Two rugged options are vying for a spot in your outdoor adventures: the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara. Which of these off-road-ready SUVs is right for your Texas adventures? Our comparison guide is here to answer your questions.
Key Takeaways
- While the Sahara delivers sleek style, only the Rubicon treats you to top-notch performance upgrades.
- To go deep into wild terrain, make the Rubicon your first choice!
- When it comes to everyday comfort, the Sahara takes the lead.
- Explore extra-rugged terrain in the 2025 Wrangler Rubicon, starting at $47,550*, or choose luxury first in the Wrangler Sahara, from $49,370*.
What's the difference between the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara trim models?
Both Wranglers are ready for action, but they've got different priorities. The Sahara combines a sturdy performance with sophisticated exterior styling, modern technology, and roomy comfort. This SUV is a great choice for drivers who want to combine moderate off-road capabilities with a comfy everyday drive.
Then there's the Rubicon, the Wrangler's top-tier trim model. Not only does it come standard with quite a few high-tech convenience features, but it's also built to boulder-hop with the best of them. In fact, there's no tougher trim model -- the Rubicon offers more ground clearance, protective hardware, and traction-boosting performance upgrades than any other Wrangler.
Which performance features are included on the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara?
With its extra-rugged suspension setup, the Rubicon is designed to travel into especially difficult terrain. Compared to the Sahara, this top-of-the-line Wrangler also comes with an impressive range of high-performance upgrades, from rock rails to high-clearance fenders.
Of course, the Sahara is also ready for off-road fun. Just like the Rubicon, the Sahara comes standard with a hefty V6 engine (285 horsepower, 260 lb-ft of torque), but it's also available with an extra-rugged turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine (270 hp, 295 lb-ft). Standard four-wheel helps you explore a wide range of Texas trails.
Performance Features
|
Rubicon |
Sahara |
| Standard Powertrain |
3.6L Pentastar V6 engine (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) and six-speed manual transmission |
3.6L Pentastar V6 engine (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) and six-speed manual transmission |
| Optional Powertrain |
2.0L turbo I-4 engine (270 hp, 295 lb-ft) with Stop/Start and eight-speed automatic transmission |
2.0L turbo I-4 engine (270 hp, 295 lb-ft) with Stop/Start and eight-speed automatic transmission |
| Drivetrain |
Rock-Trac full-time four-wheel drive |
Command-Trac 4x4 system |
| Axles |
Heavy-duty Dana44 axles with Tru-Lok with full-float rear axle |
Dana solid front and rear axles |
| Suspension |
Performance suspension system |
Heavy-duty suspension |
| Tires |
33-inch off-road tire with full-size spare |
255/70R18 All-Season (A/S) tires |
| Axle Ratio |
4.10 |
3.45 |
| Extra Features |
Off-Road Plus Mode, Rock rails, High-clearance fender flares, Sway bar disconnect, Power dome vented hood, Class II hitch receiver, Four pre-wired auxiliary switches |
|
Is the Rubicon or Sahara better for long drives and everyday use?
As an everyday driver, the Sahara is our first choice! It's a versatile option for East Texans who divide their time between pavement commuting and off-road adventure. On the highway, the Sahara's suspension setup makes it the most accommodating choice. Plus, this fun-loving SUV comes standard with an impressive list of modern comfort features, from heated front seats to automatic climate control!
Due to its high-performance gear, the Rubicon feels a little stiff on the pavement. For drivers who love nothing more than to tackle rugged terrain, the tradeoff is worth it! But if you plan to do a lot of commuting in your Wrangler, give the Rubicon a test-drive to make sure it's right for you! Like the Sahara, though, the Rubicon comes standard with an excellent range of comfort and convenience features!
Standard Features
|
Rubicon |
Sahara |
| Wheels |
17-inch Black-painted machined wheels |
18-inch Gray-painted machined wheels |
| Seating Upholstery |
Soul Cloth in Black with Rubicon Red accent stitching |
Soul Cloth in Black with Mayan Gold accent stitching |
| Front Seats |
Manual |
Manual, heated |
| Steering Wheel |
Heated, premium-wrapped |
Premium-wrapped |
| Start |
|
Remote ignition |
| Air Conditioning |
Automatic climate control |
Automatic climate control |
| Driver Information Display |
7-inch color cluster display |
7-inch color cluster display |
| Infotainment |
Uconnect 5 with 12.3-inch touchscreen |
Uconnect 5 with 12.3-inch touchscreen |
| Audio System |
Eight speakers |
Eight speakers |
| Headlamps |
LED premium reflector |
LED premium reflector |
| Tail Lamps |
LED |
LED |
| Fog Lamps |
LED |
LED |
| Safety Tech |
Enhanced adaptive cruise control |
Enhanced adaptive cruise control |
| Exterior Styling |
Gray grille inserts, unique bumpers with Gray bezels, Red tow hooks (two front, one rear) |
Body-color grille with Platinum silver rings, body-color fender flares, molded-in-color front bumper with Silver accents, Black rear bumper |
| Optional |
Nappa leather seats, Heated/ power-adjustable front seats |
McKinley-trimmed upholstery, Power-adjustable front seats |
How much do the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and Sahara cost?
The extra-tough Wrangler Rubicon starts at $47,550*, while the more versatile Wrangler Sahara starts at $49,370*. Which one of these adventurous Jeeps is more your speed? Visit us at Coleman Motors to test-drive your SUV of choice!
*MSRP as of 12/10/25. Subject to change.