Episode 2
Wrangler JK vs JL: Which is A Better Value?
/ Purchase / By Cheaper Jeeper TV
The Jeep Wrangler JK vs JL, which is the better value? Some feel the purchase of the JK would be a better value over a JL. Is it? In 2018 the Jeep Wrangler JK and JL were both being manufactured. Therefore, for the sake of initial comparison of prices, comparing the 2018 JKs to the JLs makes sense. If one were to consider making a proper comparison of the 2018 JK to subsequent model years of the JL, one would have to involve accounting for any annual price increases, and other updates to the design. Therefore, to keep the comparison as fair and as simple as possible, the models we will choose for our comparison will be the 2018 JK & JL Sahara Unlimited. So let’s start our comparison by looking at the associated costs between the these two models.
*MSRP Comparison
In April 2018, a stock Jeep Wrangler JK Sahara Unlimited had an MSRP of $44,115, the 2018 JL Sahara Unlimited had an MSRP of $50,352. So at first glance the 2018 JK appears to be a better value than the 2018 JL, since $6,237 seems like a significant price differential for one to conclude that buying the JK was/is a better value. However, there are a couple of things we should also consider when trying to make a fair comparison.
JK vs JL Standard Features Comparison
Further in our comparison, it is prudent to consider some other differences beyond MSRP that may exist between the JK & JL. Important to note, for example, are some of the standard features on the JL that are not standard on the JK. Features such as, but not limited to; i) gas cap cover, ii) stiff grab bar handles, iii) door stops/detents, iii) grill inserts, and iv) a touchscreen head unit with Apple car Play and Android Auto.
Interestingly, as the table below illustrates, if one were to purchase aftermarket parts to upgrade the 2018 JK to match the 2018 JL standard features listed above, the cost differential would still be over ~$5,000. So at this point of our discussion, it’s not clear that we were wrong in our initial conclusion.
(Aftermarket costs used in the table below are estimates)
JK vs JL Upgrades In Design Comparison
However, beyond this list of standard items, the JL still has some additional upgrades in design, that the JK is lacking, such as; i) the elimination of hood flutter due to the inclusion of functional fender-vents, ii) a more comfortably tilted rear seat, iii) a rain gutter that goes all the way to the back of the Jeep, iv) HD Brakes, and v) larger fenders that can accomodate larger wheel upgrades, just to name a few. Although the JK lacks these upgrades is design, these items can still be addressed through aftermarket purchases. If one wanted to equalize the JK with the same features mentioned so far, the price differential is more like $3,500, as seen in the table below. Therefore, if the JK initially seemed like a better value due to the $6,237 savings in MSRP, one could possibly argue that after paying to upgrade the JK to have the same features as the JL, that there really isn’t a significant savings in the purchase of the 2018 JK model over the 2018 JL. With these added considerations, deciding if the JK Wrangler is a better value becomes less obvious, especially taking into account that not all aspects of the JL design are addressed in this analysis.
(Aftermarket costs used in the table below are estimates)
JK vs JL Design Improvements Comparison
Beyond this, the JL has some other design improvements that are not so easily addressed for the JK, through aftermarket purchases. The JL has; i) new styling inside and out, ii) a new 8 speed automatic transmission, iii) aluminum doors and tailgate, iv) improved fuel economy due to these and other significant drivetrain and design improvements, and v) improved visibility(accomplished by larger windows all the way around, lowering of the rear tire, and lowering the rear windshield wiper from obstruction of view). This is just to name a few. So the price differential between the two even becomes smaller, at around $3,500. The scope of this article will not delve deeper into some more of the technical improvements of the JL, but toss those in, along with the vast positive reviews of the JL, supported by record sales and the resale potential of the JL over the JK, well the price differential suddenly doesn’t seem as significant.
The Final Decision
Many factors should be taken into consideration when deciding if the Jeep Wrangler JK is a better value than the Jeep Wrangler JL. One must consider the MSRP, standard features, other upgrades and design improvements, when making that decision. Ultimately, in the final analysis, if you get what you want in what you can afford in a Jeep Wrangler JK or JL, then you are in the possession of a road worthy and iconic vehicle that is legendary for it’s off road capabilities as well. That sounds like a good value.
Further Reading: A more detailed and technical analysis
*Data Used For Comparison
The costs used in this article for MSRP are accurate for April 2018 in Canadian dollars. The costs identified of aftermarket items in the article are estimates and would be dependent on the chosen vendor in 2018.
JK owners interested in links to aftermarket products mentioned in this article are invited to view them and more, on the Featured Products page of this website.
(DISCLAIMER: Any and all content provided on this site and YouTube channel is Cheaper JeeperTV’s opinion and for educational and discussion purposes only. Seek a professional’s advice where appropriate for your vehicle.)