Ask anyone how much a Jeep Wrangler weighs (or any car for that matter), and they probably wouldn’t know. While this is perfectly forgivable, not knowing your vehicle’s weight may be more detrimental than you realize. This article will not only get to answer this question but also help you use this knowledge – when it matters.
How much does a Jeep Wrangler weigh? Depending on the year, trim, door count, and engine specifications, a Jeep Wrangler’s curb weight can be anywhere between 2,855 lbs (1,295 Kg) and 5,222 lbs (2,369 Kg). These values are based on stock measurements but may still increase after modifications.
Revisit what makes up curb weight, which components cause it to change, and when it becomes handy. Continue reading this ultimate guide – It will be worth your while!
Weight Defined
Vehicle weight can mean many things, but the most common connotations are GVWR, dry weight/mass, or curb weight. The maximum total weight of a vehicle is GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating). It includes rider/passengers, accessories, and allowable load. Dry weight is the reverse – signifying an empty transport with no people, fluids, or cargo. I initially planned to share both dry and curb weights of Jeep Wrangler models. But since most of their manuals do not specify dry weight, we will be using curb weight instead.
By definition, curb weight is the weight of your Jeep Wrangler, including accompanying standard equipment. It is somehow similar to dry weight, except that it includes a full fuel tank and all other fluids (oil, water, and coolant) but sans passengers, goods/cargo, or any other unnecessary items. You can say it is the unladen weight of your four-wheeler when not in use or resting on an even, flat surface or curb (called “kerb” in the UK) – hence, the namesake.
How Much Does a Jeep Wrangler Weigh?
Because Jeep Wrangler models vary in trim, standard equipment, wheelbase, and overall dimensions, there is no specific curb weight that covers all of them. If we were to determine how heavy all Wranglers are on average, they would weigh between 2,855 lbs (1,295 Kg) and 5,222 lbs (2,369 Kg). The lightest of the trims is, of course, the 1987 Jeep Wrangler YJ SE at 2,855 lbs. Conversely, the heaviest of the lot is the 2021 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon 4xe, weighing 5,222 lbs, followed by the 2012 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited Brute (double-cab pickup by AEV Conversion) at 5,200 pounds (2,359 Kg).
To fully answer “How much does a Jeep Wrangler weigh?” here is a table that consolidates all Wrangler generations and their corresponding weights:
Jeep Wrangler Curb Weight (Based on Year – Trim)
| 1st Generation (YJ) | 2-Door | 4-Door |
|---|---|---|
| SE (1987 – 1995) | 2,855 – 3,241 lbs (1,295 – 1,470 Kg) | N/A |
| Laredo (1987 – 1995) | 2,954 – 3,197 lbs (1,340 – 1,450 Kg) | N/A |
| Sahara (1987 – 1995) | 2,954 – 3,197 lbs (1,340 – 1,450 Kg) | N/A |
| Sport (1991 – 1995) | 2,954 – 3,371 lbs (1,340 – 1 ,529 Kg) | N/A |
| Rio Grande (1995) | 2,934 lbs (1,331 Kg) | N/A |
| Islander (1988 – 1993) | 3,164 – 3,371 lbs (1,435 – 1,529 Kg) | N/A |
| Renegade (1990 – 1994) | 3,164 – 3,371 lbs (1,435 – 1,529 Kg) | N/A |
| 2nd Generation (TJ) | 2-Door | 4-Door |
|---|---|---|
| SE (1997 – 2006) | 3,045 – 3,274 lbs (1,381 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| X (2002 – 2006) | 3,438 lbs (1,545 kg) | N/A |
| Sport (1997 – 2006) | 3,539 lbs (1,565 kg) | N/A |
| Sahara (1997 – 2004) | 3,362 lbs (1,525 Kg) | N/A |
| 60th Anniversary Edition (2001) | 3,549 lbs (1,610 Kg) | N/A |
| Rubicon (2002) | 3,097 – 3,832 lbs (1,405 – 1,686 Kg) | N/A |
| Apex Edition (2002 – 2003) | 3,241 – 3,274 lbs (1,470 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| Freedom Edition (2003) | 3,241 – 3,274 lbs (1,470 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| Rocky Mountain Edition (2003 – 2005) | 3,241 – 3,274 lbs (1,470 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| Tomb Raider Edition (2003) | 3,241 – 3,274 lbs (1,470 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| Columbia Edition (2004) | 3,241 – 3,274 lbs (1,470 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| Willys Edition (2004 – 2005) | 3,241 – 3,274 lbs (1,470 – 1,485 Kg) | N/A |
| Unlimited Sport Edition (2004 – 2006) | 3,721 lbs (1,688 Kg) | N/A |
| Sahara Edition Unlimited Rubicon (2005) | 3,781 lbs (1,715 Kg) | N/A |
| 65th Anniversary Edition (2006) | 3,832 lbs (1,686 Kg) | N/A |
| Golden Eagle (2006) | 3,438 lbs (1,545 Kg) | N/A |
1st generation Wranglers weigh between 2,855 lbs (1,295 Kg) and 3,371 lbs (1,529 Kg), while 2nd generation ones fall between 3,045 lbs (1,381 Kg) and 3,832 lbs (1,686 Kg). For the 3rd generation Wranglers, the 4×4 with the smallest curb weight is the 2007 base model (and any other special-edition trim based on it). On the other hand, the vehicle with the biggest weight is the 2012 Unlimited Brute, weighing 5,200 lbs (2,359 Kg).
| 3rd Generation (JK) | 2-Door | 4-Door |
|---|---|---|
| Base or SE | 3,759 – 4,262 lbs (1,705 – 1,933 Kg) | 4,079 – 4,123 lbs (1,850 – 1,870 Kg) |
| Sport or X / X-S or Sport S | 3,759 – 4,262 lbs (1,705 – 1,933 Kg) | 4,075 – 4,691 lbs (1,848 – 2,128 Kg) |
| Sahara (includes Unlimited trim) | 3,876 – 4,211 lbs (1,758 – 1,910 Kg) | 4,054 – 4,530 lbs (1,839 – 2,055 Kg) |
| Rubicon (includes Unlimited trim) | 3,792 – 4,104 lbs (1,720 – 1,861 Kg) | 4,315 – 4,691 lbs (1,957 – 2,128 Kg) |
| Rocky Mountain Edition (2009) | 3,759 – 4,262 lbs (1,705 – 1,933 Kg) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) |
| Islander Edition (2010) | 3,759 – 4,262 lbs (1,705 – 1,933 Kg) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) |
| Mountain Edition (2010) | 3,759 – 4,262 lbs (1,705 – 1,933 Kg) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) |
| 70th Anniversary Edition (2011) | 4,005 lbs (1,817 Kg) | 4,269 lbs (1,936 Kg) |
| Unlimited Altitude Edition (2012) | N/A | 4,054 – 4,530 lbs (1,839 – 2,055 Kg) |
| Call of Duty: MW3 Special Edition | N/A | 4,315 lbs (1,957 Kg) |
| Unlimited Brute (2012) | N/A | 5,200 lbs (2,359 Kg) |
| Freedom Edition (2012) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) | 4,277 lbs (1,940 Kg) |
| Arctic (2012) | 4,262 – 4,288 lbs (1,933 – 1,945 Kg) | 4,570 – 4,691 lbs (2,073 – 2,128 Kg) |
| Moab Edition (2013) | 4,262 – 4,288 lbs (1,933 – 1,945 Kg) | 4,570 – 4,691 lbs (2,073 – 2,128 Kg) |
| Polar Edition (2014) | 4,262 – 4,288 lbs (1,933 – 1,945 Kg) | 4,570 – 4,691 lbs (2,073 – 2,128 Kg) |
| Overland Edition (2013) | 4,217 lbs (1,913 Kg) | 4,691 lbs (2,128 Kg) |
| Rubicon 10th Anniversary Edition | 4,262 lbs (1,933 Kg) | 4,570 lbs (2,073 Kg) |
| Rubicon X Edition (2014) | 4,262 lbs (1,933 Kg) | 4,570 lbs (2,073 Kg) |
| Dragon Edition (2014) | N/A | 4,054 – 4,530 lbs (1,839 – 2,055 Kg) |
| Willys Wheeler (2015) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) | 4,277 lbs (1,940 Kg) |
| Golden Eagle (2017) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) | 4,277 lbs (1,940 Kg) |
| Rubicon Hard Rock (2015) | 4,104 lbs (1,861 Kg) | 4,315 lbs (1,957 Kg) |
| 75th Anniversary Edition (2016) | 3,951 lbs (1,792 Kg) | 4,269 lbs (1,936 Kg) |
| Backcountry Edition (2016) | 3,951 lbs (1,792 Kg) | 4,269 lbs (1,936 Kg) |
| Black Bear / Black Edition (2016) | 3,759 lbs (1,705 Kg) | 4,075 lbs (1,848 Kg) |
4th generation Wranglers have the heaviest trims throughout the vehicle’s lifetime, with the 4xe hybrids topping the list. The highly-acclaimed Rubicon 392 may come second to these versions but is still pretty heavy at 5,103 lbs.
| 4th Generation (JL) | 2-Door | 4-Door |
|---|---|---|
| Sport | 3,919 – 4,010 lbs (1,778 – 1,819 Kg) | 4,167 – 4,654 lbs (1,890 – 2,111 Kg) |
| Sport S | 3,948 lbs (1,791 Kg) | 4,167 lbs (1,890 Kg) |
| Sahara (includes 4XE plug-in hybrid) | 4,178 – 4,406 lbs (1,895 – 1,999 Kg) | 4,451 – 5,100 lbs (2,019 – 2,313 Kg) |
| Rubicon (includes 4XE plug-in hybrid) | 4,145 – 4,332 lbs (1,880 – 1,965 Kg) | 4,449 – 5,222 lbs (2,018 – 2,369 Kg) |
| Rubicon 392 | N/A | 5,103 lbs (2,315 Kg) |
| Moab Edition | N/A | 4,345 lbs (1,971 Kg) |
| Sport Altitude | N/A | 4,167 lbs (1,890 Kg) |
| Sahara Altitude | N/A | 4,263 lbs (1,934 Kg) |
| High Altitude (includes 4XE plug-in hybrid) | N/A | 4,549 – 5,000 lbs (2,063 – 2,268 Kg) |
| Sport RHD | 4,196 lbs (1,903 Kg) | 4,921 lbs (2,232 Kg) |
| Willys | 3,948 lbs (1,791 Kg) | 4,167 lbs (1,890 Kg) |
| Willys Sport | 3,948 lbs (1,791 Kg) | 4,167 lbs (1,890 Kg) |
| Islander Edition | 3,948 lbs (1,791 Kg) | 4,167 lbs (1,890 Kg) |
| Freedom Edition | 3,948 lbs (1,791 Kg) | 4,167 lbs (1,890 Kg) |
| 80th Anniversary Edition (2021) | 3,948 lbs (1,791 Kg) | 4,505 lbs (2,043 Kg) |
The above details are from Jeep Wrangler manuals and other reputable sources. Note that these figures are true for stock specifications. If you happen to own a secondhand Wrangler or have already modified it, then expect slight deviations from the values listed.
Things to Look Into
Before you get too overwhelmed with all these numbers, let us go over the different aspects (mechanical or otherwise) that form part of a vehicle weight’s equation – for you to better understand variances in curb weight for Jeep Wrangler models:
Fluids
This first item is pretty self-explanatory, but let us expound on it further with an example. Between a 2-door and a 4-door model, there is a 3-gallon difference in fuel tank capacity. This translates to an added weight of 25 pounds or 11.3 kilograms.
Tires
Recent-year Wrangler models usually do not get set up with tires larger than 33 inches, as rubber adds to the vehicle’s curb and gross weights. Here are some examples of present-day trims and their respective wheel-and-tire measurements:
- Sport: Standard P245/75R17, on/off-road, black sidewall (31-inch)
- Sahara: Standard P255/70R18, on/off-road, OWL (32-inch)
- Rubicon: Standard LT285/70R17C Radial Tires (view on Amazon), on/off-road, black sidewall (32.7-inch)
Knowing this fact is not only crucial to getting the right-size tires for replacement but also a convenient way to determining if your 4×4’s knobbies have been upgraded (in case it is pre-loved). Additionally, stock tire sizes serve as a guide should you mount monster-truck wheels on your wheeler. Essentially, you need to keep track of any weight increases.
Hard vs. Soft Tops
Since the Jeep Wrangler series became commercialized in 1987, consumers had the liberty to opt for either a more durable hardcover or an easy-to-remove softcover. Although not by a huge margin, the choice of top material affects the overall weight of a given Jeep Wrangler trim. The table below shows you the resulting weight differences for some 1st and 2nd-generation Wranglers:
| Hard Top | Soft Top | |
|---|---|---|
| 1st Gen Jeep Wrangler (YJ) | 2.5L 5MT: 3,175 lbs (1,440 Kg) 4.0L 5MT: 3,371 lbs (1,529 Kg) | 2.5L 5MT: 2,954 lbs (1,340 Kg) 4.0L 5MT: 3,371 lbs (1,529 Kg) |
| 2nd Gen Jeep Wrangler (TJ) | 2.5 L 5MT: 3,097 lbs (1,405 Kg) 4.0 L 5MT: 3,241 lbs (1,470 Kg) 4.0 L 3AT: 3,241 lbs (1,470 Kg) | 2.5 L 5MT: 3,097 lbs (1,405 Kg) 4.0 L 5MT: 3,241 lbs (1,470 Kg) 4.0 L 3AT: 3,241 lbs (1,470 Kg) 2.4 L 5MT: 3,274 lbs (1,485 Kg) |
The above are examples of weight differences for Jeep Wranglers with hard or soft tops and are not exhaustive. Generally, there is a 100 to 200-lb difference in overall vehicle weight among various trims. The added weight also depends on whether the Wrangler is 2- or 4-door. The latter has a longer wheelbase and, therefore, a longer roof area to be covered.
Engine & Transmission Type
Another mechanical component that affects the Wrangler’s weight is the kind of engine and transmission it is equipped with. So far, the four-wheeler has had 33 different engines (including current ones). Here is a table that shows changes in curb weight specific to the vehicle’s power mill and transmission:
Jeep Wrangler Curb Weight (Based on Engine – Transmission Type)
| 1st Generation (YJ) | Curb Weight |
|---|---|
| 2.5 L AMC Inline-4, 5-speed Aisin-Warner AX-5 manual (1987–1995) | 2,954 lbs (1,340 Kg) |
| 2.5 L AMC Inline-4, 3-speed 30RH (A904) automatic (1994–1995) | 3,197 lbs (1,450 Kg) |
| 4.2 L AMC Inline-6, 3-speed A999 automatic (1987–1990) | 3,197 lbs (1,450 Kg) |
| 4.2 L AMC Inline-6, 5-speed Peugeot BA-10 manual (1987–1989) | 3,186 lbs (1,445 Kg) |
| 4.2 L AMC Inline-6, 5-speed AX-15 manual (1989–1990) | 3,186 lbs (1,445 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 3-speed A999 automatic (1991) | 3,164 lbs (1,435 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 3-speed 32RH (A999) automatic (1991–1995) | 3,164 lbs (1,435 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 5-speed AX-15 manual (1991–1995) | 3,371 lbs (1,529 Kg) |
| 2nd Generation (TJ) | Curb Weight |
|---|---|
| 2.5 L AMC Inline-4, 3-speed 30RH automatic (1997–2002) | 3,197 lbs (1,450 Kg) |
| 2.5 L AMC Inline-4, 5-speed Aisin-Warner AX-5 manual (1997–2002) | 3,097 lbs (1,405 Kg) |
| 2.4 L PowerTech, 4-speed 42RLE automatic (2003–2006) | 3,326 lbs (1,509 Kg) |
| 2.4 L PowerTech, 5-speed NV1500 manual (2003–2004) | 3,274 lbs (1,485 Kg) |
| 2.4 L PowerTech, 6-speed NSG370 manual (2005–2006) | 3,265 lbs (1,481 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 3-speed 32RH automatic (1997–2002) | 3,241 lbs (1,470 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 4-speed 42RLE automatic (2003–2006) | 3,294 lbs (1,494 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 5-speed AX-15 manual (1997–1999) | 3,254 lbs (1,476 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 5-speed NV3550 manual (2000–2004) | 3,241 lbs (1,470 Kg) |
| 4.0 L AMC Inline-6, 6-speed NSG370 manual (2005–2006) | 3,233 lbs (1,466 Kg) |
| 3rd Generation (JK) | Curb Weight |
|---|---|
| 3.8 L EGH, 4-speed 42RLE automatic (2007–2011) | 3,792 – 4,123 lbs (1,720 – 1,870 Kg) |
| 3.8 L EGH, 6-speed NSG370 manual (2007–2011) | 3,759 – 4,315 lbs (1,705 – 1,957 Kg) |
| 3.6 L Pentastar, 5-speed W5A580 automatic (2012–2017) | 3,810 – 4,691 lbs (1,728 – 2,128 Kg) |
| 3.6 L Pentastar, 6-speed NSG370 manual (2012–2017) | 4,269 – 4,315 lbs (1,936 – 1,957 Kg) |
| 2.8 L RA 428, 5-speed 545RFE automatic (2007–2010) | 3,990 – 4,530 lbs (1,810 – 2,055 Kg) |
| 2.8 L RA 428, 5-speed W5A580 automatic (2011–Present) | 3,990 – 4,530 lbs (1,810 – 2,055 Kg) |
| 2.8 L RA 428, 6-speed NSG370 manual (2007–2015) | 3,924 – 4,691 lbs (1,780 – 2,128 Kg) |
| 5.7 L Hemi V8, 5-speed 545RFE automatic (2013-2017) | 5,200 lbs (2,359 Kg) |
| 4th Generation (JL) | Curb Weight |
|---|---|
| 2.0 L Hurricane I4-T (gasoline/gasoline hybrid) 850RE Torqueflite 8-speed automatic | 3,948 – 4,549 lbs (1,791 – 2,063 Kg) |
| 2.0 L Hurricane I4-T (gasoline PHEV; 4XE plug-in hybrid) 8P75PH PHEV 8-speed automatic ** 2021 release | 5,000 – 5,222 lbs (2,268 – 2,369 Kg) |
| 2.2 L Multijet II I4-T (diesel), 850RE Torqueflite 8-speed automatic | 4,178 – 4,623 lbs (1,895 – 2,097 Kg) |
| 3.0 L EcoDiesel V6-T (diesel), 850RE Torqueflite 8-speed automatic | 4,654 – 4,862 lbs (2,111 – 2,205 Kg) |
| 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (gasoline/gasoline hybrid) D478 6-speed manual w/ overdrive | 3,948 – 4,478 lbs (1,791 – 2,031 Kg) |
| 3.6 L Pentastar V6 (gasoline hybrid) 850RE Torqueflite 8-speed automatic | 3,919 – 4,921 lbs (1,778 – 2,232 Kg) |
| 6.4 L Hemi V8 (gasoline), 8HP75 8-speed automatic w/ overdrive ** 2021 release | 5,103 lbs (2,315 Kg) |
The details above include the weight of the transfer case that goes with the given transmission. If you’re not particular about the exact trim your Jeep Wrangler has but know the year and kind of engine in it, this information will prove beneficial. All in all, the engine type only causes a 90 to 150-lb difference in the 4×4’s overall weight – provided that your engine is stock.
Where Curb Weight Comes into Play
Now that you better understand what comprises or affects your 4×4’s weight, it would definitely be worth knowing where this information is deemed important (or when it can save you trouble). Even if you are predominantly an off-roader, you can never be too prepared for state laws and weight limitations on some roads and bridges. The last thing anyone would want to deal with is unnecessary fines or offense citations.
Driving License
In some non-U.S. regions/countries, securing a car driving license is partly dependent on a private vehicle’s GVWR or GVM (Gross Vehicle Mass) – both of which are affected by the car’s curb weight. Inversely, drivers who already have a license are limited to driving vehicles with weight limits strictly within the license class. Having no idea about your car’s curb weight may result in unforeseen violations or the need to acquire a higher-tier driving license to be able to drive a Moab or an Unlimited Rubicon.
Fuel Saves
Wranglers have fuel-efficient diesel and gasoline-fed engines, but it would not hurt to stay within weight limits and keep your fuel expenses in check. Keeping within your Wrangler’s curb weight improves your four-wheeler’s fuel economy by 1-2%. Doing the opposite suffocates the car and results in increased gasoline/diesel consumption.
Performance Upgrades
Yes – you read that right! Tools you need to use to effectively carry out mods (and even routine checks) depend on your car’s weight. Similarly, parts you want to equip your Jeep Wrangler with have to be sturdy enough to handle its curb weight. Fitting your 4×4 with aftermarket shocks or axles is one good example of when knowing your vehicle’s curb weight becomes significant.
State Laws
Monitoring of Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) varies from state to state and is strictly implemented on newly-purchased cars. As such, knowing how much a Jeep Wrangler weighs will save you the pains of buying a four-wheeler that you will end up not being able to use.
Conclusion – How Much Does a Jeep Wrangler Weigh?
Knowing how much a Jeep Wrangler weighs serves as a baseline for GVM limits, performance mods, and even choice of trim and accessories. Depending on the specific make and model you have, your Jeep can weigh anywhere from 2,855 lbs to 5,222 lbs (1,295 – 2,369 Kg). Since we already know how important this piece of information is, let us make sure we are no longer clueless the next time someone requires it.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
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