If you’re in the market for a vehicle that’s ready and well-equipped to tackle off-road adventures and all the trails and rough terrain you can dream of, there are two nameplates that stand tall above a lot of the competition — the Jeep Trailhawk and Rubicon. Both of these iconic trim levels are designed with weekend warriors in mind, but how do they compare to one another when tackling Oklahoma’s rugged landscapes?
All Jeep vehicles are built with off-roading in mind, but there are some that are truly tuned for that type of driving, and that’s where specialized trim levels like the Trailhawk and Rubicon come into play. They represent the pinnacle of off-road capabilities in their respective models, so you honestly can’t go wrong with either option. But if you want to know the real difference between them when it comes to off-roading here in Oklahoma, we’re prepared to dive into all the details for you!
Jeep Trailhawk: Key Features & Ideal Adventures
The Trailhawk trim level is available on several Jeep models, including the Grand Cherokee, Cherokee and Compass. The most notable difference that we want to highlight between the two trims is that while the Rubicon was primarily built for extreme off-roading, the Trailhawk instead focuses on balanced capability. It’s the perfect vehicle for those drivers who want to hit some light-to-moderate off-road trails without sacrificing any of their on-road comfort.
- Key Features
- Jeep Active Drive Lock or Quadra-Drive II 4WD; both are advanced systems for traction control in tough conditions
- Selec-Terrain Traction Management; adjustable drive modes for mud, sand, snow and rock
- Skid Plates & Off-Road Suspension; extra protection to enhance undercarriage durability
- All-Terrain Tires; ideal for mixed driving conditions, such as unpaved roads and rain-soaked trails
- Ideal Adventures
- Lake Murray & Beavers Bend Trails; scenic off-roading, moderate terrain
- Backroads & Flood-Prone Areas; handles muddy conditions well without excessive modifications
- Daily Driving & Adventure; smooth enough for both regular commuting and light off-roading
Jeep Rubicon: Key Features & Ideal Adventures
You would be hard pressed to find a better option for tackling Oklahoma’s toughest trails than a Jeep Rubicon. The Rubicon was designed with the most serious off-roading in mind, whether behind the wheel of an SUV or a pickup truck as the Rubicon is available on both the Wrangler and Gladiator. Both models come equipped with plenty of heavy-duty features that allow you to more easily conquer steep inclines, deep ruts, rocky paths and more.
- Key Features
- Rock-Trac 4WD System; superior low-speed torque control on extreme terrains
- Locking Front & Rear Differentials; maximized traction for deep mud, rock crawling and uneven trails
- High-Clearance Suspension & Dana 44 Axles; increased ground clearance and reinforced durability
- 33-35” Off-Road Tires; built for aggressive trail performance
- Ideal Adventures
- Ouachita National Forest Trails; challenging terrain with steep inclines and technical sections
- Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge; rugged paths requiring high ground clearance and traction
- Riverbed & Rock Crawling; handles deep ruts and uneven surfaces better than any other Jeep trim
Which Jeep is Right for You?
Now it’s time for you to come to a decision, as we can’t answer this question for you. Both the Trailhawk and Rubicon offer incredible off-road capability, but deciding which choice is right for you largely depends on how serious you are about off-roading.
If you want the perfect balance between on-road comfort and off-road capability and the ability to handle moderate trails, muddy roads and other light off-roading, then you should choose the Trailhawk. If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a true off-road beast capable of things like rock crawling, deep mudding and tackling aggressive trails and that offers superior traction, locking differentials and high-clearance suspension, then the obvious choice is the Rubicon.
We hope that we’ve helped you understand the differences between the two trim levels and why you might choose one over the other, but if you still have questions don’t hesitate to reach out to us right here at Jim Glover CDJRF. We look forward to hearing from you!
