How do you upgrade your Jeep’s performance, fuel economy, and even reliability efficiently?
Tuners are an option, and maybe even the easiest way to improve your multi-duty vehicle without major drawbacks.
The tuners below have been developed by life-long tuner techs, and tested by Jeep enthusiasts everywhere. They’ve been proven to work wonders for your Wrangler, and that’s why we chose them as the best.
Comparison of the Best Tuners for Jeep Wrangler
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What to Consider Before Buying a Tuner for Jeep Wrangler
Before you purchase a tuner and plug it into your Wrangler, these are the factors that you should consider, as they will help you make a better purchasing decision:
Canned Tune or Custom Tune Your Jeep?
Canned tunes are developed to fit multiple vehicles of the same model with similar modifications. They won’t squeeze every single drop of power from your Jeep, but that’s not to say that you won’t notice improvements. Canned tunes are predominantly developed for, and installed on stock vehicles. So, if you have a stock Jeep, a canned tune might just be the best option, and you’ll save yourself a bit of money.
Custom tunes are most usually developed for vehicles that have more than a few mods installed. They’re an excellent option if you have a modified Jeep, as the custom tune takes every modification you have done into account. You simply send the tuner tech your data logs based on which they create a tune specific to you. After you flash the tune onto your Jeep and test it out, multiple revisions will be done until you see the best results. Custom tunes are better, but they will cost you more.
Is The Tuner Warranty Friendly?
Installing a tune onto your Jeep will most likely void the vehicle’s manufacturer’s warranty. There are only two cases where you could keep your warranty.
Choose from one of the few tuners that are truly warranty friendly, that’s the first case. Keep in mind that certain tuner manufacturers claim that their tuners don’t void your vehicle’s warranty when they in fact do. In the second case, if you’ve been a regular customer of the dealership, or if you’re friends with them, they will sometimes look the other way.
Many Jeep owners choose to tune their vehicles at the end of the warranty, or once the warranty expires. That’s also a very valid option.
Does The Tuner Have a Monitor and Gauges?
Monitor and gauges are excellent devices that tell you whether or not your Jeep is working as intended. They’re especially important to have on tuned vehicles, as a tune changes and tweaks many different variables. Being able to read and track those variables is very advantageous.
What Are The Best Features That a Tuner Can Have?
Additional features can be the determining factor in your decision. Some of the best features are data-logging, reading, and clearing diagnostic codes, and reading data in real-time. Some tuners offer more specific features that are usually very beneficial.
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Review of the Best Tuners for Jeep Wrangler
Let’s browse through the options and review in detail the best tuners for Jeep Wrangler.
Best Overall
DiabloSport 8245
Specifications
Horsepower and Torque: The tuner adds up to 25 horsepower and 25 torque
Power Levels: Two power levels, performance tune and 87 octane performance tune
Screen Control: The tuner is controlled via a touch screen
Diagnostic Codes: You can read and clear trouble codes with this tuner
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Review
If the Diablosport 8254 had a better physical appearance or a monitor to compliment the device, other tuners wouldn’t even come close.
This little device has everything you would need in a tuner, and more. The Diablosport 8245 comes preloaded with two tunes (two power levels) and it can load and flash custom tunes from CMR onto your Jeep. In terms of features, the tuner can data-log, check and clear codes, and allows you to adjust many different variables until your Wrangler performs the way you want it to perform.
Bottom Line
The DiabloSport 8245 lacks in style, but that’s basically its only drawback. The device has two decent preloaded tunes, and it can load custom tunes. If that’s not enough, the tuner comes with more than a few useful features that will make your driving experience that much better.
Pros
Compact design with an LCD screen
The tuner comes preloaded with two effective tunes, and it’s custom tune capable
Many different features, including data-logging, speedometer calibration, and rich-lean fuel adjustment
Cons
The device looks and feels cheap
The touch screen can be unresponsive at times
Runner-up
Bully Dog 40417
Specifications
Horsepower and Torque: The tuner adds an additional 25 horsepower and 40 pounds of torque
Power Levels: The tuner comes with four preloaded tunes
Screen Control: A stylish monitor with a touch-screen capability
Diagnostic Codes: This tuner can read and clear diagnostic codes
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Review
The BullyDog 40417 will compliment your Jeep very well. It’s an all-in-one device, meaning that it’s a tuner, a monitor, and a diagnostic device in a single unit. This tuner stands out to us because it has the most applications from a single device.
The BullyDog 40417 tracks and displays various parameters in real-time, which is incredibly useful information to have while you’re driving. A unique feature of this tuner is the driving coach. With the driving coach, you can improve your performance and the performance of your vehicle in various conditions. An important thing to note is that Bully Dog claims that this tuner won’t void your warranty.
Bottom Line
BullyDog 40417 is perfect for you if you don’t plan on heavily modifying your Jeep. This device has a stylish monitor, it has four preset tunes, it can track parameters in real-time, and to top it all off, it can read and clear diagnostic codes. What more would you need?
Pros
A beautiful monitor that’s easy to navigate
Track various engine parameters in real-time
Many have reported that this tuner improved their fuel economy greatly
Cons
The LCD monitor is somewhat small
Some customers have had issues with defective parts
Best for the Money
Hypertech 32501
Specifications
Horsepower and Torque: The tuner adds up to 16 HP and 17 lb.-ft. of torque
Power Levels: This tuner comes with four pre-loaded performance tunes
Screen Control: This tuner is controlled with four buttons
Diagnostic Codes: You can read and clear trouble codes with this tuner
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Review
The great thing about the Hypertech 32501 is that it does exactly what Hypertech says it will. This tuner will provide you with exactly what you’re looking for in terms of tuning, but it does lack a monitor.
The tuner will indeed increase your Jeep’s horsepower, torque, and maybe even mileage. You’ll be able to adjust various things such as shifting points, read and clear codes and correct the speedometer. However, you won’t be able to track your Jeep’s parameters because the Hypertech 32501 lacks a screen, it doesn’t even have gauges. Another weak point of the device is the styling; it’s a small screen covered with cheap plastic.
Bottom Line
The Hypertech 32501 is a quality tuner that can also read and clear codes. If you’re looking for performance exclusively, and you don’t mind the cheap look or the lack of a monitor, this is the best tuner that you could spend your money on.
Pros
This is an excellent tuner for an even better price
Many customers claim mileage improvements of up to 6 mpg
The tuner has many useful features that other tuners don’t offer
Cons
The device itself looks very cheap, and it lacks a monitor
Some customers have had trouble updating the software
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Best Tuner For Jeep JK
Bully Dog 40410
Specifications
Horsepower and Torque: Bully Dog claims an increase of 23 horsepower and 30 torque
Power Levels: The tuner comes with four preloaded power levels
Screen Control: Touch-screen screen control
Diagnostic Codes: Read and clear diagnostic codes with this tuner
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Review
The Bully Dog 40410 is an all-in-one device; a tuner, a monitor, and a diagnostic tool. It comes with many unique features such as coolant temperature warning, pyrometer temperature warning, and transmission temperature warning. Of course, the tuner can change shift firmness, calibrate the speedometer and adjust the speed limiter. On top of all that, Bully Dog 40410 can hold up to 10 custom tunes.
The monitoring device is a bit smaller, but it’s easy to navigate, and you’ll be able to track many different engine parameters. The driving coach feature will help you drive your Jeep JK more efficiently. All in all, an excellent device without many (if any) drawbacks.
Bottom Line
Once you purchase the Bully Dog 40410, you won’t need another device for your Jeep JK. It’s an all-in-one device that adds power to your Jeep and tunes it for better ride quality. Some customers even claim that they saw better mileage after installing the Bully Dog 40410.
Pros
This tuner is 50-state compliant
The device can hold up to 10 custom tunes
You’re able to track many performance parameters
Cons
The monitor is on the smaller side
A few customers received defective products, or a package with missing pieces
Best Jeep TJ Tuner
Southwest Speed Superchips Flashpag F5 Tuner
Specifications
Horsepower and Torque: Up to an additional 34 horsepower and 31 pounds of torque
Power Levels: Three power levels, performance, tow, and economy
Screen Control: Easy to use button-controlled device
Diagnostic Codes: This tuner can read and clear diagnostic codes
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Review
Superchips Flashpag F5 Tuner is everything you would need out of a tuner at a great price. It does lack features, however, it comes with every necessary feature. This tuner comes with three excellent preset tunes that do exactly as advertised. You’re able to adjust the speed limiter, correct the speedometer, adjust the fan, and datalog with this device. On top of that, it’s internet updatable, and it can read and clear diagnostic trouble codes.
If there’s one thing that the tuner lacks it’s a monitor that tracks parameters. However, this is a tuner that has only the essentials.
Bottom Line
The Superchips Flashpag F5 tuner is a cheap tuner that has great tunes and essential features. If you’re looking for something a bit more stylish, this device isn’t for you, but if you’re looking for raw power and performance, there’s not a better option for the Jeep TJ than the Superchips Flashpag F5.
Pros
The tuner comes with excellent preset tune
The tuner offers everything you need at a great price
You can adjust shift point and firmness with this tuner
Cons
The design of the tuner is on the cheaper side
Doesn’t have a monitor and neither can it track parameters
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What Functions Does a Tuner Perform?
Let’s take a look on how a tuner works.
Improved Performance
A tuner optimizes your engine in different ways, whether that is to improve horsepower, torque, fuel economy, or something else. A tuner doesn’t simply add power to your vehicle, instead, it changes different parameters to improve a certain aspect of your vehicle.
Transmission Tuning
Tuners often tune a vehicle’s transmission next to the engine, to improve, or change, the shifting points, and improve the shift firmness. And jeep wrangler automatic transmission shifting problems are common for old vehicles.
Additional Features
Additionally, tuners allow you to adjust many different parts of your vehicle, such as the speedometer or the speed limiter. With a tuner, you’ll also be able to datalog as well as read and clear trouble codes.
Who Sells the Best Jeep Wrangler Tuners?
Jeep Wranglers are powerful vehicles from the factory and it isn’t easy by any means upgrading them and making them even more powerful. However, these brands were able to do exactly that!
Bully Dog
Bully Dog ventured into the business of improving diesel engine performance in Idaho, in 1998. Ever since then, they’ve been one of the leading brands when it comes to tuning and creating high-quality aftermarket parts for trucks and other powerful vehicles.
Their tuners calibrate the ECU of gas and diesel vehicles in an attempt to add performance and tackle heavy challenges. Bully Dog tuners are easy to use and install, and they come equipped with quite a few great features.
Bully Dog devices stand out as the best Jeep Wrangler tuners because they come with a monitor in addition to the great features, and of course, performance.
DiabloSport
DiabloSport manufactures high-performance tuners for gas and diesel vehicles. They began in 2001, and since then, they’ve been at the front of the industry in performance programming. Their primary focus is performance rather than various additional features. They’re one of the best Jeep Wrangler tune manufacturers because they focus on power, and if you purchase a DiabloSport tuner, excellent performance gains are what you can expect.
Cost of Tuning a Jeep Wrangler
Tuning is one of the best ways to improve your Jeep Wrangler’s performance. These are the price ranges and how much performance you’re going to gain based on the price.
$200-$400
Tuners in this price range are most usually created for only one purpose; performance. They’ll lack various other useful features, instead, they’ll come with only the basic ones. These tuners don’t come with a monitor, in fact, they’re usually made out of cheap materials in an attempt to lower the price. The tuners in this price range are for someone on a budget, or for someone who wants only performance.
$400-$800
What you can expect from tuners in this price range are performance and various other features. Most often, they’ll come loaded with multiple preset tunes and equipped with a monitor that can track engine parameters. If you’re looking for a great tuner with performance and many useful features, this is your price range.
$800+
In this price range, tuners are equipped with a monitor, and they have many great features. Where they differ from the previous price range is the tune that comes loaded with the tuner. Instead of a preloaded tune, you’ll be working closely with a tune tech to develop a tune that’s perfect for your Jeep Wrangler.
Why Shouldn’t You Buy a Tuner for a Jeep Wrangler?
A common question we often get is “if tuning was good for my car, wouldn’t the automakers tune it from the factory?” Automakers try to balance investment and quality. Investing in tuning every single vehicle just wouldn’t be worth the investment. Instead, it’s up to you to decide whether you want to fine-tune your car or not. However, in some cases, you might not want to tune your car.
Does The Tuner Fit Your Jeep’s Make Year Model?
This is a mistake we see happen too often. Enthusiasts can’t wait to tune their cars, so instead of doing proper research, they just purchase the first tuner that catches their eyes. For example, if you purchased the Bully Dog 40410 to tune your Jeep TJ, you would either waste money and time, or in a worst-case scenario, you would brick your Jeep Wrangler’s ECU. Instead, do the proper research and purchase a tuner that’s made for your model year Jeep Wrangler.
Warranty Issues
We already mentioned this before, but if you care about the warranty on your Jeep Wrangler, you shouldn’t tune it. The dealership won’t be willing to service a vehicle that has (or has had) a tune installed on it.
Realistic Expectations
A tuner is not a magical device that will improve your Jeep’s performance by a significant amount without any drawbacks. Indeed, a tuner will add 20-30 more horsepower and torque, but often not much more than that. Instead, a tuner improves and optimizes your Jeep’s engine parameters, fuel system, and transmission. Also, if your engine is in poor condition overall, a tuner won’t help much. Change the fluids, change the spark plugs, clean the MAF/MAP sensor, etc.
A Canned Tuner or A Custom Tuner
Custom tuning a stock vehicle is beneficial, but you’re better off purchasing a canned tuner with multiple preset tunes. Installing a canned tuner on a heavily modified Jeep Wrangler will not take every modification into account, and it might even ruin your vehicle.
Does a Tuner Make Your Car Less Reliable?
A good tuner, and a quality tune, will not make your car less reliable. They can only make it more reliable by optimizing your vehicle’s parts and parameters.
Conclusion
The tuners we just reviewed will make your Jeep Wrangler that much more powerful. However, during your purchasing decision, keep in mind everything we’ve covered. Once you settle on a tuner that fits you and your Jeep Wrangler, install it and have an enjoyable ride like you never have before!
Quick Summary – Best Tuners for Jeep Wrangler
Here’s a quick wrap-up of the best Jeep Wrangler tuners:
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People Also Ask
Tuning your Jeep Wrangler will be a fun experience, but car enthusiasts often get confused about tuning. They believe that it’s incredibly complicated and that it requires loads of time, when in fact, it doesn’t. To help you better understand Jeep Wrangler tuning, we answered the most common questions we get.
A programmer can add more than 100 horsepower to your vehicle. However, that depends on the vehicle’s model, as well as other modifications it has. On a regular, stock vehicle, realistically you can expect somewhere around 50 horsepower.
Performance chips aren’t illegal. They simply optimize the performance of your vehicle’s engine and improve its efficiency. However, removing your vehicle’s emissions equipment using a performance chip is illegal. As long as you’re just tuning your car, you won’t have any legal problems.
Who Worked on This?
Brian
Editor
A master of organization, Brian helps keep everything running smoothly for Your Jeep Guide.
No Jeep yet but we’re working on that!
Cory
Writer
Cory loves his XJ and frequently thrashes it through the hills. He’s constantly fixing something.
“What fenders?”
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