Jeep Wrangler has been introducing competent SUVs for several decades. The Jeep Wrangler High Tide and Rubicon are 2 excellent off-road vehicles in their line-up, offering excellent drivability on different terrains. Both have many similarities, while they have dissimilarities as well. So, what are the differences between the Jeep Wrangler High Tide vs. Rubicon?
The key difference is the engine. High Tide models have a gasoline engine. Whereas Rubicon models are engineered with gasoline and diesel engines. The curb weight of High Tide and Rubicon is 4,196 lbs. and 4,440 lbs. respectively. Also, the fuel economy for High Tide is 21 MPG, while for Rubicon, 19 MPG.
Through this comprehensive guide, let’s learn more differences between these 2 beasts.
Jeep Wrangler High Tide vs. Rubicon – Comparison Chart
The below chart shares the key differences between the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and High Tide.
| Parameter | Jeep Wrangler High Tide | Jeep Wrangler Rubicon |
| Engine | 3.6L V6 Gas | 3.6L V6 Gas 3.0L Turbo Diesel |
| Fuel Economy | Combined: 21 MPG City: 19 MPG Highway: 24 MPG | Combined: 19 MPG City: 17 MPG Highway: 23 MPG |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 21.5 gallons | 21.5 gallons |
| Seating Capacity | 5-seater | 5-seater |
| Curb Weight | 4,196 lbs. | 4,449 lbs. |
| Maximum Towing Capacity | 3,500 lbs. | 3,500 lbs. |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 6-speed automatic 8-speed automatic |
| Starting Price | $35,195 | $47,495 |
Jeep Wrangler High Tide vs. Rubicon – In-depth Discussion of the Differences
In this section, I looked at different factors like reliability, comfort, performance, efficiency, safety, driving assistance, etc., to compare High tide and Rubicon
Reliability & Quality
Jeep High Tide:
The Jeep High Tide is built for cruising the coast. However, it doesn’t rank among the top 3 models in the SUV segment in JD Power 2022 Vehicle Dependability Study.
This Jeep Wrangler model offers the below warranty and roadside assistance coverage.
- Standard Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Corrosion Warranty: 5 years or unlimited miles
- Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Maintenance Warranty: 3 years or unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Jeep Rubicon:
The Jeep Rubicon is considered one of the most reliable off-roading vehicles. The average reliability rating is 3.5 out of 5. Excellent looking transmission and rear differential help it get a decent reliability score.
The warranty and roadside assistance coverage of the Jeep Rubicon is shared below.
- Standard Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles
- Corrosion Warranty: 5 years or unlimited miles
- Drivetrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles
- Maintenance Warranty: 3 years or unlimited miles
- Roadside Assistance: 5 years or 60,000 miles
Advantage
Jeep Rubicon is the winner for its excellent score in terms of reliability. However, warranty and roadside assistance coverage are the same for both models.
Performance & Efficiency
Jeep High Tide:
The Jeep High Tide is engineered for the sand. It has a 3.6 L engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission, making it a perfect choice for terrains.
Also, you can enjoy those sandy weekend adventures with its 35-inch tires. Thanks to its body-color hardtop, including Sunrider, letting you access the outdoors easily for soaking up the coastal sunshine.
See the specs of Jeep high tide below.
- Engine: 3.6L V6 gas
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive
- Transmission: Automatic
- MPG: 19 City / 24 Hwy
- Body Style: Sport Utility
Jeep Rubicon:
The Jeep Rubicon is popular for offering excellent performance on off-roading tracks. This will be a fantastic choice if you are looking for an efficient SUV to experience challenges on the off-roading tracks. This SUV features a dynamic rock-track system with a 2-speed transfer case, ensuring more wheel traction. As a result, drivers get benefits during decisive actions.
Worrying about roll-over is unnecessary when driving Jeep Rubicon as it helps you climb nearly any obstacle. With heavy-duty suspension, it delivers top-notch performance.
- Engine: 3.6L V6 gas; 3.0 Turbo Diesel
- Drivetrain: 4-wheel drive
- Transmission: Automatic
- MPG: 17 City / 25 Hwy
- Body Style: Sport Utility
Advantage
The Jeep Rubicon gets the advantage again of its engine type. You will find gasoline and diesel engines in this SUV. On the other hand, the Jeep High Tide only has a gasoline model.
Safety & Driving Assistance
Jeep High Tide:
This is packed with several safety features, confirming safe driving on a wide range of terrains. In base form, it is engineered with LED headlamps and fog lamps. With these features, you can explore the beaches and trails day and night without worrying about accidents.
Several trims come with electronic stability control, optional 4-wheel ABS and disc brake, airbags in the driver, passenger, and front side, and many more. All these highlights guarantee safe driving regardless of the terrain type. Some key safety features include
- Driver, passenger, and front-side airbag
- 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brake (optional)
- Electronic stability control
- Daytime running lights
- Child safety lock
- Traction control
- Front tow hooks
Jeep Rubicon:
The safety features of the Jeep Rubicon are the same as the Jeep High Tide. Jeep Rubicon has earned names in the market for its tremendous safety and security features. These vehicles are manufactured with 75 safety highlights. When driving it on different terrains, you will surely feel well-secured.
The hill-descent control with 8-speed automatic transmission makes it stand out among other SUVs. Additional safety features include buck spot monitoring, cross-traffic alert, and electronic stability control. A few key safety features of the Rubicon are listed below.
- Electric mitigation
- Rear back-up camera
- Hill start assist
- Key theft-deterrent system
- Driver, passenger, and front-side airbag
- 4-wheel ABS and 4-wheel disc brake (optional)
- Electronic stability control
- Daytime running lights
- Child safety lock
- Traction control
- Front tow hooks
Advantage
Both models have almost the same safety features to confirm the optimum safety of the driver and passengers. In this case, there is no clear winner.
Infotainment & Technology
Jeep High Tide:
Jeep High Tide is designed with a well-regarded Uconnect 4 infotainment system. Other note-worthy features are standard 7” full-color touchscreen display, voice command, and Bluetooth.
The touchscreen allows you to navigate important stats like speed, fuel data, internet, radio, music, etc. All these features help you facilitate communication on the go.
Find the essential features of the Jeep’s high tide infotainment system below.
- 7” full-color touchscreen display
- AM/FM stereo
- MP3 player
- Satellite Radio
- Smart device integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Climate Control
- AC
- Dual-zone A/C
- Bluetooth
Jeep Rubicon:
Get all your info exactly when you need it in the 7” full-color display. More importantly, you can customize the display according to your preference. You will get the display’s navigation, security features, speed, and speed control stats.
Here are some of the vital infotainment and technology of the Rubicon.
- AM/FM stereo
- MP3 player
- Satellite Radio
- Smart device integration
- Wi-Fi Hotspot
- Climate Control
- AC
- Dual-zone A/C
Advantage
Jeep Wrangler trims have great infotainment systems and technology to make your rides enjoyable and memorable. Separating these models is not possible when comparing based on infotainment systems and technology.
Comfort & Utility
Jeep High Tide:
The Jeep high tide has a purposeful interior for superior comfort when on the go. Five people can get inside the SUV without discomfort. The centrally-positioned infotainment system is easy to read and use. The legroom for the front and rear seats is 41.2” and 38.3”, respectively.
Cargo space is also pretty excellent, allowing you to carry medium-sized cargo without hassle. Moreover, airbags for drivers and passengers prevent serious injury during an unwanted accident.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Front Seat Leg Room: 41.2”
- Front Seat Headroom: 40.7”
- Rear Seat Leg Room: 38.3”
- Rear Seat Headroom: 40.2”
- Cargo Box Width X Height: 41.1” X 35.7”
Jeep Rubicon:
This is a 5-seater SUV featuring enough legroom and headroom to provide optimum comfort. Although the front and rear legroom space resemble the Jeep High Tide, headroom space is more than its competitor. As a result, drivers and passengers can both have comfortable long-distance journeys.
Also, the driving experience with Rubicon is unbeatable. The reason is the driver can easily control the throttle, traction, and transmission shift. Thus, you can enjoy driving on rough terrains like rocky paths, mud-plugging, sand, etc.
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Front Seat Leg Room: 41.2”
- Front Seat Headroom: 42.6”
- Rear Seat Leg Room: 38.3”
- Rear Seat Headroom: 41.7”
- Cargo Box Width X Height: 41.1” X 35.7”
Advantage
Jeep Rubicon has a slight advantage over Jeep High Tide as it has more front and rear headroom space to let the driver and passenger enjoy their every ride.
Jeep Wrangler High Tide vs. Rubicon – Which One to Buy?
Features and highlights of High Tide and the Rubicon are almost the same. As a result, deciding which one to buy can be challenging for you. However, here are my recommendations.
Buy Jeep Wrangler High Tide, if
- You are looking for a premium quality SUV at a reasonable price
- Your preference is a gasoline engine
Buy Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, if
- You want the best off-roading SUV regardless of the price
- You prefer comfort, fuel economy, and safety over other features
FAQs.
How long does Jeep Rubicon last?
How long does Jeep High Tide last?
Does Jeep Rubicon provide a smooth and more comfortable ride than Jeep High Tide?
Final Words
The comparison between the Jeep Wrangler High Tide and Rubicon reveals two exceptional vehicles designed for off-road adventures.
The High Tide offers a unique aesthetic with exclusive styling elements. On the other hand, the Rubicon showcases its legendary off-roading prowess.
Both models provide remarkable capabilities, allowing drivers to conquer challenging terrains easily. Choosing the High Tide and Rubicon ultimately depends on individual preferences and priorities.
Whether you prioritize style or hardcore off-roading performance, both options offer an exhilarating and reliable Jeep experience. So, embrace the open road, venture into the wilderness, and find the Jeep Wrangler that suits your adventurous spirit.