Jeep Wrangler Sport vs Sport S: Which Should You Choose? – 2022 Guide

The sun is shining, it’s been one heck of a week at the office and that trail is beckoning you to come out and enjoy a day of wheeling with friends and family. Sounds great, right? We couldn’t agree more! 

If you’re looking to join the Jeep family, or upgrade your old rig, you may be wondering if the 2021 Wrangler Sport or Sport S models are a good choice for your needs. Maybe you don’t have the budget to step up to the Rubicon or maybe you want to build the ultimate rig but don’t need all that fancy equipment that you’re just going to rip out anyways. 

Considering Rubicon? See Jeep Wrangler Sport vs Rubicon

Either way, the Sport and Sport S models are fantastic choices for Wrangler buyers on a budget who still want to enjoy all the timeless fun that Wranglers are famous for. 

TL;DR: Wrangler Sport vs Sport S

When it comes right down to it, the Wrangler Sport is a fantastic budget off-roader for those looking for a low entry point into the world of Jeep or those looking to build a custom, trail-crushing rig. 

The Sport S offers additional standard power and convenience features while also opening the option book to desirable Wrangler options like the Premium Sunrider Soft Top and SelecTrac 4 wheel drive system. 

What is Standard On a Wrangler Sport? 

There is a surprisingly generous supply of useful, standard features on the bare-bones Wrangler Sport that even the most hardcore Jeep lover will appreciate. 

Mechanical:

• Engine:  3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine Upg I With Start-Stop
• Transmission: 6 – Speed Manual 
• Jeep CommandTrac Part Time 4 Wheel Drive System
• Dana M186 Front Axle
• Dana M220 Rear Axle
• 4 Wheel Disc Brakes

Exterior:

• 2 or 4 Doors
• Standard Operating (Non-Automatic) Halogen Headlights /Incandescent Bulbs (Rear)
• 17-Inch x 7.5-Inch Black Steel Styled Wheels w /245/75R17 All-Season Tires
• Standard and Half Doors 
• Black Sunrider Soft Top (Standard)
• Outside Tire Carrier

Interior:

• Manual Black Cloth Seats with 2 Way Lumbar 
• Uconnect System with 5 Inch Touchscreen and 8 Speakers 
• Push Button Start
• Full-Length Floor Console 
• Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
• Urethane Steering Wheel
• Roll-Up Windows
• Manual Door Locks
• Manual Air Climate Control
• Tilt / Telescoping Steering Wheel

Safety: 

• Back-Up Camera 
• Tire Pressure Monitor Display 
• Traction Control 
• Electronic Stability Control 
• Hill Start Assist 
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Advanced Front and Side Airbags

What is Standard On a Wrangler Sport S? 

The Sport S trim keeps all the basic Wrangler goodness from the Sport and bumps up the feature content for the Jeep driver who’s looking for a few more technology and convenience features to help them out on the road or the trail: 

Mechanical:

• Engine:  3.6L V6 24V VVT Engine Upg I With Start-Stop
• Transmission: 6 – Speed Manual 
• Jeep CommandTrac Part Time 4 Wheel Drive System
• Available 2.72:1 Selec-Trac® Full-Time 4WD System
• Dana M186 Front Axle
• Dana M220 Rear Axle
• 4 Wheel Disc Brakes

Exterior:

• 2 or 4 Doors
• Automatic Halogen Headlights /Incandescent Bulbs (Rear)
• 7-Inch x 7.5-Inch Tech Silver Aluminum Wheels w /245/75R17 All-Season Tires
• Standard and Half Doors 
• Black Sunrider Soft Top (Standard) 
• Available Premium Sunrider Top
• Outside Tire Carrier

Interior:

• Manual Black Cloth Seats with 2 Way Lumbar 
• Uconnect System with 7 Inch Touchscreen and 8 Speakers 
• Available SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
• Available Apple CarPlay® support and Android Auto™ integration
• Push Button Start with Proximity Key
• Full-Length Floor Console 
• Cargo Tie-Down Hooks
• Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel
• Power Windows
• Power Door Locks
• Automatic Air Climate Control
• Tilt / Telescoping Steering Wheel
• Available Remote Start 

Safety:

• Available blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-path detection
• Back-Up Camera 
• Tire Pressure Monitor Display 
• Traction Control 
• Electronic Stability Control 
• Hill Start Assist 
• Electronic Roll Mitigation
• Advanced Front and Side Airbags

Relevant Characteristics Between Wrangler Sport and Sport S

These two trim levels are at the bottom of the Wrangler’s trim structure and offer a very similar experience for the Wrangler buyer on a budget. Differences exist in the availability of certain key features, more standard technology/convenience items, and cosmetic changes as well. 

Similarities and Differences 

First off, let’s keep in mind that no matter which one you choose, there is plenty of that unique Jeep goodness we all know and love on either of these trims! You just need to decide if certain comfort and convenience items offered in the Sport S are worth the additional price of admission over the base Sport.  

Wrangler Sport and Sport S Differences 

Mechanical: 

If you order either of these vehicles in their standard form, they will be identical. The main difference here is the availability of the 2.72:1 Selec-Trac® Full-Time 4WD System on the Sport S, which is not available on the Sport

Exterior:

Outside, the main difference comes down to the wheel styles and tops available on each trim. The Sport ONLY comes with the black, steel style wheel while the Sport S comes standard with a silver finished wheel. Other wheel styles are also available on the Sport S that are not available on the Sport. Also, 2021 Sport S trims have the option of an LED headlight and foglight package. 

The Black Sunrider Top is standard on both the Sport and Sport S but the Sport S trims have the option of adding in upgraded tops like the Premium Sunrider, Dual Top, and SkyView. These additional top options are not available on Sport models. 

Interior:

Inside, the story between these two trims is quite different with the Sport trim going for a back-to-basics approach while the Sport S throws in a few more comfort and convenience goodies. Sport models do away with basics like power windows, power door locks, while Sport S models add these basics back in, along with automatic headlights, automatic air conditioning, a larger infotainment screen with smartphone mirroring capability, and a leather steering wheel. Heated seats and a heated steering wheel are also available on the Sport S. 

Safety: 

Both Wrangler trims come with commendable levels of safety equipment but the availability of blind-spot monitoring and rear-cross traffic alert dial up the safety factor on the Sport S. 

Wrangler Sport and Sport S Similarities

Exterior:

The exterior look, configurations, and style are basically the same between these two trims. They retain the black door handles, molded bumpers, removable doors, fold-down windshield, and soft top configurations. The Black Sunrider Top is standard on both the Sport and Sport S. 17 inch wheels are standard on both trims. 

Interior: 

Aesthetics and looks only vary in the larger touchscreen that is standard on the Sport S. Black, manually adjustable cloth seats, and other interior trim pieces are identical between these two trims but the similarities end there. 

Safety:

Sport and Sport S trims both carry identical standard safety features like traction control, a backup camera, rollover protection, a bevy of airbags, and stability control. Some may or may not see this as a ‘safety’ item, but it’s worth noting that both models are available with an JK automatic transmission also.

Advantages of Wrangler Sport 

• It’s the only Wrangler that can be nabbed for under $30k brand new (2 Door).
• Still comes with all the things that Wrangler so timeless and fun to own like a fold-down windshield, soft top, and removable doors. Also comes with standard 4 wheel drive and a beefy V-6.
• Jeep throws in a few extras like an 8 speaker stereo, lots of standard safety equipment, and air conditioning. 
• For those that are looking to custom build their perfect Wrangler, the Sport is an ideal starting point because commonly upgraded items like audio equipment, lighting, wheels, suspension, and tops are absent from the MSRP; leaving you more room to build your perfect Jeep. 

If you’re on a strict budget or looking to custom build a Jeep for your unique needs, then the Sport trim is an ideal option for you. 

Advantages of Wrangler Sport S 

• Additional standard comfort and convenience equipment like power windows, power door locks, and an upgraded head unit that make the Wrangler easier to live with daily.
• Availability of desirable Wrangler options like an LED package, Premium Sunrider Top and additional wheel choices.
• Availability of additional safety equipment that can make the Wrangler safer to drive daily.
• Availability of the Selec-Trac 4 wheel drive system for those looking for a more “set it and forget” 4 wheel drive experience along with the addition of low range capability. 

If you’re looking for a heaping helping of Jeep attitude, capability, and fun but still want some daily driver creature comforts; stepping up to the Sport S is a wise decision. 

What About the Sahara?

For those looking for a Jeep that is more focused on around town driving and luxurious appointments but still retains a lot of off-road capabilities, the Sahara is a great choice. Outside, body color matching bumpers, side steps, and access steps set off the exterior along with a set of shiny wheels shod in street-focused tires. Inside, dual-zone automatic air conditioning, available leather seats, and an 8.4-inch touchscreen bring the luxury. This is the cheapest trim that carries the Selec Trac system standard, which allows drivers to leave the system to automatically engage when needed. If you want a high-end Jeep and don’t plan to get it dirty too often, check out the Sahara over the Sport or Sport S. 

What About the Rubicon?

The Rubicon is the most off-road capable trim in the Wranglers’ entire lineup. This is a perfect vehicle for someone who wants to drive right off the lot and hit up their favorite off-road trail. Giant tires, ultra-low range Crawl Trac 4 wheel drive, locking front and rear diffs, electronic sway bar disconnect, and Dana 44 axles round out the off-road bits. This vehicle has been specifically engineered by Jeep to be an incredible off-roader and you’ll pay more for that privilege but if you can afford it, it doesn’t get much better than the Rubicon. 

Related article: Jeep Sahara vs Rubicon

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for the best budget off-road vehicle for sale today, the Wrangler Sport and Sport S fill that need. For under $30k, the Sport is a one-of-a-kind, 4 wheel drive vehicle that is nearly unstoppable off-road and provides the open air, wind in your air experience Jeeps are known for. 

Step up to the Sport S and enjoy additional creature comforts for a few more of your hard-earned dollars. Whether or not you need these features is entirely up to you. 

There’s no wrong decision here, just whatever fits your needs and your budget best! 

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