Pros & Cons of Wrangler Hard Tops vs Soft Tops

Advantages of a Hard Top

Not only does having a hard top on your Jeep make a statement, but it's also more practical than a soft top in many cases. We cover some of the pros of a hard top below.

Insulation

First and foremost, hard tops offer a lot more insulation than soft tops. Since soft tops don't do a great job of keeping the outside air out, it's harder to heat up your Jeep Wrangler in the winter and cool it down in the summer – unless you take the top all the way off. Hard tops also have more accessory options for insulation as well, like the RedRock Hard Top Insulation Kit, which will take its insulation benefits even further. More insulation also leads to less road noise, so hard tops are perfect for commuters or long road trips.

Durability

Plan on taking your Jeep off-road through an area with a lot of low-hanging branches or tight trails? Unfortunately, low-hanging sticks, loose rocks, and other types of debris can wreak havoc on your soft top, especially if you’re not careful.

Security

With most hard tops, especially newer Jeeps, such as the JK Wranglers, it’s easier to lock up the vehicle and keep a few items inside. It’s less likely the vehicle will be broken into. Fortunately, hard tops are made with durable materials that can handle sticks, rocks, and other types of impact without tearing. The improved durability of the hard top will also protect you and any items you store in the Jeep.

Roof Racks

Hard tops for a Jeep Wrangler offer more flexibility for accessories like a roof rack. You can use a roof rack to store items on road trips, transport bikes, and sometimes they enhance the appearance of your Wrangler. Due to the support that a hard top offers, it's easy to add something like the Mopar Removable Roof Rack.

Disadvantages of a Jeep Wrangler Hard Top

Hard tops look great and come with a lot of benefits, but it's not always the right solution. Hard tops for your Wrangler also come with disadvantages.

Expensive

When your factory hard top wears down, you'll have to spend at least $1,000 for a new hard top, and even more if you want unique features. Luckily, you can get around the high price tag with open-box options, and at ExtremeTerrain we ensure that all open-box parts are thoroughly inspected.

A Hassle to Work With

Hard tops are bulky and hard to handle, especially if you’re taking the top off and putting it on yourself. It's heavy, hard to put on, and even difficult to store. If you don't have the garage space or patience to deal with a hard top, you might want to opt for a soft top instead. An alternative would be to choose a hard top that has two front panels you can remove. This makes it easier to remove the top and you can store the smaller panels on the trunk or in your garage.

Advantages of a Jeep Wrangler Soft Top

There's something about a Jeep that's sporting a soft top; they tend to look more rugged and off-road friendly, so we know why you love them. Not only will a soft top make your Jeep look cool, but it can help you turn any drive into an adventure.

More Options

With a Jeep Wrangler soft top, you have more options. You can choose factory-style tops, but plenty of extended tops for only the cabin are also available. Bikini tops and mesh tops will also function as a small shade that protects you from the sun while helping you maximize that outdoor feeling.

Affordability

Soft tops for a Jeep Wrangler are some of the most affordable accessories you can purchase. In fact, we carry mesh tops from brands like RedRock that cost less than $50. While it's a small top, if you only want a little protection from the sun, you can achieve that goal without breaking the bank.

Versatility

Soft tops are some of the most versatile you can find. Many of them have zippers you can use to remove them, along with different sections you can open or close. Putting them on your Jeep and taking them off is a breeze because they're lightweight. Plus, storing them is easier than storing a hard top because you can roll it up and toss it in the trunk without worrying about how much space it uses.

Disadvantages of a Jeep Wrangler Soft Top

Soft tops are a great choice because they're easy to work with, lightweight, and easy to get your hands on financially. Still, there are some disadvantages you have to consider before you install one or replace your old factory top.

Noisy

The biggest issue with a soft top is that it's noisy, especially if you’re going fast on a highway. Jeeps aren't the most aerodynamic vehicles, so you'll hear every gust of wind as it hits the top. If you’re using a mesh top or something that doesn't cover the entire cabin, you'll hear just about everything. Sure, this is cool when you’re hitting the trails, but it gets old fast when you're commuting to work.

Lacks Durability

Soft tops for a Jeep Wrangler lack durability compared to hard tops. Advances have been made to improve their durability, but it will never match that of a hard top. This durability can become a liability for your safety and the safety of the items you store in your cabin if someone tries to break in.

Choose the Right Top for Your Jeep Wrangler

At ExtremeTerrain, we make finding the right top for your Wrangler hassle-free. Our sales techs will point you in the right direction, and you can also filter by year, model, and engine type to see what tops are available. That said, we always recommend having both a hard top and a soft top to maximize the benefits and minimize the drawbacks each top has.