Initial Impressions of 2020 JLU

We recently purchased a brand new 2020 JLU and I am taking a moment while it is still fresh and even smells new to get a few initial thoughts out. First, our specs:

2020 JLU Rubicon

2.0L Turbo engine, 8-speed Auto Transmission, 4.10 stock gearing, stock 33” tires

Additional Options – Cold Weather group, Towing Package, Trunk Rail system, leather seats

You’ve probably heard this already: it’s really nice inside and drives like a dream; it’s true. All of what they said, completely true. We know this already, so let’s move on.

We are big fans, so far, of the new engine option. The V6 was and is a great engine, but it always felt sluggish until you really got into the meat of the torque curve, which is up in the 3,000rpms. This, combined with larger tires can really bog the Jeep down on the hills of Colorado. The new Turbo engine hits it’s torque curve much sooner – delivering 35 more lb-ft of torque at 1200 rpm less than the V6. The torque is really what makes our soon to be big tires spin, and I am confident we can throw on a set of 35s or even 37s without re-gearing , which is a huge plus for us, and anyone else looking to maximize aftermarket expenditures.

My biggest other initial take-away is how easy this JL will be to modify. The steering components, a common aftermarket upgrade on JKs, are much larger and stronger. There will be noticable money saved on steering components. With a plan to throw on a moderate lift, and some new tires, the initial build will not be a huge investment (stay tuned for our next blog, where we detail our “Phase 1” build ideas).