Most old-school Jeep drivers believe that you can only maximize performance through hardware: air intake systems, radiators, and exhaust systems – you name it. However, in 2020, the built-in computer systems can have a great effect on motor efficiency. For example, with the Best Tuners and Programmers Jeep owners can calibrate the speedometer, change the axle ratio settings, cooling fan settings, and more.
In this post, you’ll find nine top-of-the-line tuners from leading brands. They all have their pros, cons, and fit different Jeep models. So, go ahead, and take a good look. Use the comparison tables to quickly check out each product and then read my verdicts to have a better understanding of what each tuner/programmer has to offer. Oh, and don’t forget about the Buyer’s Guide – it will help you get the best bang for your buck!
1. Superchips 3571 Tuner
Looking for an affordable, yet capable tuner to improve your Jeep’s performance? The Superchips 3571 might be exactly what the doc ordered, making it the best tuner for Jeep JK and JKU. It includes all the necessary cables and even packs a detailed user manual. With it, you’ll make sense of all the buttons and features in no time. My only complaint is about the user interface.
True, it’s very friendly and intuitive. But the sad part is – it can be slow at times, which is somewhat frustrating.
Superchips did an excellent job with this tuner. It fits a long list of Jeep vehicles, boasts a catchy old-school design, and comes with all the wires for connecting to your car’s computer system and powering up. It’s also quite an affordable purchase. The user interface could’ve been a bit faster, of course, but that’s not that big of a deal.
2. Superchips 42050 TrailDash 2 Tuner
This next Superchips tuner is a significant improvement over the “younger brother”. First of all, it has a high-resolution, five-inch touchscreen that makes it much easier to read the numbers and control the device. Secondly, thanks to the powerful core, TrailDash 2 is very quick to respond – you won’t have to wait long for it to complete its tasks.
On the downside, it’s a bit too crowded and might be slightly intimidating to drivers that are new to these kinds of devices. But, you’ll get used to it in no time. The package includes a well-made mount: it’s quite sturdy and easy to “stick” to the dashboard. Last, but not least, this tuner is compatible with a long list of Jeep models, including Grand Cherokee, JK, and TJ.
The TrailDash 2 tuner packs a long list of calibration and optimization features, along with a quick-to-respond user interface. Add a mount, compatibility with a long list of Jeeps, and a fair price tag and you’ll see why it’s so popular.
3. DiabloSport 9345-R12 Reaper Trinity 2 Programmer
This is a performance boost kit, not just a tuner. Along with a five-inch-screen programmer, you’ll also get a decent cold air intake. Together, they’ll significantly improve your Jeep’s horsepower, torque, acceleration, and uphill performance. The whole thing comes packed in a stylish box. The air intake system is powder-coated and reusable.
Now, the price-tag isn’t particularly cheap. On the other hand, since you get two accessories instead of one, the price is actually quite fair.
Jeep owners in the market for a “performance combo”, as DiabloSport puts, it, will probably like what this company has to offer. It was specifically designed to maximize engine performance and does, indeed, improve fuel efficiency and drivability. The price may be a big turn-off for most regular drivers, though.
Best Tuners and Programmers for Jeep JK and JKU (Updated April, 2024)
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Superchips 3571 Tuner |
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2) Superchips 42050 TrailDash 2 Tuner |
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3) DiabloSport 9345-R12 Reaper Trinity 2 |
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1. Superchips 42050 TRAILDASH Tuner
Most potential customers put ease of use first. They want a tuner that can be linked with the Jeep computer systems quickly and power up. Well, that’s exactly what this Superchips programmer does. On top of that, it has a sleek, slim design with a five-inch screen that looks almost like an iPad. Thanks to the advanced hardware, it’s compatible with a wide range of vehicles (including the most popular Jeeps).
However, I was expecting the list of features to be bigger. For example, with this tuner, you won’t get s TMPS (Tire-Pressure Monitoring System). Cooling fan off/on temp settings aren’t available either.
Trail Dash is a sure pick if you put usability and flexibility first. It can connect to a pretty big list of Jeeps (and other brands as well) and looks good in any environment. The slim-case five-inch touchscreen is easy to operate and feels good in one’s hands. The list of features is a bit limited, though.
2. DiabloSport Predator 7410
In contrast to the previous tuner, this one is not at all fancy. You’ll only get a 2.8-inch screen. It’s not even a touchscreen – the programmer is to be controlled using old-school buttons. Luckily, navigation is easy, and you won’t have a hard time scrolling through the available settings. The feature set is even smaller than with the Trail Dash, but it’s updateable through the internet.
The simple plug-and-play design is a big pro. One more thing: the construction quality is well above average, and the device won’t break even if you drop it (don’t do that, though). Sturdiness has always been one of this company’s biggest selling points.
Durable, easy to navigate, and quick to connect to your Jeep – that’s what Predator 7410 is all about. It is not the most impressive option in terms of the features, but for some basic calibration and diagnostic, it’ll do just fine.
3. Superchips 3874 Tuner
If you’re in the market for one of those can’t-go-wrong-with programmers, 3874 might be a good investment. The engineers made the user interface incredibly friendly and straightforward. You’ll be able to get some instant improvement right from the start. The affordable price tag is even more reason to consider it over the competition.
The screen, however, isn’t very big, which can be a problem for some folks. But, if you’re good with 2.8 inches, this Superchips tuner definitely deserves a spot on the must-have list. The feature set, in turn, is quite decent and includes all the important settings/calibrations.
This isn’t a particularly fancy tuner. It’s kinda small, limited, and doesn’t have a touchscreen. As for the pros, you’ll get quick improvement, a no-hassle type of user interface, and a low-budget price.
Best Tuners and Programmers for Jeep Wrangler TJ and Grand Cherokee (Updated April, 2024)
TJ is one of those born-ready off-roading monsters that can conquer the roughest terrain. Grand Cherokee is an even better choice for driving through mud, dirt, snow, and everything else in between. With that said, both Jeeps will greatly benefit from a tuner. I recommend running regular diagnostics and using all the other features/tools to maximize performance and get more HP, torque, and acceleration.
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
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Editor’s Choice
1) Superchips 42050 TRAILDASH Tuner |
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2) DiabloSport Predator 7410 |
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3) Superchips 3874 Tuner |
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1. Superchips 3571-JL Tuner
To make this device appealing to a large customer base, Superchips tried to find the perfect balance of price and quality. It was designed, tested, and made in the United States, which means it will serve you for a very long time.
On the downside, it’s not a plug-and-play device.
To make it work, you’ll need EMC replacement (or swap). This is a rather regular procedure for modern-day programmers. You can send it to Superchips and let them handle everything, of course, but that’ll cost a lot.
If you’re looking for a safe bet, this could be it. The 3876 tuner greatly improves ride quality and control, both on and off the road. The price is a bit of a turn-off, as is the need for EMC replacement. But, the overall value is very high.
2. Superchips 42051-JL/JT TrailDash2
For monitoring your Jeep’s computer system and managing it to your liking, TrailDash 2 might be a good investment. It is highly functional and includes several top-of-the-line features. Fully EAS-compatible, it is very easy to plug, power, and enjoy. More good news: even if you don’t have any experience with these types of devices, the built-in presets will be more than enough for starters.
It’s not particularly cheap, but the long list features (especially the ones that optimize off-road performance) makes it worth the while.
Superchips took the TrailDash tuner to the next level with the second edition. It is faster, more feature-packed, and, overall, a decent choice for managing/monitoring your Gladiator or Wrangler.
3. Z Automotive Tazer JL/JT Programmer
Compared to the other tuners that we reviewed today, this one’s rather unique. For off-roading, it can be one of your best investments. Z Automotive supplied it with a generous set of features and presets. Advanced functionality is one of the biggest reasons to choose it over the competition. Above everything else, Tazer is also an affordable purchase.
It does, sadly, have compatibility issues. For example, if you’re running the SiriusXM Guardian system, this tuner might turn off some of its features. The company officials claim they know about this problem and are fixing it.
If not for the compatibility issues with some systems, the Tazer tuner could’ve been a bargain. It boasts an advanced feature set, superb off-road-friendly options, and a low price.
Best Tuners and Programmers for Jeep JL and Gladiator JT (Updated April, 2024)
The JL SUV and the Gladiator pickup truck are some of the latest Jeep offerings. Introduced in 2017 and 2019, they’re capable of handling whatever you throw their way. And with a top-notch tuner, considered as the best tuner for Jeep Gladiator, these monsters will be even more effective when climbing mountains and pushing through piles of mud. Compared to the legendary (and older) Jeeps, they have a lot more electronic parts that programmers can work with.
| Product | Product Information | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|
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Editor’s Choice
1) Superchips 3571-JL Tuner |
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2) Superchips 42051-JL/JT TrailDash2 |
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3) Z Automotive Tazer JL/JT Programmer |
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Buyer’s Guide
Now that we’re done with my best-of-the-best lists, let us talk a bit about the key elements of a good tuner for Jeep. There are literally hundreds of devices available on the market, and unless you know what to look for, chances are, you’ll end up with the wrong product. Don’t worry: I’m not going to get “nerdy” on you, but rather describe the most important aspects that you’ll need to consider when shopping for a brand-new programmer. Here they are.
The Display
Admit it: the screen is the first thing you look at when checking out tuners. Well, it is, indeed, important to find a device that has a big, high-resolution screen. Without one, it will be much harder to switch between the available options and features. For most drivers, a five-inch screen is a golden standard. Some hand-held tuners have smaller displays, of course, but, they compensate that with incredible precision and resolution.
The Extras
First things first, without a proper power supply, your programmer will have a hard time staying operational. The best tuners can be connected directly to your Jeep with an HDMI cable. They can also be charged from any vehicle’s battery while connected through that cable. Also, make sure to check the package. While most leading brands provide all the necessary wires, and even pods and mounts, others aren’t nearly as generous.
The Price-Tag
Finding the perfect balance of price and quality is the #1 task when shopping for any Jeep accessory. That’s exactly what I did for the sake of this review. The good news is – there are more than enough worthy tuners that perform flawlessly and won’t cost a fortune. To make sure you’re making the right choice, always check the specs. If the tuner has all the important features and comes from a trusted brand, then it will be a good purchase.
The Feature Set
The standard set of features/options is usually the same. Most tuners can re-calibrate the axle, the speedometer, and run a full diagnostic. If you need something fancier like lots of performance tests, an expandable accessory system, and a sleek touchscreen, you’ll have to pay more. But, if you’re on a tight budget and need a reliable programmer, there are more than enough suitable options available.
Conclusion
And that’s pretty much everything I wanted to discuss with you today! As I already mentioned, each tuner has its own strong sides and weak sides. Plus, they all fit different Jeep vehicles. So, don’t commit to any device unless you’re 100% sure it’s the right pick. To make the right choice, use the Buyer’s Guide – it can be of great help. Overall, tuners/programmers will be a worthy investment for your money.
They are very easy to use, don’t require any pro-grade skills, and can, indeed, improve your Jeep’s efficiency. Plus, when treated properly, these devices will serve you for decades and help stay one step ahead of any potential problems with the engine or the electronics. So, get yourself a tuner and plug it in – your four-wheeled friend will, most certainly, appreciate it!
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