Have you ever looked at both a Jeep JK and JKU and failed in contrasting the two? With the Jeep Wrangler being on top of the power and aesthetic automotive chain, the distinction between Jeep JK and JKU may escape some people.
However, these two jeeps share some similar features and have differences ranging from their performance on different roads, the structure they are built to their dimensions.
The JK Wrangler is built for abstractive terrains, while the JKU Wrangler performs best on the rough roads.
Despite this, the two jeeps are similar in several ways, which we will explore more in this research informed article. So, why remain on the fence between Jeep JK and JKU? Let’s clear the air!
A Deeper Understanding of The Jeep JK
In the generational ranking of the Jeep Wrangler, Jeep JK lies third. The initial development concept was in 2006 in Detroit during the North American International Auto Show and was owned by DaimlerChrysler.
The JK manufacturers were the first to pull off an impressive design combination of the frame, jeep suspension, and an appealing body.
A few models of the JK also received a few adjustments that resulted in increased speeds, likability by jeep enthusiasts, and comfort while driving. These modifications include; automation of door locks by making them remote power enabled, improved navigation, and power windows
Understanding The Jeep JKU
Following the introduction of Jeep JK in the market, manufacturers consulted technology to come up with a modified, maybe even superior, model of jeep wrangler.
In 2007, this technological milestone was achieved by the creation of Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. This jeep has proven to be more versatile than Jeep JK and was introduced to the jeep industry at the 2006 New York Auto Show.
A couple of features, including its internal space and bigger wheels, pushed Jeep JKU to the top of the jeep buyers’ preference. The jeep’s memorable market debut has seen the JKU rise to 75% of jeeps in demand.
JK vs JKU
These two jeeps have similarities that can be confusing when deciding on the jeep to invest in. However, making this choice requires you to have your needs and preferences in mind.
The lovers of off-road riding have their needs catered for by the manufacturers of Jeep JK. These manufacturers have designed this vehicle with a higher break over an angle that facilitates easy movement over obstacles in rough terrains. If comfort is your preference, investing in Jeep JKU is a wise move.
This jeep’s heavy body ensures a more firm ride with minimum shakes, meaning shakes will not destroy the gear you carry in the spacious cargo carrier as you drive. This jeep is mostly preferred by family men and people who take a lot of luggage
The Differences Between JK and JKU
Having understood these two Jeeps, let us differentiate them by their unique features.
Number of Doors
From the basic observation of the two, you will realize that JK has a design that accommodates only two doors. In comparison, JKU’s body design accommodates four doors, giving it a bigger appearance and more comfort in passenger boarding.
Body Weight
Due to the bigger body of the JKU, its weight is more than that of the JK. Jeep JKU weighs 5,700 lbs while Jeep JK weighs 4,340 lb
The Size of the Wheels
The wheelbase of the jeep is another distinguishing feature. JKU has a 116 inches long wheelbase while JK stands at 95.4 inches.
Off-road Driving
Power Most people invest in jeeps for their power in driving off-road. For this reason, the JK manufacturers designed this outstanding off-road monster to withstand the abstractive rough road conditions.
If you want the ultimate off-road adventure, consider buying the JK, which performs better than JKU in this terrain.
Price
The price of buying either jeep varies. The more time and material invested in manufacturing Jeep JKU modifying it into a bigger and heavier version of the Wrangler, qualifies it to be more expensive than Jeep JK.
When deciding the Jeep you want to buy, consider your price range and the features included in the jeep model you aim to purchase.
Jeep’s Seating Capacity
What’s the number of people that can comfortably fit in the jeep? The bigger seating capacity of the JKU sets it aside from the smaller JK seating capacity.
Even the smallest space in outdoor riding matters. Thus, JKU manufacturers added an extra seat in the jeep, giving it a five-person seating capacity, while the JK has a seating capacity that only accommodates four people
Cargo Carrying Space
Cargo carrying space matters in differentiating JK and JKU. As a family camping site, you will need to take a few things with you on your way to the desired destination, including tents and sleeping gear.
A JKU is an ideal jeep to travel in as it has a bigger cargo space than the JK Wrangler. Some people even claim that JKU has double the cargo space of Jeep JK.
The Dimensions
From front to back, the jeep JKU is 184.9 inches long. The JK Wrangler has a length of 163.3 inches, meaning it has a smaller interior space accommodating fewer passengers and cargo than JKU. However, the two jeeps have an equal 73.7 width.
Towing power
Well, the JKU may be bigger and have people thinking that it can tow a heavier vehicle or load. This assumption is on point as JKU has the power to haul loads as heavy as 3,500 pounds while JK tows not more than 2,000 pounds heavy loads.
Fuel Tank Capacity
With all the above features, you now want to know how far you can drive without having to stop for a fuel refill. Jeep JKU is bigger and heavier with a more significant fuel consumption rate.
Consequently, manufacturers installed a 22.5-gallon fuel tank in the Jeep JKU. Due to the JK Wrangler’s smaller design, its fuel tank is slightly smaller with an 18.6 gallon of fuel holding capacity.
How Jeep JK and JKU Are Similar
The Outlook
The two jeeps’ general appearance is similar if you look at it without a keen eye for the fine details. If the two jeeps are being driven on the same road simultaneously, merely looking at them will show no difference.
The Visible dimensions
Jeep JK and JKU have widths and heights that are similar. If you look at the two jeeps packed next to each other, you will note that the overall height and width are the same from a human eye perspective.
The Jeeps’ Transmissions
Jeep owners who have driven both the JK and the JKU profess to experience the same power in the engine and transmission options.
They Both Have Removable doors, top, and windshield
One of the reasons people buy a jeep is to enjoy the convenience of removing the door, top covers, or the windshield whenever they want.
If you are taking a ride near the beach and you want to enjoy the cool breeze as you drive, both Jeep JK and JKU will allow you to detach the part that blocks the breeze.
Jeep JK and JKU in Off-Roading
We have now established that Jeep JKU is superior in interior cargo space, seating capacity, and towing heavier loads. However, Jeep JK beats JKU in off-road driving.
How come the JK performs exemplary well in off-road driving? Well, it’s quite simple. The break-over angle of Jeep JK, which is the angle between a vehicle’s tires and its underside center, is designed to allow comfortable riding over obstacles on the path.
With this spacious angle, you will comfortably ride through rocky grounds without having to worry about rocks or bumps damaging your Jeep’s underside.
The jeep also balances on top of obstacles using all four wheels, giving you a comfortable ride. With Jeep JKU’s engine having to work harder due to it being bigger and heavier, riding off-road becomes challenging.
Jeep JK’s lighter bodyweight makes it the perfect automotive to take for a spin off-road. Jeep JK has a shallow wheelbase resulting in a smaller turning radius of 34.9 feet, which is favorable for negotiating sharp off-road turns.
Jeep JKU has a wider turning radius of 41.2 feet, making it prone to overturning, drawing sharp corners turning in rocky terrains.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jeep JK and JKU have both differences and similarities in the way they are designed. Choosing the jeep to buy or hire depends on your preference.
If you want a comfortable highway ride, JKU is the vehicle to buy. On the other hand, off-roading needs the better-suited Jeep JK.
The two jeeps we have discussed in this article are among the most robust vehicles ever built. Besides, Jeep Wranglers are customizable, meaning that you can add or remove features from the Jeep to fit your taste.
I hope this informative article has helped to understand the difference and similarities between Jeep JK and JKU. You can now make an informed decision. Buying either of these vehicles gives you the power to enjoy the jeep riding experience ultimately.
