Did you fail to differentiate between JKU and JK when you saw them for the first time? They almost look the same but have some major differences. I think I was able to differentiate between both of these jeeps after driving them. You can read a comparison article on Jeep Wrangler JK vs. JKU below if you plan on purchasing any of them. The information will help you invest in the SUV, which is great in the longer run. I hope you will enjoy your off-roading trips after purchasing any of them.
Jeep Wrangler JK vs. JKU
Jeep Wrangler JK
A Jeep Wrangler JK is an old Jeep manufactured in the early 2000s. Even though it is 15 years old, people still love driving it. Everyone is still a fan of the design, which is still compared with every new Jeep launched by the company. The two-door design of the JK is still my favorite. It has a long wheelbase, and the frame and suspension are impressive. It grabbed everyone’s attention because some new features were added to this model.
All the Jeeps manufactured before JK lacked basic features such as remote control and power windows. The company ensured Jeep Wrangler JK had all the features from navigation to power windows and detachable sway bars. It had better speed, and the overall driving experience was also improved. Hence you can invest in this Jeep if you like driving an SUV. Also check the difference between Jeep JK and JL.
Jeep Wrangler JKU
Later in 2007, the company launched a new jeep keeping in mind the response they got after launching JK. The Jeep Wrangler JKU had a longer wheelbase than the JK, but almost all the other features were the same. Unlike the JK, the Jeep Wrangler JKU comes with four doors and is wide. When compared with the older models, this Jeep has big wheels. As expected, this model grabbed people’s attention, increasing sales by 70%.
Similarities and Differences Between JK And JKU
| SPECS | 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK | 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU |
| Doors | 2 | 4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 95.4 inches | 116 inches |
| Total Length | 164.3 inches | 184.9 inches |
| Total Width | 73.7 inches | 73.7 inches |
| Cargo Capacity Behind First Row Seats (Seats Folded) | 56.5 cubic feet | 70.6 cubic feet |
| Cargo Capacity behind Second Row Seats (Seats Upright) | 12.8 cubic feet | 31.5 cubic feet |
| Fuel Tank | 18.6 gallons | 22.5 gallons |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Price (MSRP) | $23,995 | $27,895 |
Design And Engine
The design of the Jeep Wrangler JKU and JK is so similar that it can be difficult for you to differentiate sometimes. When you look at any of these models riding on the road, you won’t tell the difference between them. A major difference in the design can be the doors. The JKU comes with four doors, whereas a JK comes with two.
When we compare the windows, they are the same. Both of them have power windows and come with remote control. Moreover, they have the same engine. The top and the windshield can be removed in both Jeeps. Hence some of these things are similar, which increases the chances of you getting mistaken when seeing JKU and JK parked next to each other.
Weight
When we compare the weight of the Jeep Wrangler JKU with the JK, it can be observed that the JKU is heavier than the JK. However, the difference is not great, but it is still present. A Jeep Wrangler JKU weighs around 5700 pounds, whereas a JK weighs around 4300 pounds. A total difference of 1400 pounds is present between these jeeps. Hence weight should be considered if you plan on buying any of them.
Doors
As mentioned above, JKU comes with four doors. This might be the reason it is heavier and has more capacity. On the other hand, JK is a lightweight two-door Jeep. It is less spacious but comes with some amazing features. You can buy any of these jeeps if you don’t have a problem having a two-door or four-door SUV.
Wheel Size and Speed
When we compare the wheel size of JKU and JK, it can be found that JKU has bigger wheels. A Jeep Wrangler JK has a wheelbase of 95 inches, whereas a JKU has a wheelbase of 115 inches. There is a difference of 20 inches, but JK performs better regarding off-roading and speed. The overall driving experience of JK is better as it can help you get through uneven roads. It is powerful and can be your friend if you like going on off-road adventures more often.
Capacity and Cargo Area
It might be clear that JKU has more capacity because it has four days. This model allows more people to travel comfortably in the Jeep. It is a five-seater that ensures you have a great experience on long journeys. At the same time, the Jeep Wrangler JK has less seating capacity. It can only accommodate four people and does not have an extra seat like JKU.
Similarly, the cargo space is bigger in JKU as it has greater seating capacity. This can be a great model if you want to travel with your family. The cargo space is almost double than that of the Jeep Wrangler JK, so you can carry a lot of stuff when traveling with people. Hence, the capacity and the cargo area should be considered because they are important in the long run.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you know if your Jeep is a JK or JKU?
The main difference between JK and JKU is that JK comes with two doors only. A JKU is a four-door Jeep with more capacity and cargo space.
What year is the JKU Jeep?
The company launched a Jeep Wrangler JKU in 2007 after thousands of people liked JK. They ensured that this model had all the great features that were not present in JK.
Is the JL higher than JK?
The Jeep Wrangler JL is higher than JK as it was launched after it. This comes with some great features and uses the latest technology.
Conclusion
A brief comparison of Jeep Wrangler JK vs. JKU is done in the article above for your help. The similarities and differences will help you buy the model you want. Although they look the same, some major differences made JKU more popular. I prefer investing in a four-door JKU because it has more capacity. It can be great if you like traveling with your family and need more cargo space. Hence the price range is almost the same, but you can travel more comfortably.
| SPECS | 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK | 2018 Jeep Wrangler JKU |
| Doors | 2 | 4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 |
| Wheelbase | 95.4 inches | 116 inches |
| Total Length | 164.3 inches | 184.9 inches |
| Total Width | 73.7 inches | 73.7 inches |
| Cargo Capacity Behind First Row Seats (Seats Folded) | 56.5 cubic feet | 70.6 cubic feet |
| Cargo Capacity behind Second Row Seats (Seats Upright) | 12.8 cubic feet | 31.5 cubic feet |
| Fuel Tank | 18.6 gallons | 22.5 gallons |
| Towing Capacity | 2,000 pounds | 3,500 pounds |
| Price (MSRP) | $23,995 | $27,895 |
Hi! Ulberto Williams here, a passionate adventurer who has been driving jeeps all his life. My passion for the thrill of off-roading has allowed me to learn what modern-day jeeps have to offer. Exploring the popular trails and seeking thrills in the unexplored terrains allowed me to discover the true intimacy nature had to offer and become an avid learner of Off-roading with Jeeps. Hence, I decided to create this blog to share my experiences of jeep riding and off-roading with the world. My only goal is to provide the readers with quality reliable information about jeeps.