You really don’t need a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon to have fun off-road.
As much as we like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, there’s no denying how eye-wateringly expensive the proposition can be if you go for all the bells and whistles. Even if you don’t, the starting price for a two-door Rubicon starts at $41,115, including Jeep’s $1,595 destination fee. Most folks will go for the four-door, and the moment you start getting into the options list — different engines, 8-speed automatic transmission, larger infotainment display, steel bumpers and so on — you can easily land north of $50,000. And the fully-loaded Wrangler Rubicon 392? Forget it.
But do you really need to spend that much money and go all-out to get all the off-road kit?
No, of course not, and Tommy’s recent excursion to Moab is a case in point. This summer, he ordered a brand new, two-door Jeep Wrangler Willys Sport for right around $35,000. Granted, the Sport is about as stripped down as you can possibly get. No power locks, power windows or power-adjustable seats, and an old-school Uconnect3 infotainment system. Still, the Willys package ads in off-road wheels and tires (Firestone Destination A/Ts), rock sliders, and a limited-slip differential.
It’s not the full front and rear lockers, electronic disconnecting sway bar and extra ground clearance you get with the Rubicon, sure. Nevertheless, Tommy manages his way through some challenging Moab trails, proving the value proposition of the Wrangler Willys Sport. Check it out below!
Side note: Regardless of what off-roader you do have, it’s still an idea to have a friend in another rig along, just in case something happens on the trip. You definitely don’t want to get stranded (or worse) if you’re on the trails alone.
