One of the advantages of having a Jeep Wrangler as your vehicle is its ability to be customized easily. One of the customizations you can make is deciding what kind of top you will use as a roof cover for your vehicle.
You have two options when it comes to the Jeep top: soft top and hard top. But what is the difference between a Jeep hard top vs soft top? This article will show various points of comparison that will help Jeep owners to choose the right top for their Jeep Wrangler.
| Point of Difference | Hard Top | Soft Top |
| Durability | Sturdy materials for enhancing security | Generally less durable and secure |
| Security | Excellent Protection Against Elements | Advancement in Security Mechanisms |
| Versatility | Better Noise Reduction | Less Noise Reduction |
| Open Air Experience | Limited | Easy convertible for Open Air Driving |
| Off-road Performance | Affects Center of Gravity | Lightness Improved Maneuverability |
| Maintenance and Repairs | Less Maintenance | Frequent Maintenance |
| Installation and Removal | Time-Consuming | Quick and Easy |
| Storage and Cargo Space | Additional Storage | Lesser Storage |
Table of Contents
Durability and Security
When it comes to durability, hardtops are clearly the more durable option between the two. They are built solidly and are able to withstand significant damage compared to the soft top. Hard tops provide a solid cover against harsh conditions and potential break-ins, which makes them suitable for year-round usage.
On the other hand, soft tops are less durable and secure compared to soft tops. Their fabric construction makes them susceptible to wear and tear and is more accessible for thieves to breach than hardtops. However, recent locking mechanisms and materials advancements have improved their ability to secure the vehicle.
Versatility and Open-air Experience
When it comes to versatility and open-air experience, the soft top is an excellent choice. Soft tops are known for their lightness, which means they are easy to remove if you want an open-air driving experience. You can easily change your Jeep from being covered to an open ride if you want to.
On the other hand, hard tops are best used if you want your vehicle to be more quiet and comfortable. It provides a much better quiet environment and can easily control the overall climate inside the Jeep, which is suitable for long trip rides. However, removing the hard top is much more complicated compared to the soft top.
Off-Road Performance
You can also compare soft tops and hard tops with their off-road performance. Since hard tops are heavier, they can significantly affect the vehicle’s center of gravity. Its weight can affect your vehicle’s off-road performance, especially on challenging terrains. But hard tops are designed so as not to bring a significant impact on the overall driving experience.
On the other hand, the lightness of the soft top brings so much advantage when it comes to off-road performance. Soft tops significantly improve the maneuverability and articulation of the vehicle, which means it is easier to drive in challenging terrains.
Maintenance and Repairs
With the way it is built, a hard top requires less maintenance than a soft top. Since they are less prone to wear and tear and less resistant to fading and scratches, they require less maintenance than soft tops.
With soft tops, you will need to keep them in excellent condition, so you will spend more time cleaning and maintaining them. They are also susceptible to wear and tear, requiring frequent cleaning and protective treatment to prolong their lifespan.
Installation and Removal
When it comes to installing and removing these two roof covers for your Jeep Wrangler, soft tops are easier to install and remove than hard tops. Soft tops are designed to have a much easier installation and removal process. Most of today’s designs are built to be installed or removed by one person only.
On the other hand, hard tops are much harder to install and remove from your Jeep Wrangler. You will need specialized tools and the help of other people to get the job done. So, if you frequently remove your roof covering, hard tops can be a challenge.
Storage and Cargo Space
You can also compare the two by the amount of storage and cargo space they provide when installed in your vehicle. If you use hard tops in your vehicle, you will have the luxury of additional storage space. Some hard tops come with built-in racks or rails, giving extra cargo space.
With soft tops, it will have lesser storage when installed in your Jeep Wrangler. The only advantage when using this roof cover is they are foldable and collapsible, which means it offers easy access to the entire cargo area of your vehicle. So it is much easier for you to load or unload bulky items from your vehicle.
Conclusion
This article shows the difference between Jeep hard top vs soft top. The choice between the two roof covering of your Jeep Wrangler boils down to your personal preference and needs as a driver. There are upsides and downsides to using these two Jeep tops, but regardless of your choice, these two can make your ride comfortable and easy on the road.