Overview
I purchased a new Jeep Wrangler JLU with the Xtreme Recon package in 2021 and have now driven it 30,000 miles. My goal here is to share my experience with the vehicle for anyone who may be considering this same vehicle and highlight some of the reasons why I think it's a great option.
Why Did I Choose The Xtreme Recon?
My previous vehicle had been a 2017 Wrangler JKU Hard Rock edition on 35-inch tires with a midrange 3.5-inch lift from JKS Manufacturing. It was our first Jeep and was a capable vehicle without a doubt. We could go and do essentially everything we wanted to with it. There are significantly more capable builds out there, but for a typical trail at or below the black (difficult) level, it was a near-perfect setup.
Unfortunately, that vehicle was in an accident in the fall of 2021 and we were put in the position of needing to find a new vehicle. We had explored enough in the Jeep that we knew the types and difficulty of trails and terrain we preferred and had realized that in most situations our vehicle had been overbuilt.
The Xtreme Recon package had just been released for the first time about a month earlier, and orders had yet to start showing up at dealerships. I knew I would be looking at the Rubicon trim no matter what, but the new package grabbed my attention quickly after scanning through the included items. The price for the package at the time was approximately $4,500 and as I looked at even just the cost of aftermarket wheels and tires alone it quickly covered most of that amount. Throwing in the 1.5-inch lift, 4.56 gear ratio, heavy-duty axle housing, improved brakes, and additional accessories it seemed like a no-brainer. I would have preferred a slightly more capable lift, but I'll get into that a bit more later.
Having yet to see one in person, but being more than convinced by the value proposition of the package, I pulled the trigger, placed the order, and waited a few long months to pick it up from the dealer just before the end of the year.
Unfortunately, that vehicle was in an accident in the fall of 2021 and we were put in the position of needing to find a new vehicle. We had explored enough in the Jeep that we knew the types and difficulty of trails and terrain we preferred and had realized that in most situations our vehicle had been overbuilt.
The Xtreme Recon package had just been released for the first time about a month earlier, and orders had yet to start showing up at dealerships. I knew I would be looking at the Rubicon trim no matter what, but the new package grabbed my attention quickly after scanning through the included items. The price for the package at the time was approximately $4,500 and as I looked at even just the cost of aftermarket wheels and tires alone it quickly covered most of that amount. Throwing in the 1.5-inch lift, 4.56 gear ratio, heavy-duty axle housing, improved brakes, and additional accessories it seemed like a no-brainer. I would have preferred a slightly more capable lift, but I'll get into that a bit more later.
Having yet to see one in person, but being more than convinced by the value proposition of the package, I pulled the trigger, placed the order, and waited a few long months to pick it up from the dealer just before the end of the year.
My Observations
Suspension & Drivetrain
From day one I've been impressed with the ride quality and capabilities of this Jeep. The Jeep rides well on the road (including the highway/interstate). It feels stable, and the steering responds well compared to the experience in my JK. Off-road, it handles green, blue, and some black trails comfortably, and considering it’s a factory vehicle I find that impressive. The 4.56 gear ratio works well with the 3.6L engine and the 35-inch tires, and it provides responsive acceleration on the road and a felt improvement in crawl ability on trails.
There are situations where I find the 1.5-inch lift configuration to be suboptimal, and I would certainly like to have more flex out of the suspension. That said, it has yet to be a limiting factor in getting where I've wanted to go.
Tires
The 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires included in the package have held up well over 30,000 miles and performed well so far. They grip sufficiently well on trails and don’t make much noise on the road, which for our brand of travel is a fair compromise compared to a mud terrain. One complaint I have about the tread design is that it tends to pick up rocks, which then often fly out and impact the fenders & body, but that's a minor criticism.
There are situations where I find the 1.5-inch lift configuration to be suboptimal, and I would certainly like to have more flex out of the suspension. That said, it has yet to be a limiting factor in getting where I've wanted to go.
Tires
The 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires included in the package have held up well over 30,000 miles and performed well so far. They grip sufficiently well on trails and don’t make much noise on the road, which for our brand of travel is a fair compromise compared to a mud terrain. One complaint I have about the tread design is that it tends to pick up rocks, which then often fly out and impact the fenders & body, but that's a minor criticism.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy has consistently been about 16.5 MPG on average since new. In town, mileage ranges from 15 to 16 MPG. On the highway, I typically see 20-22 MPG at 65 mph, with mileage dropping quickly to around 15 MPG at 75 mph. Given the combination of gear ratio, tire size, and the natural brick shape of the vehicle, I've found this to be acceptable (if not positive).
Maintenance
Maintenance
The Xtreme Recon has been reliable. I haven’t had any unplanned maintenance over 30,000 miles. It has performed consistently well, with no issues that needed special attention.
What Would I Change?
Overall I'm happy with this vehicle, but I'm also considering a few upgrades after 30,000 miles in the stock configuration:
- 2.5-inch lift to add increased travel and better handle more weight (tent/camping/gear/etc) without sagging.
- 37-inch tires for increased clearance and performance off-road.
These changes will build on what the Xtreme Recon already offers, and provide an even more capable platform for adventuring.
The Final Verdict?
As stated above, the Xtreme Recon package includes several important upgrades including:
- 35-inch tires
- Beadlock-capable wheels
- Stronger axle housings
- Improved brakes
- 1.5-inch lift
- 4.56 gear ratio
- Tailgate reinforcement
To add these modifications in the aftermarket would cost over $10,000 with parts and labor. For the sub $5k price Jeep is advertising for the Xtreme Recon package, it's a steal of a deal if you want a generally capable Jeep with factory support.
If you plan to heavily modify your Jeep immediately after purchase, this package might not provide you with enough benefits to warrant the cost. But if you want a well-rounded, reliable build, I think it's one of the highest-value options you can find for the price.
