National Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM | Jacksonville, NC
Trim Comparison Guide
2026 Jeep Wrangler Trim Levels: Sport, Willys, Sahara & Rubicon
Four trims, three engines, one 4x4 system standard across every one of them. This guide breaks down which 2026 Wrangler fits your budget and your trail, from the Sport at the gate to the Rubicon built for the hard stuff.
Trims4
Starting At$33,785
Up To285 hp
4x4Standard
The 2026 Lineup
Four Trims. Every One Ready for the Trails Off Highway 17.
The 2026 Jeep Wrangler comes standard with 4x4 on every single trim. There is no 4x2 Wrangler. What changes from trim to trim is the engine, the off-road hardware, and how much comfort gear you get before you ever leave the lot at 2223 N Marine Blvd. This guide covers the four core 2026 trims, Sport, Willys, Sahara, and Rubicon, so the choice is clear before your test drive.
The short version: if you want the lowest price of entry into a real Wrangler, start with the Sport. If you want serious trail hardware without stepping up to the Rubicon's price, the Willys is the sweet spot. If your daily drive matters more than rock crawling, the Sahara's turbo-4 and automatic transmission make commutes on Western Blvd and Highway 24 easier. If you want the deepest off-road capability Jeep builds into a Wrangler short of the V8 heritage trims, the Rubicon is the answer.
Jacksonville sits minutes from Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, and the terrain around Onslow County rewards a Wrangler that can leave the pavement. Whichever trim you choose, all four here share the same 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen and the same forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking as standard equipment.
Three Engines Across Four Trims
Engine choice is the biggest factor separating these four trims in day-to-day driving and off-road performance. Here is what powers each one.
285
hp
3.6L Pentastar V6
Sport, Willys, Rubicon. 260 lb-ft torque. 6-speed manual standard, 8-speed automatic optional.
270
hp
2.0L Turbocharged I-4
Sahara standard. 295 lb-ft torque. 8-speed automatic only, Selec-Trac full-time 4x4.
470
hp
6.4L HEMI V8
Willys 392 and Moab 392 only. Not covered on this page. Ask National Dodge about availability.
All fuel economy and towing figures are EPA-estimated or manufacturer-published and vary by configuration and tire size. Towing figures assume the vehicle is properly equipped. Confirm current specifications with National Dodge before purchase.
Three Key Decisions
What Actually Separates These Four Trims
Manual vs. Automatic
Sport, Willys, and Rubicon all ship with a 6-speed manual standard and an 8-speed automatic as an option. The Sahara skips the manual entirely and comes automatic-only. If rowing your own gears through the sand at Onslow Beach access roads matters to you, that rules out the Sahara.
Trail Gear vs. Daily Comfort
The Willys and Rubicon both carry 33-inch tires and a Dana 44 rear axle, but only the Rubicon adds electronic locking differentials and a front sway-bar disconnect. The Sahara trades that hardware for a heated steering wheel and nicer cabin materials built for the commute, not the trail.
2-Door vs. 4-Door for Camp Lejeune Families
Sport, Willys, and Rubicon are all offered in 2-door and 4-door Unlimited body styles. Families stationed at Camp Lejeune who need rear seating for kids or gear should look at the 4-door, which nearly triples rear cargo room over the 2-door.
Complete Trim Breakdown
2026 Jeep Wrangler Trim Comparison Chart
| Feature | Sport | Willys | Sahara | Rubicon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP (2-door) | $33,785 | $42,105 | 4-door only | $44,765 |
| Starting MSRP (4-door) | $36,990 | $45,310 | $47,885 | $49,270 |
| 4x4 Standard | ||||
| Skid Plates | Opt | |||
| Full-Size Spare Tire | ||||
| Removable Doors & Roof | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | Opt |
| Feature | Sport | Willys | Sahara | Rubicon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Engine | 3.6L V6 | 3.6L V6 | 2.0L Turbo I-4 | 3.6L V6 |
| Horsepower | 285 hp | 285 hp | 270 hp | 285 hp |
| Manual Transmission Available | ||||
| Tire Size | Stock | 33-in | Stock | 33-in |
| Dana 44 Rear Axle | ||||
| Electronic Locking Differentials | ||||
| Front Sway-Bar Disconnect | ||||
| Max Towing (when properly equipped) | Up to 3,500 lb (2-dr) | Up to 5,000 lb (4-dr) | Up to 3,500 lb | Up to 5,000 lb (4-dr) |
| Feature | Sport | Willys | Sahara | Rubicon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ground Clearance | ~8.7 in | ~8.7 in | ~8.7 in | 10.8 in |
| Cargo (4-door, seats up) | 31.7 cu ft | 31.7 cu ft | 31.7 cu ft | 31.7 cu ft |
| Cargo (2-door, seats up) | 12.9 cu ft | 12.9 cu ft | 4-door only | 12.9 cu ft |
| Seating Capacity | 4 or 5 | 4 or 5 | 5 | 4 or 5 |
| Body Styles Offered | 2-dr / 4-dr | 2-dr / 4-dr | 4-dr only | 2-dr / 4-dr |
| Feature | Sport | Willys | Sahara | Rubicon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12.3-in Uconnect 5 Touchscreen | ||||
| Wireless Apple CarPlay / Android Auto | ||||
| Forward Collision Warning + Auto Emergency Braking | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Blind-Spot Monitoring | Opt | Opt | Opt | |
| 4G LTE Wi-Fi |
Check = standard, Opt = available as an option or package, dash = not available. Trim-level safety-package availability varies by model year update. All specifications are approximate and subject to change. Confirm current trim availability and equipment with National Dodge before purchase.
Tier by Tier
Each Trim in Plain English
Base Trim
Sport
From $33,785 (2-door)
The entry point into a real Wrangler. Standard 4x4, a 6-speed manual, skid plates, and a full-size spare. No frills, full capability.
- 3.6L V6 (285 hp)
- 6-speed manual standard
- Skid plates, full-size spare
- 12.3-in Uconnect 5 standard
- Removable doors and roof
Best Value Off-Road
Willys
From $42,105 (2-door)
Real trail hardware at a lower price than the Rubicon. 33-inch tires, a Dana 44 rear axle, and Rock-Trac 4x4 without the electronic lockers.
- 3.6L V6 (285 hp)
- 33-in tires standard
- Dana 44 rear axle
- Rock-Trac 4x4 system
- Strongest capability-per-dollar in the lineup
Comfort-Leaning
Sahara
From $47,885 (4-door only)
Built for the daily commute. Standard turbo-4 and automatic, premium materials, and a heated steering wheel other trims don't get standard.
- 2.0L Turbo I-4 (270 hp)
- 8-speed automatic only
- Heated steering wheel standard
- Uconnect 5 with navigation
- 4-door only, 5-passenger
Off-Road Flagship
Rubicon
From $44,765 (2-door)
The trim built for technical trails. Electronic front and rear locking differentials, a front sway-bar disconnect, and 33-inch tires standard.
- 3.6L V6 (285 hp)
- Electronic locking differentials
- Front sway-bar disconnect
- 10.8 in ground clearance
- Up to 5,000 lb towing (4-door, when properly equipped)
Closer Look
Three Things Worth Understanding Before You Buy
The Rubicon's Locking Differentials Are the Real Difference
The Willys and Rubicon share the same 33-inch tires and Dana 44 rear axle, but only the Rubicon gets electronic locking differentials front and rear plus a front sway-bar disconnect. On a groomed forest road that gap does not matter. On a technical rock climb, it is the entire difference between getting stuck and driving through.
The Sahara Trades Trail Gear for Daily Comfort
No manual transmission, no locking differentials, no 33-inch tires. What the Sahara gets instead is the smoother 2.0L turbo-4 with an automatic, a standard heated steering wheel, and premium interior materials. For buyers who commute more than they crawl rocks, that trade makes sense.
4-Door Cargo Room Nearly Triples the 2-Door
A 4-door Wrangler holds 72.4 cubic feet with the rear seats folded, compared to 31.7 cubic feet in a 2-door. For Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River families hauling gear for a weekend at the coast, that gap is worth the longer wheelbase.
Standard Across the Lineup
Safety Equipment on Every 2026 Wrangler Trim
Forward Collision Warning
Alerts the driver to a potential frontal collision and pairs with automatic emergency braking, standard on Sport through Rubicon.
Lane Departure Warning
Monitors lane position and warns if the Wrangler drifts, standard on every 2026 trim covered on this page.
Blind-Spot Monitoring
Standard on Sahara, available on Sport, Willys, and Rubicon. Ask National Dodge which package adds it to your build.
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available on select trims and packages. Confirm current trim-level availability with National Dodge before ordering.
Uconnect 5 with 4G LTE Wi-Fi
The 12.3-inch touchscreen is standard across the lineup and includes wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim.
Full-Size Spare Tire
Every 2026 Wrangler trim on this page carries a full-size spare, not a compact donut, built for the reality of trail driving.
Buyer's Guide
Which 2026 Wrangler Trim Fits You
If you...
Want the lowest price of entry into a genuine 4x4 Wrangler and don't need locking differentials.
Start with the Sport
If you...
Want 33-inch tires and a Dana 44 rear axle without paying Rubicon prices.
Look at the Willys
If you...
Commute daily on Western Blvd or Highway 17 and want an automatic with premium comfort features.
Choose the Sahara
If you...
Plan to run technical trails off Camp Lejeune or the mountains on weekend trips and want locking differentials standard.
Go with the Rubicon
National Dodge Chrysler Jeep RAM
2223 N Marine Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546
Mon - Fri9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
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What Jacksonville Drivers Are Saying
2026 Jeep Wrangler Trim FAQ
What is the cheapest 2026 Jeep Wrangler trim?
The 2-door Sport is the entry point into the 2026 Wrangler lineup, starting under $34,000 before options. It comes standard with 4x4, a 6-speed manual, and the 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen. National Dodge in Jacksonville stocks Sport trims regularly for buyers who want real Wrangler capability at the lowest price of entry.
Is the 2026 Jeep Wrangler 4xe still available?
No. Stellantis discontinued the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid for the 2026 model year following a large-scale recall tied to fire risk. If you are cross-shopping a plug-in Wrangler, the 2026 lineup runs gas-only: the 3.6L V6, the 2.0L turbo-4 on Sahara, and the revived 6.4L HEMI V8 on the Willys 392 and Moab 392. Ask the team at National Dodge about current gas-powertrain options.
What is the difference between the Willys and the Rubicon?
The Willys is trail-focused and V6-powered, with 33-inch tires, a Dana 44 rear axle, and Rock-Trac 4x4. The Rubicon adds the off-road flagship hardware missing from the Willys: electronic front and rear locking differentials and a front sway-bar disconnect for articulation on rock crawls. Both wear the same 33-inch tire size, but the Rubicon is built for technical trails Camp Lejeune off-roaders would actually attempt.
Does the 2026 Wrangler Sahara come with 4x4?
Yes. Every 2026 Wrangler trim, including the Sahara, comes standard with 4x4. No 4x2 Wrangler is offered for 2026. The Sahara uses the Selec-Trac full-time transfer case and the 2.0L turbo-4 with an 8-speed automatic, built for comfort and daily driving rather than technical rock crawling.
Can I tow a boat with a 2026 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes, when properly equipped. A 4-door Wrangler configured with the right axle ratio can tow up to 5,000 lb, enough for many boats launched at New River or Onslow Bay. Two-door Wranglers top out lower, around 3,500 lb when properly equipped. Confirm exact tow ratings for your configuration with National Dodge before hitching up.
Which Wrangler trim is best for Camp Lejeune Marines who want to go off-road on weekends?
The Rubicon is built for exactly that. Electronic locking differentials front and rear, a disconnecting front sway bar, and 33-inch tires give it real rock-crawling ability beyond what the Willys offers. For Marines stationed at Camp Lejeune who split time between the gate and the trail, the Rubicon is the trim that does not need upgrades to go further off the pavement.
Does National Dodge offer a military discount on the Wrangler?
National Dodge works with active-duty, veteran, and Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River personnel on financing options, including VA loan and PCS-relocation scenarios. Ask the finance team about current military-specific offers when you visit the store on N Marine Blvd.
What is the best Wrangler trim for a daily commute in Jacksonville, NC?
The Sahara is the pick for daily driving. Its 2.0L turbo-4 and 8-speed automatic are smoother in stop-and-go traffic on Western Blvd and Highway 17 than the manual-first Sport, and the standard heated steering wheel and premium materials make longer commutes more comfortable without the off-road weight of a Rubicon.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Wrangler have?
A 4-door Wrangler holds 31.7 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 72.4 cubic feet with the seats folded. The 2-door holds 12.9 cubic feet behind the rear seats and 31.7 cubic feet maximum. All four trims on this page, Sport, Willys, Sahara, and Rubicon, share these figures within their respective body styles.
Find Your 2026 Jeep Wrangler Trim at National Dodge
Sport, Willys, Sahara, or Rubicon. Talk to our team on N Marine Blvd about current inventory.
Pricing shown reflects starting MSRP as sourced from Edmunds and cross-referenced with KBB and Cars.com as of June 16, 2026, and does not include tax, title, license, or dealer fees. Pricing is subject to change and should be confirmed against the current Jeep Build & Price tool and with National Dodge before purchase. Towing capacities assume the vehicle is properly equipped and vary by configuration; confirm exact ratings for your build with National Dodge. Fuel economy figures are EPA-estimated where noted and vary with driving conditions, tire size, and equipment. The 2026 Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid has been discontinued by Stellantis and is not available for the 2026 model year. See dealer for complete details.