRP to priciest:

• Sport
• Willys Sport
• Sport S
• Sport Altitude
• Sahara
• Willys
• Rubicon
• Sahara Altitude
• High Altitude
• Rubicon 392

Of course, if you choose to add packages and options, such as selecting the four-door option on anything besides the standard four-door Sahara, Rubicon 392, and High Altitude versions, you’ll encounter an adjustment in the price range that could make this basic lineup a little less accurate. Therein lies the challenge of creating a definitive historical guide to the many faces of the Jeep Wrangler. However, with a little finesse for detail, it’s not too difficult to spot the differences between each edition.

Power and Performance Per Trim

The majority of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler trims and editions are equipped with a Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine. Providing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, this engine has become something of a tradition for Wrangler drivers. A 6-speed manual transmission accompanies this engine, though an 8-speed automatic can be selected as an option. Automatic versions include the standard eTorque mild hybrid system, which increases fuel economy.

The High Altitude edition marches to its own engine hum, however, and comes with a standard 2.0L Turbo 4-cylinder engine with 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, which can also be optioned into any other trim if a little more zippiness and control is required. However, for those who enjoy shifting on their own, be aware that this engine is paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission.

The Rubicon 392 comes with something Wrangler drivers have been waiting for: a 6.4 SRT-tuned HEMI V8 engine. With a mighty 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, this engine has the ability to take Jeep drivers from 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 4.5 seconds. The rule of the trail may be “slow and low,” but that doesn’t have to stay true once you hit the pavement, after all!

Also available for diesel fans is a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6. Thanks to its 442 lb-ft of torque, this engine makes the Wrangler an off-road master, and the accompanying 260 horsepower isn’t too shabby, either. This engine is only offered for four-door Wranglers and includes the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Major Cool Points, By Trim

If you’re looking for a fantastic base Wrangler to customize, personalize, and make your very own, the Sport trim includes all the necessities, with room to grow. While this trim doesn’t have fancy trimmings like power locks and windows, it does include Jeep’s Uconnect infotainment system with a 5-inch screen, adjustable bucket seats with lower back support, and a backup camera.

The Sport S receives power-operated features, such as locks, mirrors, and keyless entry. The Uconnect system gains a 7-inch screen, as well as connectivity to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Sahara is offered as a four-door model only and throws in some very handy things, like side steps, USB ports, and dual-zone automatic climate control. As the top of the basic trims, the Rubicon comes with a bounty of extras. From heavy-duty Dana front and rear axles, the specialized standard part-time Rock-Trac 4×4 system with 4:1 low gear ratio, electronic locking differentials in the front and rear, and rock rails, this Wrangler is intended for heavy usage.

So what about the special packages? The Willys Sport, Sport Altitude, Willys, and Sahara Altitude all have very distinct personalities. The Willys Sport is more on the basic end, while the Sport Altitude package includes a bevy of stylistic upgrades both inside and out. The Willys package pays homage to the classic Willys Overland style and performance, with mud tires and heavy-duty shocks and rock rails. Sahara Altitude comes with a body-color three-piece Freedom Top hardtop and black leather-trimmed interior. The High Altitude edition not only includes the Turbo engine but adds in bonus features such as an 8.4-inch infotainment screen with built-in navigation, leather-wrapped steering wheel, Nappa leather seating, and automatic dimming rearview mirror.

At the very top of the ladder stands the Rubicon 392. Not only does it feature all of the trail-worthy features of the Rubicon, but Jeep has added a Hydro-Guide air intake for 15 gallons per minute bow wave, making water crossings even more amazing. A sport steering wheel with paddles, a full leather interior, LED lighting, and other top-shelf features make the interior a true sight to behold.

Many Options Is What Makes the Wrangler a Top Choice

Despite best efforts to include as many details as possible, this still isn’t a fully inclusive list of the Jeep Wranglers you might find as a buyer. Nearly every trim can be customized, from the number of doors to the engine under the hood to the type of roof over your head. Each trim offers an array of packages, modifications, and a la carte options that can be used to build each driver’s ideal factory Jeep Wrangler, which means there are a lot of unique Wrangler options on used lots. After you find one that suits you, you still have plenty of wiggle-room to modify even more once you take it off the lot.

For those looking to buy a Jeep Wrangler, a buyer’s guide such as this is a great way to get a baseline idea of what to expect. Or, if you’re not too picky and want to get the wind in your hair as quickly as possible: Rust ok? Buy it.