Finding people who often travel off-road but never owned a Jeep Wrangler is pretty difficult. And that’s the specialty of this Wrangler variant of Jeep. It’s undeniable how effective and satisfactory they’re at what they do.
X and Sport both are very basic trims of Jeep Wrangler. That’s why both have a lot in common, mostly the standard Wrangler stuff. They also have many crucial differences.
It’s why Wrangler X vs Sport is a confusing debate. Despite being very good vehicle trims, they might not please the same riders. If you’re confused about which one to go for, I got some insights to share to make it easier for you.
Let’s see some spec breakdowns for both below to know what you’ll be getting with each of them. I’ll also present the utility and performance-wise similarities and differences between them so that you can judge yourself.
Spec Chart
A chart showing the specs for the trims can help you get a quick overview of both. If you’re a vehicle enthusiast or expert, all you might need is to take a look at the specs to determine which one you should go for.
| No. | Spec Name | Wrangler X | Sport |
| 1 | Engine | 3.8 L V6 EGH | 3.6 L V6 |
| 2 | Drive Type | 4 Wheel Drive | 4 Wheel Drive |
| 3 | Ground Clearance | 8.8 inches | 9.7 inches |
| 4 | Horsepower | 202 hp | 285 hp |
| 5 | Torque | 237 lb.-ft | 260 lb.-ft |
| 6 | Gross Weight | 4602 lbs. | 5000 lbs. |
| 7 | Estimated EPA Mileage | 15 city/ 19 highway | 17 city/ 25 highway |
| 8 | Transmission | 6-speed manual shift | 6-speed manual shift |
| 9 | Shocks | Gas-pressurized | Gas-pressurized |
Wrangler X Vs. Sport: Similarities
Although there are some major performance and equipment gaps between the trims, they do have a couple of basic things in common. Getting to know the similarities first will help you get a better understanding of where their differences really come from.
Also, by Wrangler X, I’m primarily indicating the classic 2008 4×4 version of the trim. The most recent and upgraded version would be Jeep Wrangler Rubicon X, which is built more powerfully and is off-road friendly. It costs more as well.
Wheels and Tires
X and Sport both come with 17-inch durable aluminum rims. Although a basic 30-size tire is provided with both of them, you can install 33 or even bigger sized tires on the rims.
Drive Type And Transmission
Like all the other trims, these two come with a standard 4-wheel drive system. The standard 6-speed manual transmission system is also installed in both X and Sport.
Shocks
Jeep Wranglers are built specially to perform exceptionally well on off-road trails. And for driving smoothly through rocky terrains, you’ll need a good suspension system and shocks to absorb the bumps and jerks.
For withstanding rough, bumpy roads, both come with gas-pressurized shocks. They absorb jerks from bumpy roads and help you enjoy a stable ride. However, the overall smoothness depends on a few other factors as well.
Locks, Windows, And Other Features
As both trims are basic, they come with manual locks and windows. If you want power locks and windows instead of manual ones, along with all the features of Sport, try Sport S trim. That one is basically the only difference between them.
Also, both X and Sport offer a hard top with a detachable front side. In the basic X version, this front side is called “the freedom top.” Sounds liberating, right?
Wrangler X Vs. Sport: Differences
Now that you know the similarities between them, let’s take a look at their differences.
Engine
The main difference between their engine is the size. Wrangler X comes with a classic 3.8L V6 EGH engine, while the Sport comes with the popular 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine.
It might seem that the 3.8L V6 engine produces more power as it can burn more fuel, but that’s not the case. With a higher torque and horsepower rating, the V6 Pentastar is significantly more powerful and efficient. This explains why it’s so popular.
Also read: 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder jeep
Axle
In the case of a suspension system, Wrangler X has the upper hand. It comes with a Dana 44 rear axle, one of the best in the business. In contrast, Sport offers a Dana 35 rear axle.
Because of the advantage in suspension and better power to weight management, Wrangler X is a bit more stable while traveling off-road terrains. It can handle hard and bumpy roads more effectively and drive comparatively easier on muddy terrains.
Ground Clearance
Sport has a higher ground clearance than X, which makes Sport safer to drive in irregular, rocky terrains. The lower ground clearance offers Wrangler X better stability and overall handling on the road.
Weight And Other Features
Sport is a heavier trim than Wrangler X. So, using a more powerful engine in Sport is necessary. The front bumper of Wrangler X is cut a bit narrow, which enables a better view of the tires from the front.
Sport has a wider and larger bumper which offers more protection. Despite the larger bumper, Sport looks slicker and more modern than Wrangler X. Their control board layouts are substantially different as well.
Price
Like the noticeable power gap between the trims, their prices differ quite a bit too. By getting a Wrangler X instead of a Sport, you can save yourself up to $10,000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wrangler Unlimited a trim?
Jeep Wrangler vehicles basically come with 2 doors, but all the trims are also available with a 4 doors version. The 4-door version of any trim has the word ‘Unlimited’ in its name. Like a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is just a 4-door Rubicon with all the basic features.
Which one should I choose between Wrangler X and Sport?
If you’re only a casual off-road venturer with not much money to spend, Wrangler X would be the perfect choice for you. But, Sport would be a better choice for off-road enthusiasts who will be able to utilize that extra power.
Final Verdict
So, to conclude the Wrangler X vs Sport debate, Sport has a more powerful engine, slicker look, and a heavier build. The trim is well worth its price and is more suitable for hardcore and off-road riders.
Although Wrangler X lacks power, it makes up for its cost-effectiveness, stable off-road performance, and exceptional reliability as an everyday commuter.