Jeep Wrangler JL Real World Review: Living with the all-new Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon

It's the most recognizable vehicle on the planet- the Jeep Wrangler. Here, we breakdown what we've learned living with our 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and start to formulate our plan to build this into a formidable adventure machine. We take our Jeep Wrangler over everything to give you a full in-depth review.

[@tfrye008]

For my JLUR, I found my lockers engage faster if I wait ten seconds, then drive. And the rocks - yep, annoying. Put in some small round weatherstripping and cut it to length. Issue solved. Great video, really good feedback.

[@dheerajshahdadpuri8340]

This is the best review of jeep wrangler rubicon i have seen. amazing scenery.. keep it up.

[@rickysingh6426]

I GOT THE RUBICON RECENTLY AND IT IS EXCELLENT ON ROAD AND OFF ROAD , BEST JEEP EVER MADE UNTIL NOW.........

[@keithhowell6833]

Test driving for a few minutes at the dealership doesn't do it for ME! I recommend renting whenever you go away on vacation, business trips, whatever. Renting for a few days gives you the opportunity to 'live' with your vehicle and really get know it inside and out.

[@charlessimmering9015]

Great review of the Rubicon unlimited. Described the jeep accurately with the pros and cons.

[@AIMBOTKATFISH]

Just bought mine yesterday. didn't get the 8" screen or the LED lights but did get the sky one touch hard top.

[@lukechernesky]

1st Rubicons CAN fit 35s from factory, 2nd Order rubber tubing from amazon for like $10 and completely solves debree in fender issue

[@thunglamohumtsoe5710]

If u have money go for it, if u don’t have money, watch this video like me. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@michaelspungin439]

@Joe Casson ok boomer

[@Wrangzilla]

@@michaelspungin439 I'm an X'r but I'd rather be a Boomer than a millennial. Millennials are about as pathetic as they come.

[@gregorytroehler2019]

Wilmington!!! I have not been home in years.. overseas with the Army.. Thanks for the review and a view from downtown historic

[@jeffriley2502]

Love our JL. Lockers are slow and hang up. One of my bigger complaints. Also rock crawling steering can be a pain where you can't turn when you need. Following aftermarket fixes. Great vehicle overall. Running 37's with 3.5 inch lift and 4:88's.

[@simonesik2679]

The quality of this video is fricken amazing! You gained a subscriber!!

[@Junior-jw1bb]

I found a way to get the leaves or pine needles out of the crack where the body and fender flares meet without damaging the paint. I took a chop stick from a Chinese take out order and I whittled the end down to make it flat - like a flathead screwdriver. Keep testing it until you can get in the crack easily. The length of the stick makes it easy to reach in there too. It works pretty good. I hope this is helpful to others.

[@inman3616]

Maybe a can of compressed air? OR if you have onboard air and a hose that could reach, blow all of that crap out of there.

[@skdoosh9523]

Love the shots of old town Wilmington in the background

[@amiraahmadi2763]

Thank you for showing how the car seats fit! Big plus

[@old_channel1]

I have my Rubicon for 1 months now and with sky one and it is nothing but joy. I had a MB and I will miss the living room comfort but it was not exiting and customizable. I am getting an average of 18.5 MPG with everything stock almost a 50/50 city and highway driving. The only regret I have is that I did not buy a Jeep earlier in my life so I could have gone nuts customizing it. I bought the Rubicon because of its stand and look since we don't do much off-roading here in Ontario Canada.

[@kristenpace5168]

We get about 19 mpg in my 4 door JL. I personally like the auto stop. It seems smooth to me, not a problem here.

[@flossin5025]

I avg 18 mpg with my JLUR, if I take it easy and keep it under 70 mph I can get 21mpg. I don't mind ESS, it's funny how everyone bitches about it. What difference does it make If the engine turns off when your stopped, once you release brake and before you can step on the gas the jeep is back on again.

[@JTR253]

It is putting undue stress on the starter. Considering it is FIAT then reliability is a big concern

[@kolourblind3124]

@@JTR253 fiat really didn’t have a hand in the pentastar engine design...they did however supply the unreliable electronics. Your right definitely puts unnecessary wear on starter but also the engine, 90% of engine wear is caused during start up

[@jackhook4192]

There's nothing like a jeep period.

[@brianowens1002]

Actually there’s a bronco coming. Jeeps are over priced and extremely low quality. I know, I own one.

[@graham7814]

Awesome review and cinematography! Best I've seen by far.

[@stephendass6835]

This is so well shot omg

[@ewehinger]

Looks like my hometown wilmington, NC. Love these JL rubicons

[@kolourblind3124]

You definitely can lock the rear diff in 4hi in stock form. Shift to 4hi, turn on offroad mode plus button, hold esc button until it disables and lock the rear locker. Low range is super low! Having lockers only available in 4L would be useless in my neck of the woods

[@racheltgal]

Very good video I just purchased my 2018 JL rubicon with power top

[@futzalfan]

The Best review I've seen so far! Thank you. Have seen a good 20 rvws from the big likers.

[@Brooklyntohomestead]

Well dang, Ole Wilmywood and CB North.

[@JosephSmith72]

Good video man. I am going to wait and get the Jeep Gladiator with a Diesel engine. I have been waiting forever for that model and finally, it looks like it will come to fruition soon.

[@mj-np9sy]

Good luck. The diesel is still floating around in the void because of FCA also gaming the diesel system.

[@drewskididit996]

So jealous over your interior. Nice jL. In my area all there was is black leather or black cloth I looked all over for brown or white seats

[@ManishKumar-iv7ld]

One of The BEST Reviews - Realistic & Concise !! Thanks :)

[@bretholm]

Great Video! Love my New JL

[@deifor]

Nice vid. I had the same feeling with the 8 speed. I had a JKU that I sold and when I regret selling it and wanted a Wrangler, they were too expensive so I had to settle for a Grand Cherokee, wich while I didn't like, it did drive better than the Wrangler because of the ZF tranny. I tested a v8 and a v6 and couldn't really tell the difference. The only time was once I wanted to pass someone on a backcountry road and there were 5 people in the GC and I felt the lack of power a little. I sold it finally and got a JKU and the only thing I really miss is the 8 speed, well and the heated seats when's cold.

[@jonasfreitag]

Beautiful imagery and great personal review. Thank you!

[@kernoleary1394]

Fun Fact: In the 2.0L models the stop-start is insanely smooth

[@MarioSantana1335]

@C B Fan Fact there is a thing call warranty, that in case of a engine failure or other components failure, everything will be cover ,brand new car comes with 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty whichever come first or just get the extended warranty of 10 years or 100,000 miles for 1600 dlls ,and you will sleep well at night. I always do that every time I bought a brand new car.

[@MarioSantana1335]

@C B My piece of crap..I don't own the company.every single car has recalls. It does not matter what brand it is. How come you are assuming that the 2.0 engine has issues if you not even own one. You might heard something from someone else but it does not mean every single jeep will has that issue. There are dodge viper that are lemons but it doesn't means all vipers are lemons right. We can talk about 2006 -2008 BMW M5 those are lemons as well and last time I checked people said that BMW is the ultimate driven machines..😒🤔

[@MarioSantana1335]

@C B Well. I haven't owned any Fiat product yet but you dont have to be afraid of the new technology, 4 cylinder engine that is on these new jeeps produces more torque then that v6 engine, and people are waiting for the diesel engine though.

[@Epik-hm8ws]

For the Fender Flare ridges can be closed with a cheap rubber tube. TheFastLane has a show called "I love my new ride" where a blue JL was shown which had this done to it for 8$. The owner said it was the most important modification for him and now I see why :-)

[@rsdrt]

Can 2 people sleep comfortably on the trunk with the rear seats down?

[@jonmellen6040]

Great video, all those nice shots of your Rubicon make this video much better than others.

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you.

[@BreckoniousMaximus]

Coming from a lifted full size F150, the Jeep feels like a sports car.

[@patandjessicasjeepadventur3227]

Great job on the video I can’t wait to get one

[@livenloud6697]

You want a Jeep do you why do you want to do that to yourself life is hard enough as it is

[@brianowens1002]

live loud exactly. Overpriced low quality junk.

[@ggolds5]

LOVE my new 19 Unlimited Sahara in MOJITO!!!. I got the v6 since I cant trust the Alpha Romeo 4 turbo put into a Jeep. Too new. I went from a Range Rover Evoque, to a Kia Sorento SXL-V6 to the Wrangler. I couldn't be happier.

[@brianowens1002]

#yuppy rides

[@ggolds5]

@@brianowens1002 I'm far from a "yuppy". Labels are created by the meek.

[@brianowens1002]

ggolds5 I didn’t create anything. Just pointing it out. Didn’t call you anything for the record, just said a Rubi is a yuppy ride. If you drive a $50k Jeep, it is what it is.

[@greatave.9982]

OVERALL! high end content, subscribed and thank you for the info!

[@brianowens1002]

High end is right, only yuppys can buy these.

[@whitneys7483]

Not only did this video sell the vehicle but it made me want it in white as well. Gorgeous cinematography 💜

[@intox69]

Waitin on the diesel Rubicon.

[@UtahNick71]

In my test drives the JL wind noise was noticeably louder than the JK. In 4 years when things have been worked out I might look again, but I love my ‘18 Recon.

[@HoodOrnament91]

The debris getting stuck between the fenders drives me nuts on mine. Lol

[@wsigona]

Kenda makes a 35 10.5 17 AT tire meow.

[@abouttime7316]

Nice Jeep. I’m cruising a TJ for awhile before a JL is an option. About your fender complaint with debri gettin the crack. There is a rubber insert you can buy on amazon for like $8 to fix that issue.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Justin Time I actually have the rubber you’re talking about to block off the opening. I lost a bit of faith in it after seeing it pop up on a few Jeeps on JL experience.

[@hellaacapella]

One thing I absolutely hate about my new JL is engaging the 4 Low gear… I have been stuck in neutral SO many times now. It’s a shame it’s not as smooth as my JK was shifting to 4 low from a standstill

[@davidtgriffin7040]

This review is excellent! Keep making content like this!

[@Cogzed]

That on off is just gonna wear out your battery and starter faster. Delete it.

[@pbjadventures954]

Beautifully done review! Definitely subscribed after watching this amazing review!

[@sticrzy123]

Also forgot to mention one of the best resale value vehicles on the road

[@DrivingLine]

Very true!

[@TacticalCastle]

Simply beautiful cinematography!

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you.

[@shimmysham5825]

Well articulated video, useful real world content, keep up the great work! (15 jku rubi owner:) )

[@guertinpower]

EXCELLENT REVIEW!

[@bah5310]

Excellent video.

[@supercharged00gtp]

Get the Tazer JL for auto start stop, and you can engage the lockers in 2 and 4 hi along with a lot of other great features.

[@johnnyringo201]

Terrific review and love the video. 👍

[@roadracer247]

Appreciate the review. Well done

[@krayzel]

I like Wrangler but still don’t understand how a non-luxury midsized SUV could easily cost $50k. That is insane. Full sized pickup with all the bells and whistles cost that much.

[@ZenWorld]

Fully Loaded Sahara was 49k my dude and it's easily up there in terms of luxury. Lacking rubicon extras so i can't climb your big ass ______________!

[@dono4598]

Just picked up a '19 Sahara with the 2.0 turbo and the start/stop, gas mileage has been better than our outgoing '16 Sport Unlimited this model clocked in just under$54k. My wife has a '16 RX350, we call our new Sahara a Lexus in Jeeps clothing... So far, so good.

[@michaelr.3799]

Great review and fantastic production, thanks.

[@DrivingLine]

Thank you!

[@jamman7344]

That auto on and off during a stop feature seems sketchy because wouldn't the vehicle just eat up the gas when it turna back on? Traffic lights do not last that long. However I feel it may be a possible gas saver if you're in a big city during rush hour.

[@elin425]

Very nice vid. ...! 👍🏾

[@TheUnorthodoxx]

What size tires did you go with over stock? Did that affect your gas mileage? Those KO2s you got rid of perform excellent in the snow hence the 3 Peak rating.

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

TheUnorthodoxx They are the 285/70R17s. Mud performance was more important to me over snow. I’ve had the Ridge Grappler in the snow on previous vehicles and never had an issue.

[@tidetrogu3250]

Jeep advertised that you can fit 35s with no lift on a rubicon JL so your theory is correct

[@samg1507]

Great review.

[@trescottbeats1186]

Why is the extremely poor 1 star safety rating never mentioned in Wrangler reviews? Especially when talking about a daily driver/family vehicle.

[@fiftyfishbottom]

Liked and subscribed, anxious for follow up videos. I have one on order (Sting Gray), few weeks away (Feb). My first Wrangler and went all the way, after negotiations to be about $53K, loaded and before upgrades. Have 17 Tacoma TRD Pro as trade. My driveway (WNC) is 1600ft up from secondary road, two switchbacks, ditch on one side and drop off the other, one 18* grade and one 22* grade, 2500 ft to nearest winter plowed county road. I am planning the Mopar 2" lift and 35" tires, Warn (metal bumpers). To keep it within warranty. I'm older fellow, hoping to buy some youth. About 5 minute drive away, Patriot Mtn. Off Road Park and others within hour or so. I've had Nitto Ridge Grapplers before and liked them, but KO2 since and like in snow. Many say don't need lift for 35", but not full agreement for full articulation.

[@mrbluepencil_]

Great video! How do you find the white roof in terms of heat? We’re choosing between white or black roof and haven’t seen much info about the difference in heat under the hot sun. Any advice would be appreciated.

[@DrivingLine]

The top in general doesn't provide a lot of insulation. This was my first Jeep with a color-matched top. I know the white helps, but I'm not sure how significant of a factor it is. For here in the southeast, I don't think it's a significant factor. If I was still living in SoCal and making trips to the desert, I think the white top would be a noticeable benefit.

[@mrbluepencil_]

@@DrivingLine thanks so much for that perspective. Helps a lot. Take care and keep up the great content.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

So far I can't find out any advice about tops. You have a basic canvas top and a Premium canvas top. I guess the Premium is quieter and maybe insulated a little. I don't know if they are noisy at speed or difficult to put down. It is usually black but I have seen a few in tan. ... The hard top is quieter and more secure. Sometimes they are painted. They are removable with ease.

[@mj-np9sy]

You can get a crappy soft top with poor insulation or the premium top with a bit more insulation. But it's still a convertible top. It's very easy to put up and down. It's also noisy. There is one hard top (not including the convertible hard top). It comes either painted or unpainted. You can buy a two top package (premium soft and hard top). You pay more if you want it painted. You pay less if you don't want it painted. That's it. PS; don't get Mopars shitty headliner system. It's absolute crap. Safe your $450 and get hotheads headliners. I have the dual top package but I think the JL looks awful with the stock soft top so I'll never run it. I'm waiting on a Trektop or I'm sticking with my hardtop.

[@AR-hq5dp]

can someone help me with this. why is on cerificate of conformity for wrangler unlimited rubicon 2020 type says JK, and it is clearley JL model with 2.0 petrol engine

[@mariodesmo]

So, just how much stronger are the new D44's than the older TJ/JK axles? What about the lockers themselves? Will the new axles hold up to an LS swap?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

mariodesmo The difference between the Dana 44s in the TJ versus the JK are so wildly different that they are really not comparable. The JL 3rd Gen Dana 44s are closer to the JK in spec, but still very different. Jeep says they are stronger, but I haven’t seen any specific charts detailing the numbers between the two. I’ve seen plenty of JK axles fail over the past ten years. So far, I’ve only seen one Ujoint break on a front JL axle and that person was running 40s and trying to power with the tire on an undercut rock. As far as LS swaps go...In my experience, if you’re doing a V8 swap in a Wrangler, the stock axles are long gone. Horsepower and axle failure usually has to do more with driver finesse. If you’re just cruising the mall, I doubt the V8 is going to blow apart the ring gear with a stock sized tire attached at the wheel end.

[@livenloud6697]

Jeep number one at making number twos

[@livenloud6697]

And Jeep is number one at making number twos

[@freakincrazy6932]

Thinking of custom ordering one. Not sure if it’s a good idea, it will be my first cheap. Currently have a bmw 340 Msport and wanna get a suv.

[@derek6947]

Why did you trade out the stock BFG KO2?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Derek I’m just not a big fan of that tire. I’ve had great luck with the Ridge Grappler, so it’s become my go-to.

[@murfieldholmes3906]

Quality Video. Thank YOU

[@JM-nz8gw]

Can't wait until the diesel

[@solarfry]

Did they cure the bad loud wind noise? Or did you ignore it? It's pretty dang loud and hard to ignore..

[@DrivingLine]

It's not great, but livable. We've actually found soft tops to be a bit quieter. We also have heard the factory headliner option for hard top helps as well, but we have not tried it.

[@stephenpowstinger733]

Thanks for the input. I did test drive a hardtop Sahara but I didn't get to drive over 40 mph. I am left wondering how much wind and road noise the Jeep makes at highway speed. Do I have to rent one? Come to think of it, haven't seen a Jeep for rent.

[@SammyD392]

What’s the music?

[@uncid0c]

Wilmington?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Scott Sikes Yes.

[@najthesavior4286]

De?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

@@najthesavior4286 North Carolina.

[@jameslavis4660]

That fuel economy is your engine. I have the JL 2.0 turbo and get easy 23 mpg. Those tires also don’t help!

[@srtmetal7647]

Fuel Economy is only below 20 average on the Rubicon.

[@bigdawgfan72]

What trails are those?

[@alexanderrigda7002]

How did you find a Rubicon with out the bright red dash?

[@DrivingLine]

For 2018, opting for beige seats got you the dark grey dash.

[@mj-np9sy]

Get tan leather, or it's a 30 minute job to replace the red dash insert. I went with tan leather but I wish I'd gone with black and just removed the dash. The tan leather looks cheap, imo. It should've been saddle brown.

[@alexanderrigda7002]

@@mj-np9sy Very cool - thanks for the heads up. Are there aftermarket inserts? Or can you buy them from the dealer?

[@therealjenso]

You did this long term review without commenting on reliability or any service issues? Odd.

[@DrivingLine]

We haven't had an issues with reliability or service. We do our own maintenance rather than going to the dealer, so there's not much to report on so far as that's concerned. For a first year vehicle, it's been surprisingly trouble free. We know others have had reported issues with the steering and HVAC acting up, but it's not something we've experienced.

[@Richiebax]

Could have just told us how tall you are so we could have estimated the leg room 🤘🏼😂

[@hunterromano5562]

I'm 6'3" and I can fit in the back of my brothers JL with some spare leg room. I wouldn't want to make a cross country trip back there, but 2-3 hours it's not too bad.

[@dholmen]

Why is the dashboard black? In rubicon it should be red?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Jörn Holste When you opt for the tan seats in that model year, you get the gray dash.

[@dholmen]

Thanks 🙏🏻. One more: do you like the tan? Good quality?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Jörn Holste If I could have purchased one with the gray dash and black leather, I would have. This one had everything I wanted, minus the black seats. Overall, it’s great quality and has been holding up well. If I ever damage the leather badly enough, I will probably swap in some black Katzkin leather.

[@dholmen]

Apple Cobbler Films thanks for your time to answer

[@billfrigo7602]

@8:37 - does this specific JEEP have the optional noise deadening material on the roof?

[@Ali_Mansour_Editor]

Bill Frigo No.

[@duck853]

Dislike for Auto Start/Stop comment. After a week of adapting to it, passengers don’t even notice it turning off and on. It can be that smooth. Can’t speak for the 4-cyl. You have to adapt your foot and mind to be smoother and anticipate. Think if people in my profession chose to fight improvements we’d still be using hydro-mechanical units/celestial nav instead of FADECS and GPS.

[@leobuckey]

Complains about fuel economy, turns stop/start off

[@johnmadsen37]

Start stop does nothing for fuel economy. Tires and lead foot are the biggest affecting factors.

[@abinjohngeorge_07]

One day

[@billfrigo7602]

Why does this Rubicon *not* have a red dash?

[@bigbodytonka]

If you go with the optional tan leather on the Rubicon, you will get a grey dash, like the one on this Rubicon. If you however get the black cloth or black leather seating arrangement, you will be getting a red dash.

[@b1lf435]

JakeOfTheJungle - gotcha. I’d want black leather but certainly don’t want that red dash. Perhaps it’s an easy swap or I guess I could apply 3M vinyl over it...

[@Mrrlamb1]

Toledo's finest

[@najthesavior4286]

BRONCO!!! JIMNY!!!!

[@travelinben1966]

Rock crawling with a $50k plus vehicle? I don’t think so ,unless you have really deep pockets.I’ll use a beater for stump jumping.

[@1RaVeN1FTW]

How are the terrible frame welds holding up?

[@ThePete2432]

The only upside on the jk was that they didn’t catch on fire...

[@takingu2skoo]

It not ment to be a mini van.

[@user-zr3sx8ks1v]

听不懂

[@enzoprosciutto210]

Don't lie your wife is taller then you lol.

[@m0596zz]

Hi Any body getting issue with his JL, i heard about steering issues and top leaking As well as the wind noise Is that all true? I’m planning to get one, but hesitating

[@evanb5290]

Rent one for a week before you buy it. I rented one from Hertz for a trip I took from WI to TN.

[@MarioSantana1335]

Buy it brand new ,warranty will cover that up.