Bestop 5245417 Black Twill Sunrider for Hardtop 2018-Current Jeep Wrangler JL & Jeep Gladiator

Exceeds expectations! While the factory "Freedom" Panels work to give a great open air experience, unfortunately we've all learned the hard way that Freedom Panels are cumbersome, heavy, and awkward to use - making it a 'chore' to get the open air experience you want. The Bestop Sunrider Softop solves this problem - it's INCREDIBLY EASY AND CONVENIENT to use when you want to open the top and it's just as easy to close. Additionally the Sunrider is pretty easy to install as well - I did it myself in under an hour just watching a couple vids online. It fits great, looks awesome, is very functional, and does not leak. It's been everything I wanted and more. 100% I would recommend the Sunrider.

2nd UPDATE July 2022: replaced my 2018 green JL with a ‘22 4xE hybrid (also a JL) and was able to keep this Sunrider top for the new Jeep. It’s still working perfectly and STILL THE BEST accessory I’ve bought for my jeep hands down. Even three years later! UPDATE: NINE MONTHS LATER, it’s STILL my favorite accessory ever AND my freedom panels are still in storage. I have never even taken them out again. I flip my Sunrider top open almost every time I drive unless the weather absolutely will not cooperate. LOVE it and still super happy with the purchase. Original post: I absolutely adore this Sunrider top! I recently went from a 2012 Wrangler Sport JK with a soft top to this 2018 Rubicon Unlimited JL with a hardtop, and while I love the new Jeep overall, I was *not* a fan of messing with Freedom Panels to have the open-air experience. I was accustomed to putting the front section of my soft top back at stop lights (because it was so fast), and switching to the Freedom Panels on a hard top was no bueno for me. Enter the Bestop Sunrider top. I heard good things, and my bestie (who drives a 2018 Wrangler Sahara Unlimited JK) both decided to try it out. We tried hers first (same top but a different version that fits the JK, whereas this one I'm reviewing fits the JL). We put the Sunrider top on her Jeep without much trouble, and she loves it! Works great and probably would give it four stars of five, but only because (like other reviewers) we noticed a couple of the bolts could have been longer and would have made the install on that version a little easier. HOWEVER... this twill Sunrider top that fits the JL is another story entirely! This twill Sunrider top for the JL is completely AMAZING. My friend helped me install it, and she and I both had no experience doing anything like this other than putting a similar Sunrider top on her Jeep a week or two earlier. We installed the top in under a half-hour with NO problems, NO profanity (hahaha), and it fit *perfectly*. Every bolt/screw/part fit beautifully and installed easily. It fit so well and came together so easily I was *convinced* the trouble with it would show up either when I drove it or when I took it through the car wash, but I was definitely wrong! I feared bad road noise when it's closed, and I haven't noticed a difference at all (it's still a Jeep after all... not exactly the first choice if you're looking for a super quiet ride). It rides just fine when it's open as well (and perhaps I should use the velcro straps to tie back the top when it's open, but I *never* do and it seems fine). And at the car wash I was *certain* there would be some water getting through somewhere, but it hasn't let a single drop of water inside. It fit so well it's like a factory part instead of a third-party item. I have only had the Sunrider top on my Jeep for a few days now, but I can easily say it's my favorite accessory I've ever purchased. I love that I can quickly flip a couple of clamps and toss the front section back - even at a stoplight - and if it starts raining I can put the top back on just as quickly and easily. I love this Sunrider top so much I've opted not to store my freedom panels in my Jeep and have actually placed them in storage. I won't be needing them for a while. Or perhaps ever. Thanks, Bestop! You made my new Jeep fun. I'd give you six stars if I could!

As other people have said, wind noise does get better with time. Two person install is easy. Use is even easier. Had some reservations about the four seasons claims but I am pleasantly surprised. It has taken on single digit and now negative temps with flying colors. I can touch the roof and it barely feels cold. I still get it toasty inside with the fan at 3 and the temp at 79.

Precis: It's great, they updated it to get rid of the z-clip, it installs easily, and you'll love it. Excellent product. Full version: I'll keep this brief, because there are already tons of reviews for the Bestop Sunrider on multiple online sites. I bought one in July 2023 for my Jeep Wrangler JL. It works great, it looks great, and it seems well made. I can't really address durability, because it's brand new, but it appears to be made from the same high-quality plastic and fabric that Jeep uses and I think it will last. (I paid extra for the twill.) The installed product looks like it came from the factory. Key detail: they have revised the dreaded "z-hook" connection method to attach the tensioning cables during the installation. They replaced them with a loop (or "eye") and small threaded screws. The kit comes with Loctite to make sure the little screws don't come loose. It is very well thought-out, and I compliment Bestop for its continued attention to detail (and, presumably, customer feedback). I rated ease of install at 4 stars instead of 5, because the instructions are not entirely clear in some places. It is mostly a matter of terminology, I think. They obviously put effort into the instructions, but I don't think they're quite good enough. still, the actual install was straightforward if you're even slightly handy with a screwdriver. Anyone who would consider installing this top is capable of it. I did it solo, but if you're vertically-challenged you might want a partner, as the instructions suggest. That was longer than I intended. Great product. If you have the money, just buy it. You'll be happy.

really easy to install 45 minutes or less. Looks great and easy to operate while seated.

I’m honestly impressed. First off love this, best purchase. I went with the twill since vinyl isn’t known to withstand very well. It was super easy to install I followed the video and it was that easy. Overall I think 1 hour in total start to finish. Quality, it’s super durable and fits tight. As soon as it was installed I went right to the car wash. I didn’t want to wait weeks and get stuck with it if it couldn’t hold up. It did perfect in the car wash. No leaks! No moisture from the inside! Definitely heard the wind from the air blowing of the dryer it sounded loud but otherwise no issues and it dried almost immediately after coming out of the car wash. And I didn’t go anywhere fancy, we went to a regular car wash to see what it could really withstand. Genuinely happy with this purchase. Can’t wait to use it more! Super easy to open and close. There is a little bit of weight to it if you’re using one arm but it’s definitely doable and doesn’t slam down when you pull it forward. Great purchase, super happy! Strongly recommend if you’re looking for a replacement to the freedom panels.

The install was a bit of a pain. The instructions from Bestop are easy to follow, but one step in particular is a pain. There are alternate methods for install you can find on YouTube or from distributors like Quadratec, and I recommend using those instead. Pre-assemble this thing as much as possible OFF the Jeep, then place it with two people and finish. Keep an eye on your weather strips and door seals as you tighten everything up. I ended up using a little 3M tape to keep things where they should be because some of the factor seal was getting folded over and smashed up when the door closed (Top/front side windows. Once it’s on you have a great product that will do exactly what it claims- opening and closing the top can be done with one hand and from the comfort of either seat. If you’re short or have shoulder problems, you might have to kneel in the seat to operate it. Also, I ran this through the automated carwash and had no problems. I did ask the attendant if their machine was safe for it beforehand, and suggest you do the same.

Looks great and works well! I put it on myself, with only help lifting it up onto the roof. It did take a bit longer to assemble and install than I'd thot it would, but for a fairly handy 71 yr old woman, it went very well & I love the results! It lined up with the roofline very well and fits nice & snug. I haven't tested it yet for leakage yet, but the fabric looks very durable. I will update this review after it's first car wash or heavy rain. 👍