Hardtop vs. Soft Top Jeep Wrangler (2024)

Deciding what kind of top you want is one of the central parts of designing your own Wrangler. Jeep is a brand known for its customizability, and this is especially true with their signature Wrangler model. There are advantages and disadvantages that come with each option, according to CJ Pony Parts, and you'll need to learn the most important before you can make a decision. Here are the essential hardtop vs soft top Jeep distinctions you need to know.

Advantages of a Hardtop

When you opt for a hardtop, you can enjoy several advantages to your driving experience. These advantages are as follows:

• Durability: Hardtops are clearly the more durable option. They're solid and can withstand significant damage that would normally tear through a soft top. That means they'll last longer overall, so you won't have to deal with as much maintenance.
• Insulation: Driving with a soft top in the winter can make it difficult to keep your Wrangler warm. A hardtop is naturally more insulating, so you can keep the chilly air out of the cabin. Similarly, the summer heat is less penetrative when you have a hardtop. The insulation also allows for a much quieter interior as you drive.
• Roof Rack: If you're looking for extra storage space, a hardtop is necessary for any roof rack add-on. Outdoor equipment like kayaks simply can't fit inside, so you'll need some way to carry them with your Wrangler. Other items you may need a roof rack for include bikes and tents.
• Security: Hardtops are also function well as a security feature. That means more protection for any valuables and items you store inside your Wrangler. Getting through a hardtop is a lot tougher than getting through a soft top.

Disadvantages of a Hardtop

While hardtops certainly have a lot to offer, there are a few disadvantages you should be aware of before committing. The following are the most important:

• Difficult to Remove: If you ever choose to change your roof type for any reason, getting a hardtop off can be a bit tricky. Typically, it's a two-person job given the sheer size of the roof. When it's time to put it back on, the process is even more difficult than the removal according to CJ Pony Parts, so be prepared for that if you plan on driving without a top during good weather.
• Costly to Replace: While a hardtop lasts longer than a soft top, it can be quite costly when it is eventually time to replace it. Keep that in mind if you plan to drive your Wrangler for a long time.
• Storage Requirements: If you decide to switch to a soft top or go with no top for a while, you'll need some place to store your hardtop. Soft tops can fold down, but hardtops are rigid and large.

Advantages of a Soft Top

Should you prefer a soft top for your Jeep Wrangler, there are several advantages you can enjoy. Here are the most important benefits to keep in mind:

• Versatility: Given the malleable nature of soft tops, they're intrinsically more versatile than their harder counterparts. They can easily be removed and then installed again making it easy to go without a top during those nice weather days without much effort.
• Easy Storage: A soft top can be folded and stored easily in small spaces. Hardtops can take up a lot of space in your garage, finding room to store a soft top is largely an afterthought.
• Convenience: Imagine you're taking advantage of the Wrangler's trail-rated off-roading capabilities with no top on the Jeep. You're connected to nature and enjoying the outdoors, but nature's darker side approaches overhead. With an incoming storm, you can easily put the soft top back on the Wrangler before the heavy rains hit, keeping you and the interior nice and dry.
• Affordability: If budget is your primary concern, the soft top is a clear choice. According to 4wd.com, soft tops can cost as little as $200, though the ones made from nicer materials will be more costly overall.

Disadvantages of a Soft Top

Soft tops can be a clear winner for many drivers, but they don't exactly fit everyone's needs. The following disadvantages can greatly influence your final decision when customizing your Wrangler:

• Easily Damaged: Off-roading in a Jeep can be an unforgettable experience. While the Jeep itself can handle virtually any challenge, a soft top isn't nearly as durable. Soft tops are going to need replacing far more often than hardtops if you want to keep your Wrangler in good condition.
• Winter Weakness: Driving in the winter with a soft top can leave you with a troubling driving experience, according to Extreme Terrain. Soft tops aren't very insulating, so the cold air can permeate throughout the interior cabin even with the heat on. Snow can also weigh down the top and even break it if enough gathers on top.
• Noisy: Given that soft tops aren't very insulated, you'll find the driving experience to be louder overall. The noise may be acceptable when off-roading, but that much cabin noise during an everyday commute can get irritating over time.
• Security Vulnerability: If a persistent thief sees something valuable in your Wrangler, they can easily get through a soft top even if they would've been deterred entirely by a hardtop. This can generally be thwarted by not leaving any valuable items out in plain sight, but a hardtop will always be more secure.

With these considerations in mind, you'll be better equipped to solve the hardtop vs. soft-top Jeep dilemma. It's likely that you'll end up switching back and forth between both given the season changes. Just remember to follow all the necessary safety practices, and be sure to employ a hoist/pulley system if you can to make the process easier.

Information and research in this article verified by ASE-certified Master Technician Duane Sayaloune of YourMechanic.com. For any feedback or correction requests please contact us at research@caranddriver.com.

Sources:

https://www.cjponyparts.com/resources/wrangler-hardtop-vs-soft-top

https://www.4wd.com/article/content.jsp?childEventId=Jeep-parts-jeep-tops

https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/wrangler

https://www.caranddriver.com/features/g30498424/car-emergency-kit/

https://www.extremeterrain.com/wrangler-jeep-consider-buying-soft-tops.html