The 2011 Sport and Sahara Wrangler trims are bested by a Rubicon that outperforms them all off-road. With its Dana 44 solid front axle, electronic sway bar disconnect, and locking differentials, the Rubicon is perfect for the trails.
Key Points
- Thanks to its modular design and a massive aftermarket, each of the 2011 Wrangler trims is highly customizable.
- Wrangler Rubicon has more heavy-duty off-road equipment than the Sahara and Sport trims. It’s best suited for serious off-roaders.
- Wrangler Sport and Sahara are best for daily driving and occasional off-road use.
- All 2011 Wrangler trims are available in two-door and four-door configurations. Wranglers have four seats, while Wrangler Unlimiteds seat five.
Wrangler Sport Offers a Budget Off-roader with a Dana 30 Front Axle, Six-speed Manual, and Command-trac Manual Transfer Case
Wrangler Sport is the base trim for 2011. Regardless, the 2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport is still plenty capable off-road. All 2011 Wrangler trims come with the 3.8L V6 under the hood. The 3.8 makes 202 hp and achieves 237 lb.-ft. of torque. Standard in the 2011 Wrangler is a six-speed manual transmission. Optional is the four-speed automatic.
The Wrangler utilizes a Dana 44 heavy-duty solid rear axle and Dana 30 solid front axle. A Trac-Lok limited-slip rear differential is optional in the rear. A Command-Trac NV241 manual transfer case is the last piece of the off-road puzzle.
The 2011 Wrangler Sport offers plenty of utility and customization. You’ll find two tow hooks up front and one on the rear, along with an optional tow package. You’ll also get removable full-frame doors and a removable air dam. It sports black fender flares and a six-speaker audio system with aux input as well.
Above all, the 2011 Wrangler Sport is a highly customizable trim, and it holds its own off-road. If you want the ability to make your Jeep entirely your own without spending a fortune, Wrangler Sport is the trim for you.
2011 Wrangler Sport Offers Six Add-on Packages, Including Two Removable Tops
Where options are concerned, there’s a lot. Feeling extra adventurous? You can opt for a Wrangler sport with half-frame metal doors and plastic windows. You can also throw on tubular side-steps and a Freedom Top three-piece modular hardtop. Front and rear carpets are also available in the Unlimited configurations. Lastly, mobile internet, WiFi hotspot, and the Dual-Top group are available as well.
Additionally, you can find a Wrangler customized with a number of packages. The Black Appearance Group includes a black fuel-filler door, tubular side steps, and taillamp guards. The Connectivity Group includes Uconnect voice command, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an electronic vehicle information center (EVIC). With the Chrome Group, you’ll get a chrome exhaust tip, tubular side-steps, fuel-filler door, and taillamp guards. Opt for the Premium Chrome Group, and you’ll get an additional chrome grille and mirror caps. And last but not least, the Power Convenience Group adds power locks and windows. It also adds power heated mirrors, remote entry, and a security alarm.
Wrangler Sahara Puts Style and Convenience at the Forefront with Automatic AC, Two-tone Leather Seating, and Body-colored Fenders
Wrangler Sahara is the go-to for those looking for a stylish Jeep. It adds to/replaces features found on the Sport trim. Items like body-colored fender flares and tubular side steps are standard. It also adds seven Infinity speakers with a 368-watt amp and a subwoofer.
Optional items include:
- Body-colored hardtop
- Automatic climate controls
- Two-tone leather seats
Another optional choice is two upgraded media centers. Each features Sirius Radio, MP3 support, and a 30GB hard drive. They also add a 6.5-inch touch screen and distinct navigation systems. Lastly, Sahara gets remote start with the Power Convenience Group and automatic transmission.
Stick with Wrangler Sahara for a fashionable off-roader.
Rubicon Hits the Trail Harder than any 2011 Wrangler Trim with its Locking Differentials and Dana 44 Front Axle
Rubicon rises to the top with the best in off-roading equipment of all the 2011 Wrangler trims. It adds to/replaces features on Wrangler Sahara. First, you’ll find it sports a Dana 44 heavy-duty solid front axle. Secondly, it’s got Tru-Lok front and rear electronic locking differentials. And thirdly, you’ll find either a Rock-Trac NV241 or a manual transfer case.
A set of painted steel rock rails protect Rubicon’s body panels. Furthermore, skid plates protect the fuel tank, transfer case, and automatic transmission (if equipped). Further off-roading flexibility comes via an electronically controlled sway bar disconnect feature. Wrangler Rubicon also brings back the black fender flares and optional half-frame doors.
If you expect to traverse Moab regularly, go with the 2011 Wrangler Rubicon trim.
Wrangler Sport Makes the Most Sense with an Easy Buy-in and No Unnecessary Features
Whichever 2011 Wrangler trim you elect to buy, be sure to know exactly what you are getting. There are hundreds of possible options and package combinations, so pay close attention. It also goes without saying that the Wrangler has a serious aftermarket. You can (and probably will) spend hours sifting through possible mods if you buy a Wrangler. You can always spend a little less and mod out your Wrangler to your heart’s content.
As a result, we recommend Wrangler Sport. The Sahara is the pretty Wrangler, and Rubicon is overkill if you don’t intend to off-road every other day. With Wrangler Sport, you get into a Jeep at a lower price and can modify literally anything. Get the Sport and go crazy.
Photos: Stellantis
