The 2024 Jeep Wrangler Willys or the Wrangler Sport: Which Model Is for You?

The Wrangler has been a favorite SUV in the off-road enthusiast community since Jeep debuted it in 1986. It offers open-air freedom to drivers who want to feel the air and enjoy the adventure when they explore off the beaten path and out in nature. Its boxy looks, bold vertical line grille, and iconic round headlights are unmistakable. Even just looking at a Wrangler activates one’s adventurous spirit. The Wrangler has many variations today, boasting a range of utility, special features, and unique personalities. If you’re looking for a Jeep dealer near Maysville, we invite you to visit us here at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris.

This region of Mason County is rich with natural landscapes that are perfect for off-roading, hiking, camping and more. From Legacy Trail to Carter Caves State Resort Park, there are tons of places you’ll love going in your Wrangler. The question is: which model should you get? Many people consider the Sport versus the Willys. The Sport is the base trim, which is certainly packed with excellent features like a powerful engine and the 4X4 capability that’s standard on all trims. However, the Willys boasts some features that the Sport doesn’t — and that could appeal to more advanced off-roaders and outdoor enthusiasts. Here’s a look at the main components these two models share, and then how the Willys levels up.

Common Features Between the Willys and Sport

No matter which of these two trims you get, you will enjoy rugged capabilities and an all-star 4X4 system that gets you traction wherever you go. Each model also has the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine, which gets you the Wrangler’s maximum towing capability of 5,000 pounds, so you can tow and trailer a moderately-sized camper, ATV or boat with both the Sport and Willys. Each trim has a eight-speed automatic transmission, and a six-speed manual exclusively on the base engine for those who like a more intimate experience when gear shifting.

Classic full doors with roll-up windows can be found on both trims, along with the option for a hard or soft top. Take off the top when you want to let air flow through your Wrangler and feel one with nature. You also have the option to swap in half doors with uppers on either trim.No matter which trim you choose, you’ll get Jeep’s advanced Uconnect 5 System paired with a 12.3-inch touchscreen. This system gives you fun features like adventure guides and trail maps to help you explore remote terrain. Smartphone compatibility comes standard on both trims, too.

Consider the Willys if You’re An Off-Road Enthusiast

What we often tell customers who are considering these two trims is that the Willys is better for longer days — and even multi-day trips — on the trails than the Sport. That’s because the Willys has several standard features that are only available for an upcharge or unavailable on the Sport. The Willys also has some great available features that are not available on the Sport. When you get to know these features, you’ll see that the Willys’ higher starting price point is justified.

The Willys Has An Excellent Lighting System For Night And Poor Weather Conditions
If you plan on staying overnight at your off-road site or at least exploring after the sun has set, you’ll appreciate the advanced lighting systems on the Willys. These include available front LED fog lamps that can cut through mist, rain, dust and (of course) fog. Positioned beneath the headlamps, these fog lamps will illuminate your path in hard-to-see conditions.

You will also get LED premium reflector headlamps standard that are not available on the Sport. LED headlamps are an excellent alternative to halogen ones for off-roaders specifically because they pull less fuel from the vehicle than traditional headlamps. If you don’t want your adventures cut short because of a need to travel back to town for more gas, you’ll like these long-lasting headlamps.

There are also available LED tail lamps on the Willys that are not available for the Sport. These are useful for letting other vehicles out on the trails know you’re there in low-light settings. Additionally, the Willys gets standard automatic headlamps that will turn on in low-light settings to illuminate your path. These are also not available on the Sport.

The Willys Has Convenience Features That Make Wilderness Excursions More Enjoyable

Throughout the Willys, you’ll also find other comfort and convenience features that make it great for long trips. One of these is the available air conditioning with Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control. After a long, hot day on the trails during a summer hike, this is a welcome addition. When you slip into your vehicle and turn on the engine, you’ll have your preferred temperature settings instantly come on.

Here’s another summer-ready feature that we think is very cool: Deep-Tint Sunscreen Windows. These can cut down on the UV radiation that makes its way through the glass, and onto your skin. On cold days, the standard power-heated mirrors will melt away ice to give you clear exterior visibility quickly. So you don’t need to get out and manually clean off the mirrors before you can hit the road.

An Interior That’s as Enjoyable as It Is Practical

When you come in from a day of hiking on muddy trails, you’ll appreciate the standard all-weather Mopar floor mats in the Willys. These should help keep the built-in floors clean and prolong their lifespan. Plus, they’re easy to take out and wipe off. If you want to listen to tunes to hype you up for your day of kayaking or ATVing, you’ll love the available Alpine premium audio system in the Willys. This system is not available in the Sport so if you demand the best in your listening experience, you’ll want the Willys. We also make a point to tell customers that only the Willys is Wi-Fi compatible, so if staying connected while you’re out exploring is non-negotiable, you might want to spring for the Willys — especially if you love to explore places that get poor phone service.

Take Your Adventures to the Next Level With the Willys

We’re ready to show drivers the terrific Wrangler Sport and Willys. We are confident that off-road enthusiasts will love the capabilities of both of these trims. The combination of 4X4 capabilities and an open-air design cannot be beat — it’s the perfect recipe for enjoying a day off the grid. That said, if you’re serious about spending extended periods in off-road environments, we recommend getting the Willys.

Our team is ready to show you these excellent off-road SUVs. We are experts on the full Wrangler lineup and are here to help you pick your perfect trim. Maysville drivers who are looking for a reliable and friendly Jeep dealership, visit us at Dan Cummins Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Paris. We have new Wrangler models arriving daily, and we know this region of Kentucky, so we can help you find the best model for the adventures you have planned. The Wrangler is a timeless off-roading superstar and we know it will help you scratch that itch for adventure around Mason County. Visit us today and get your Wrangler.