There are countless tuners out there for Jeep owners to choose from, but choosing one that offers the right balance between performance and affordability is somewhat messy.
We’ve made it easy – we covered the best five tuners and what you should be aware of when choosing one for your JK.
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How Do I Choose a Tuner For a Jeep Wrangler JK?
Choosing the right performance tuner for your Jeep Wrangler JK can be a little bit overwhelming. There are so many options out there, and each promises to improve your vehicle’s performance in different ways, which can make choosing the right one difficult. Keeping an eye out for the following features will help:
Compatibility
You should first make sure that the tuner you have selected is compatible with the year and model of Jeep you own.
It Meets Your Needs
Will the tuner still function if you change the vehicle’s tires or gear ratio? You want to make sure that this tuner can adapt to changes you plan to make to your Jeep. It should also provide benefits that are useful to you.
Display
If you want a tuner with a clear and easily readable display screen, make sure you are choosing one with an LCD screen, backlit LED screen, or something else that offers a similar level of readability.
Reliability and Accuracy
Your new tuner will be no good to you if it does not offer accurate speedometer readings or have a reliable and safe calibrator.
Affordability
While tuners can help you get the most out of your engine, they are not miracle machines. You do not want to blow your entire auto budget on a tuner, so choose one that works well but offers good value.
Comparison of the Best Jeep Wrangler JK Tuners
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Review of the Best Jeep JK Programmers
To help you make an informed decision, we have reviewed five Jeep Wrangler JK tuners that we think are some of the best out there.
Best Overall
Bully Dog 40417 GT Platinum Tuner
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were impressed by how well they were able to improve their vehicle’s fuel efficiency with this tuner. While many also noticed performance improvements in the form of increased horsepower and torque, mileage increases are where buyers find this tuner shines.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason the Bully Dog Platinum Tuner is our pick for the best overall Jeep Wrangler JK tuner is that it increases performance while optimizing fuel efficiency. Some of the cheaper tuners are dedicated to horsepower and torque improvements while largely ignoring the impact they have on the vehicle’s gas mileage.
We also really liked the clear LCD screen, which allows users to monitor real-time engine updates. The ability to choose from pre-set performance settings or program your own was another reason why we liked this particular tuner so much.
Bottom Line
If you own a Jeep Wrangler JK and you are looking for a tuner to help you get the most out of your vehicle, you should consider the Bully Dog Platinum Tuner. It balances performance and fuel efficiency to make sure your Jeep is running to its full potential.
Pros
Dynamic and mountable LCD screen
Compatible with the Jeep Wrangler JK
Preloaded with fuel-saving settings for daily commuting
Code clearing feature allows you to diagnose and clear trouble codes for proper engine operation
Comes programmed with multiple preloaded performance modes and 10 slots for custom performance settings
Cons
LCD screen is a little on the small side
Runner-up
Superchips 3571-JL Flashcal
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers were impressed by how straightforward the installation process was. Thanks to its fast processor, users also found it delivered almost immediate improvements to throttle response. The intuitive controls and navigation made it easy for most users to work with; however, some had complaints about difficulties reading the small, 2.8-inch screen.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason this tuner stood out to us was its ability to accommodate various aftermarket modifications. Where some tuners do not work well with lift kits and oversized tires, this Superchips tuner will still function just as well.
We also like that this tuner featured customizable options, as well as pre-set performance, crawl, and tow modes. Superchips designed this tuner with a clear and simplified user interface so anyone can use it without confusion.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for an affordable performance tuner that can help you get the most out of your Jeep Wrangler JK, even if modified, consider this simplified performance tuner from Superchips. If you do not think you will have any issues reading the relatively small screen, it could be the perfect tuner for your Jeep.
Pros
Affordable price
Compatible with the Jeep Wrangler JK
Straightforward installation and programming
Can be used to program factory and aftermarket lights
Works with a variety of common Jeep modifications and aftermarket tire sizes
Cons
Small screen can be difficult to read
Data transfer feature only compatible with Windows, not Mac OS
Best for the Money
EDGE 85350 Evolution CS2
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What Recent Buyers Reports
Most recent buyers chose this particular tuner because it is available at such an affordable price. Given its relatively low cost, most users were impressed with how easy it was to install and use.
Users enjoyed the versatility of being able to choose between an jeep eco mode for improved gas mileage or a performance mode for increased power; however, the lack of custom settings is a drawback.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Given that this is our top pick for a budget-friendly Jeep JK tuner, it is unsurprising that the low price is the first thing that stood out to us. We liked the sleek appearance and straightforward, intuitive interface.
While we would have appreciated the option for custom settings, the preprogrammed modes work well and offer Jeep owners serious mileage and power improvements.
We also liked that this tuner still works even after the vehicle has undergone lift modifications. Given that this low-cost tuner can improve gas mileage in a significant way, it should pay for itself over time.
Bottom Line
If you are looking for a tuner for your Jeep Wrangler JK that offers good bang for your buck, you should seriously consider the EDGE Evolution CS2. It features a sleek design, intuitive controls, and impressive functionality at a low price.
Pros
Low price
Compatible with the Jeep Wrangler JK
Ability to alter and increase speed limiters
Straightforward tire size and gear ratio recalibration
Features a sleek design and comes with a suction cup mount
Cons
Few custom settings
A slower processor than other tuners means it can sometimes lag
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Honorable Mention
Superchips SPC-3571
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What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers enjoyed the ability to recalibrate their speedometer after installing oversized tires. Given how many Jeep Wrangler JK owners add oversized tires for off-roading purposes, this function proved to be popular.
While some found the screen a little bit small and difficult to read, others enjoyed the compact, hand-held design.
Why it Stands Out to Us
As with many recent buyers, we liked how this tuner lets you accurately recalibrate the Jeep JK’s speedometer for tire modifications. We also really liked its ability to control auxiliary lights and adjust them for daytime running.
The fact it is updateable through the internet makes sure that this tuner will always have the latest features, but we were a little disappointed that it is only compatible with Windows and not with Mac OS.
Bottom Line
We gave this tuner an honorable mention because it delivers what it promises – a convenient way to improve the performance and mileage of your Jeep Wrangler JK. We enjoyed the discreet size of this device and its overall level of performance.
Pros
Sleek, hand-held design
Full-color dynamic screen
Reads and clears diagnostic trouble codes
Corrects speedometer for tire upgrades ranging from 26” to 42”
Ability to program auxiliary lights and other aftermarket accessories tied to the same fuse
Cons
Data transfer feature only compatible with Windows, not Mac OS
Editor’s Pick
DiabloSport 8245 Platinum Performance Programmer
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What Recent Buyers Report
Most recent buyers were impressed with how easily they could disable their speed limiter, increase gas mileage, and improve their vehicle’s overall performance using this performance programmer. Where some programmers can take a while to figure out, most users found the DiabloSport 8245 was intuitive. However, some users found the touch screen was not sensitive enough and left them wanting more.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason this tuner caught our eye was how easy DiabloSport makes it to switch between preset tunes and custom settings. We also liked how easy it is to update the device with the latest software.
While the touch screen might be a little less responsive than we would have liked, the screen is still easy to read and navigate. The relatively large LCD screen displays all of the information you would need, so you do not have to worry about connecting it to a laptop for readouts.
Given the improvements you can make to your Jeep’s overall performance using this tuner, it is surprising it is available at such a low cost.
Bottom Line
Overall, we found this was an effective programmer for the Jeep Wrangler JK, and it is available at a very reasonable price. The clear and intuitive touch screen helps this tuner stand out from the competition.
Pros
User can create custom settings
Sleek design and dynamic LCD screen
Comes preloaded with effective tunes
Can improve speed, horsepower, and general performance
Compatible with superchargers and other aftermarket modifications
Cons
Touch screen somewhat frustrating and unresponsive
Poor customer service compared to some of the other brands
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What is a Tuner? What is a Performance Chip? Are They The Same?
Tuners reprogram your engine’s computer to give it more aggressive mappings, where a performance chip sits in the ECU to intercept signals and modify them to make more power.
Do Performance Tuners Really Work?
Performance tuners work quite well. Many can adjust automatic transmission shift points and have many mappings for different performance and economy settings.
Are Tuners Universal?
Performance tuners fit a specific list of makes and models. Usually, the manufacturer explicitly lists the makes and models that work with their tuner. Tuners also work with either gas or diesel engines. While they may not necessarily be universal, some will work with a wide variety of vehicles. Just make sure you are checking compatibility before you invest in a new performance tuner.
Pros and Cons of Tuners
Here are some other things to consider when shopping for a tuner:
Pros
- They can increase horsepower and torque
- They offer increases to gas mileage
- They allow you to monitor your engine’s performance
- They give you the ability to increase speedometer limits and calibrate the vehicle to function smoother with modified tire sizes
- They allow you to read and clear diagnostic codes without having to visit a shop
Cons
- You could run into vehicle warranty issues with certain dealerships
- They often require regular software updates, which can be frustrating and time-consuming
Conclusion
If you are looking for a way to get the most from your Jeep Wrangler JK’s engine, you might want to consider investing in a performance tuner. A tuner will give you the ability to alter and monitor your engine’s performance. The tunes will increase torque, horsepower, and efficiency. They can also control your vehicle’s lights, speedometer, and transmission shifts.
Any of the tuners reviewed above would be a valuable addition to your JK Wrangler build.
Quick Summary – Best Jeep JK Programmers
Before you head out, here’s a quick summary of the best Jeep JK programmers:
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People Also Ask
If you still have questions, take a look at some of the most common things people wonder about when buying a tuner.
Horsepower increases will depend on a variety of factors, but on average, most users notice horsepower increases in the 5-10% range. On the higher end, some users will find overall power increases closer to 15-20%; however, these higher horsepower settings will sacrifice fuel-efficiency.
As this list shows, performance programmers/tuners are available at a variety of price points. Usually, you can expect to pay somewhere in the region of $400 to $700 for a high-quality tuner; however, there are more affordable options available below $400 that have fewer features.
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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