Jeep Wrangler trim comparison

2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S vs Sahara

The Wrangler Sport S starts at $40,295 while the Sahara is $49,370. That $9,075 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.

The short answer

This trim jump changes the engine from 3.6L V6 to 2.0L I4 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.

Start with the Sport S if the 3.6L V6 already feels sufficient for the way you drive. Step up to the Sahara only when the 2.0L I4 Turbo powertrain is the reason you are moving higher in the lineup.

Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The Sahara adds about $159/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $9,540 more overall with interest. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.

$9,075
Price Gap
+15 HP
HP Diff
+2 MPG
MPG Diff
Trim navigation

Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.

Compare another trim against Sahara Sahara stays locked on this side. Pick a different trim for the other slot without leaving the exact head-to-head route.
Compare another trim against Sport S Sport S stays locked on this side. Use this row to test the next trim up or down while keeping the exact pair page intact.
Lower-price trim
Starts at $40,295
VS
Higher-price trim
Starts at $49,370
Base / Value: Sport S
Clear Upgrade: Sahara

Who notices the difference

The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.

When both feel the same

Both the Sport S and Sahara share the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.

The upgrade math

You are paying $9,075 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,815 per change.

Key Differences at a Glance

This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.

MSRP
$40,295
vs
$49,370
Engine
3.6L V6
vs
2.0L I4 Turbo
Horsepower
285 hp
vs
270 hp
Fuel Economy
19 MPG combined
vs
21 MPG combined
All-weather floor mats for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Check prices on Amazon (paid link)

Every Difference, Side by Side

This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.

Engine Biggest
Sport S3.6L V6
Sahara2.0L I4 Turbo
Fuel Economy
Sport S19 MPG combined
Sahara21 MPG combined
Curb Weight
Sport S4,285 lbs
Sahara4,369 lbs

Full Specification Comparison

Specifications reflect available data as of early 2025. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.

Spec Sport S Sahara
Pricing
MSRP$40,295$49,370
Powertrain
Engine3.6L V62.0L I4 Turbo
Horsepower285 hp270 hp
Torque260 lb-ft295 lb-ft
Transmission6-speed manual8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain4WD4WD
Fuel Economy
City MPG1620
Highway MPG2222
Combined MPG1921
Fuel Tank21.5 gal21.5 gal
Dimensions
Curb Weight4,285 lbs4,369 lbs
Wheelbase118.4"118.4"
Length188.4"188.4"
Width73.9"73.9"
Height73.6"73.6"
Warranty
Bumper-to-Bumper3yr/36k3yr/36k
Powertrain5yr/60k5yr/60k
Corrosion5yr/100k5yr/100k
Roadside Assistance5yr/60k5yr/60k

Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.

2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S vs Sahara Questions Shoppers Ask

Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the Jeep Wrangler lineup, the Jeep brand hub, the Full-Size SUVs, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.

How much more does the 2025 Wrangler Sahara cost than the Sport S?

The Sahara starts at $49,370 compared to $40,295 for the Sport S. That is a $9,075 difference, or approximately $159/month more on a 60-month loan.

Do the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sport S and Sahara have the same engine?

No. The Sport S uses a 3.6L V6 (285 hp, 260 lb-ft), while the Sahara has the 2.0L I4 Turbo (270 hp, 295 lb-ft). Both pair with the same 6-speed manual.

Do the 2025 Wrangler Sport S and Sahara have the same drivetrain?

Yes. Both come with 4WD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.

What warranty does the 2025 Jeep Wrangler come with?

All 2025 Jeep Wrangler trims, including both the Sport S and Sahara, come with Jeep's standard warranty: 3yr/36k bumper-to-bumper and 5yr/60k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.

Is the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara worth $9,075 more than the Sport S?

The $9,075 buys the 2.0L I4 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the Sport S does the same job for less.

Which 2025 Jeep Wrangler trim gets better fuel economy, the Sport S or the Sahara?

The Sahara is the more efficient of the two at 21 combined MPG, versus 19 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.

Breaking Down the $9,075 Gap

The Sahara earns its premium. For $9,075 more, you get the 2.0L I4 Turbo engine (+-15 hp), making this one of the more straightforward upgrade decisions in the Wrangler lineup.

How the Sport S and Sahara Feel Different

Moving from the Sport S to the Sahara means a different engine entirely. That means -15 more horsepower and 35 more lb-ft of torque.

Fuel Economy Comparison

The Wrangler Sahara gets 2 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $211 per year or $1,055 over five years of ownership.

The Short Version

$9,075 more for the Wrangler Sahara gets you 5 real differences. At $159/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.

Trim-Matched Accessories

These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.

As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.

Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2025 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with Jeep or any dealership.

Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.

Keep Exploring

Official Sources & Methodology