Top 9 Best Jeep Soft Tops For Jeep Wrangler JK, TJ, JL & YJ (2020 Reviews)

Looking for the best Jeep soft tops for your Jeep Wrangler with premium features, durability, and at a reasonable price? Check out the 9 best options here!

Have you just bought a Jeep Wrangler and now finding an accessory to custom? Want to enjoy the fresh air while cruising around? Getting bored of your Jeep hard top and thinking of soft tops? Or you’ve already had a soft top, but it tears, causing you to buy a new one? If you find yourself in the above situations, then this article is dedicated to you. 

However, so many different market variations make choosing the best Jeep soft tops a real challenge. That’s why we’re here with a vast list of the top recommendations and a buying guide. After going through many brands, feedbacks, and weighing their features, we have chosen the top 9 for all budgets and styles. So without any further ado, let’s get into it!

Top 9 Best Jeep Soft Tops For Jeep Wrangler & Others 2020 Reviews

#1 Best Overall: Pavement Ends 51197-35 

• Fitting: 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler
• Size: 2-door

The Pavement Ends 51197-35 replacement kit includes the soft top fabric, side and rear windows, and upper door skins. No hardware was added, so you have to use your factory hardware for fitting. 

The most prominent feature of this product is the automotive-grade fabric. It’s fade-resistant, designed with DOT-approved 31% tinted vinyl side and rear windows. This material isn’t the most durable but still harsh weather-resistant enough, especially under the sun’s UV rays. 

Weighing only 20 lbs, the Pavement Ends 51197-35 is one of our list’s lightest soft tops. It is also equipped with heavy-duty plastic side zippers that make the zipping process more smooth. It is backed by a one-year warranty, which is typical. 

Pros

• Reasonable price
• UV-resistant automotive-grade fabric
• Lightweight 
• Jam-resistant zippers

Cons

• Requires factory bows, frames, and tailgate bar for installation

#2 Best High-end: Bestop 5472335 Supertop NX

• Fitting: 2007-2018 Wrangler JK Unlimited
• Size: 4-door

This product comes in a complete replay kit with main fabric piece, tinted rear and side windows, door surrounds, frame (bows), tailgate bar, and mounts. The windows are equipped with scoop-counted side-out zippers, while the roof can be folded down to sunrider mode, letting the freSunriderght shine through your vehicle.

Other innovative features are the Top Arch bar and the quick-release bow knuckles. The Top Arch bars prevent the fabric from wrinkles and water puddling. Plus, the adjustable bow system keeps the material taut and provides knuckles for the quick-release string.

Besides, the Bestop Supertop NX weighs approximately 67 lbs and is covered with a two-year limited warranty. 

Pros

• Sturdy material & durability
• Installation hardware included
• Convenient fold-back sunroof
• Easy removal without tools
• Long warranty

Cons

• High-cost
• Heavy compared to other competitions

#3 Best Budget: Sierra Offroad TJ 2003-06 Factory Style Soft Top

• Fitting: 2003-2006 TJ
• Size: 2-door

If you are looking for the cheapest Jeep soft top, then this is a great option. You will get a functional top that meets your demand, with only under $200. 

All parts of this replacement kit are made of one bolt of material to provide color and grain matching. The two-ply waterproof black diamond roof piece is durable enough for regular use. Its edges are heat-sealed to avoid leakage, and its surface is UV-resistant. 

The Sierra Offroad Soft Top also features DOT-approved windows.  These windows come with over-sized heavy-duty zippers that are self-adjusted to offer a smoother holding and zipping experience.

However, like many other low-budget soft tops on the market, this product doesn’t include installation hardware.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Low-cost
• Heavy-duty self-correcting zippers
• Anti-leak and UV-resistant

Cons

• Does not include hardware 
• Does not fit Unlimited model

#4 Best Extra Function:  Bestop 56853-17 Black Twill Trektop 

• Fitting: 2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited
• Size: 4-door

The Bestop Black Twill Trektop kit includes one main top, OE-style door surrounds, tinted and removable windows, integrated header, and tailgate bar. The tailgate bar helps you open it without hassle. The patented factory-exact door surrounds enable fast installation and easy operation. 

Moreover, this model features angled styling, zipperless technology, and the original sun rider flip-back panel. The sunrider design allows you to open the top from inside your Jeep and its panel also has a mesh pocket to store small items while driving. The hybrid zipperless design makes the removal of window panels quicker.

Besides, the fitting and tension are improved thanks to the Bestop F.I.T. System (Fabric Install & Tensioning System) created for 4-door models.

Pros

• Durable & Solid built
• Multi-color
• Kit includes installation hardware
• Zipperless technology for easy removal
• Sunrider rooftop
• Brandnew Bestop F.I.T. System

Cons

• Heavy 
• Costly 

#5 Best Frameless: Pavement Ends 56840-35 Frameless Sprint Top

• Fitting: 1997-2006 Jeep Wrangler
• Size: 2-door

The Pavement Ends frameless soft top has a lightweight and features a slant-back design with a flip-back sunroof. This feature is suitable for people who want compact, budget-friendly modern products. 

The diamond-patterned fabric provides protection against UV rays, color fading, and even stains. The removable windows are 18% tinted and heat-sealed to keep the interior away from hot and humid temperatures. 

Pavement Ends also equips rigid rear crossbar at the back edge of the fabric top deck for a tighter fit and more stable structure. Moreover, when purchasing this package, you will get a three-year limited warranty. 

Pros

• Features sunroof rider
• Super lightweight
• Includes rear crossbar for a tight fit
• YKK scoop-counted zippers
• 100% heat-sealed window
• Long warranty

Cons

• Original factory hardware is required.

#6 Rampage Products 99835 Factory Replacement Soft Top

• Fitting: 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited
• Size: 2-door

If you worry about storage because your garage is on the small side, consider buying this product. The Rampage Products 99835 model is the lightest framed top among our top 9 best Jeep soft tops today with over 10 lbs weight, and also comes in small dimensions of 30 x 9 x 9 inches. 

It’s compact yet still durable and well built. The marine-grade fabric is waterproof and color fade-resistant. The wick-stop thread seals stitch holes to keep the material away from damps. The limited warranty period lasts for one year, so it’s still okay if any problem arises.

The tinted side and rear windows are removable. They do zip out with self-correcting zippers to make your road trip more convenient and smooth.

Pros

• Super lightweight
• Fade-resistant marine grade fabric
• Wick-stop thread repels moisture
• Includes self-correcting zippers

Cons

• Original soft top hardware is required.

#7 Smittybilt 9970235 Black Diamond OE Style Replacement Top

• Fitting: Wrangler TJ, YJ, and JK
• Size: 2-door

This Jeep soft top has heat sealed seams and wick-stop threads that prevent leakage, which means air/water from outside cannot come in, and cold air inside the vehicle cannot leak out. The multi-layer, vinyl-coated marine-grade fabric brings a robust look, density, and good durability to the soft top.

The windows are made from DOT-approved tinted glass so that they can minimize the amount of hot sunlight breaking through. These rear windows can also zip out quickly with nylon zippers to cool down the car’s temperature. 

One drawback of this Smittybilt soft top is that the fabric and zippers sometimes create rattling noise. But in our opinion, this doesn’t really matter since the noise isn’t annoying that much and you also have a one-year warranty.

Pros

• Affordable 
• Fits original factory OE hardware
• Marine-grade vinyl coated fabric for longlasting use
• Anti-leakage
• Self-correcting zippers
• Windows zip out for full ventilation

Cons

• Rattling noise
• No sunrider

#8 Rampage Products 99835 Factory Replacement Sailcloth Soft Top

• Fitting: 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK Unlimited
• Size: 4-door

This replacement kit is primarily made for the 2007-2010 Wranglers JK Unlimited. Although this model’s market segment is relatively narrow, it offers a wide range of great features that make you feel happy when you realize your Jeep fits it.  

The side windows and rear window can zip out; all are made from DOT compliant glass. The marine-grade zippers and heat-sealed seams prevent the interior from environmental and temperature elements. 

The material, sailcloth fabric, is also fade-resistant and soundproof. You will get an Exclusive three-year limited warranty when purchasing this item, not to mention the price is really reasonable compared to the average cost of 4-door models. 

Pros

• Quiet operation
• DOT-approved tinted windows
• Weatherproof heat-sealed seams 
• Exclusive long warranty 
• Lightweight

Cons

• Sailcloth fabric is less sturdy than other materials.

#9 Bestop Trektop NX Glide Convertible Soft Top 

• Fitting: 2007-2018 Wrangler JK 
• Size: 2-door

The Bestop 5492235 Trektop NX replacement kit comes with a set of one fabric top, window panels, and bows. With this package, you can do the installation all by yourself with no specific tools. 

The 5492235 Trektop NX model is one of the recommendations that provide sunrider. Just open up the flip-back panel above passenger seats and enjoy cruising. 

This model is not only styling but also convenient to use. It has a fast-back design that adds a more modern vibe to your Jeep’s superb look. The side windows and rear window are zipperless, letting you slide them comfortably. Besides, there are internal mesh pockets with zippers attached to the Sunrider panel for convenient storage. 

But please keep in mind that this black diamond soft top is quite heavy, just like many thick, solid fabric out there. Also, the price is relatively high compared to other 2-door options on this list. 

Pros

• Multi-color
• Zipperless panels 
• Fast-back design 
• Offers Sunrider

Cons

• High price for 2-door models
• Heavy 

How To Choose Best Jeep Soft Tops

Now that you know our top 9 best Jeep soft tops and may be overwhelmed by the sheer number and variety of Jeep Wrangler soft tops available nowadays. A bunch of features and price ranges doesn’t separate themselves good or bad. It’s all depends on your preferences.  

In this section, we will show you some characteristics you should pay attention to when searching to buy a soft top. Keep reading our buying guide down below, and hopefully, it will help you take your pick from the choices you’ve got. 

1. Material 

High-quality materials usually go with premium look and durability. Of course, better materials cost more than the rest, so it depends on how much the material matter to you. 

The materials most commonly used to make soft tops are sailcloth and twill. Black diamond and denim fabric are also viable options. We recommend you go for thick texture, good waterproof, and good craftwork for the best quality. Thus, black twill is the most excellent option. But if you don’t tend to use your soft top regularly, choosing other materials is still functional and durable enough.  

2. Different structures

You also need to consider which type of soft tops fit your vehicle: a framed top or a frameless top. 

A typical framed soft top usually comes with an aluminum skeleton that works as a sturdy base for the cloth. Thus, it requires more space to store. This is a traditional, heavier design but reliable and longlasting. 

On the other hand, frameless soft tops use rails attached to the Jeep’s roll cage to keep the fabric firmly. This structure is less stable but more compact and more accessible to store than framed ones.  

As far as we know, frameless soft tops are quite popular these days thanks to lower prices and modern looks.

3. Durability 

Durable products that last for years always make you feel investment-worthy. No one wants a product that must be taken special care to prevent it from breaking down. 

In fact, many people who have to re-purchase their soft tops get tired of the quickly faded fabric, wear, and tear. You should consider buying solid-built soft tops from top brands, store the tops in the right way, and don’t let the short lifespan bother you anymore.

4. Ease of use

It’s a vital characteristic that the soft top you want to buy is user-friendly. Otherwise, you will soon be struggled with installing, washing, and storing it. 

First, check your Jeep model to ensure the top’s model is integrated with your vehicle. You can read fitting recommendations to find some models that fit your Jeep. If you’ve already had one in mind, then read the manufacturer’s description to find out. Also, pay attention to the framework, windows, and half doors, then compare with that of your vehicle. 

Second, check if you can install/remove the top by yourself. In case you need another hand, be sure that it’s still not a hassle. An easy assembly or removal should take you in a matter of minutes. This feature might become the most essential requirement in the rainy season when you need to take the soft top off and then put it on very often. 

Last but not least, you will need an easy-to-store soft top because, as we mentioned above, there’re many times you have to remove the top. Hence, finding a proper place to tuck it in is essential. If this really bothers you, we recommend checking some easily foldable ones out or at least some that are packed away effortlessly. Remember, lousy storage can damage the fabric gradually. 

5. Price

So you went through all of the features above and realize that you should buy a longlasting, functional top made of high-quality material with premium craftmanship from top brands. It seems like this soft top isn’t going to be budget-friendly. Well, contrary to what you might think, the price range of soft tops on the market is quite diverse. You have a lot of great options that are under $300. 

What we want to say is that you need to consider other features to find a perfect balance in price and quality, which meets your demand and preference, not just one of them.

FAQs

1. Why do I need to buy a Jeep soft top? 

If you think that adding a top to your Jeep is just for decoration, you need to think twice. Yes, it is an accessory for your vehicle, which comes in various colorways and silhouettes, but what it does is more than just that.

With a soft top, you will have better coverage and protection of the Jeep’s interior. A soft top works as a shield to prevent the material (plastic, vinyl, metal) and paint inside from being worn out and damaged naturally by some environment elements such as dust, rain, or strong sunlight. Moreover, covering your car with a top can decrease the chance it will be broken into. For more security, you can carefully lock the zippers of the soft top. 

2. Should I buy a hard or soft top? 

Their names speak it all. Hardtops are heavy and bulky, while soft tops are lighter and less bulky. So our answer to this question is: it depends.

Jeeps have quite an “open” design, so if you live in a cold area or often drive there, hard tops might be the right option. But in a typical climate, when you want to feel the fresh air on the road or suddenly rain come down, soft tops can be put on/ taken off faster. 

Overall, soft tops can’t compare to hardtops in terms of sturdiness, soundproof, waterproof, and durability owing to their fabric nature. On the other hand, hard tops can’t beat soft tops at convenience, compact structure, and price.

3. How to clean a Jeep soft top? 

You can buy a cleaner kit from the same manufacturer of the top; it’s the most proper way to clean specific soft tops. If you don’t want to buy these kinds of products, you can try to wash the top yourself. It’s like washing your car: use soap and then rinse the top with water. Be gentle and do not use petroleum, alcohol, or ammonia-based detergents for cleansing because it will scratch the fabric and leave stains on its surface.

4. How long does a soft top last? 

Under normal conditions and proper preservation, a soft top’s lifespan is about three to five years. This time can be longer or shorter, depending on how you take care of your top and the typical driving conditions. 

Conclusion

Chilling on a road trip while letting the sun shines over your shoulder and the fresh breeze goes through your hair is what you can imagine about when owning a Jeep. To help you make this happens, we delivered the list of 9 best Jeep soft tops to make your cruising experience more enjoyable. 

From our perspective, each has its own perks, but the Pavement Ends 51197-35 is the best pick in terms of functionality, durability, and affordability. 

Before we wrap up, let’s take a look over a small summary for today’s topic. If you have any questions, please leave a comment down below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.

Bonus: Bestop Supertop NX for Jeep Wrangler 

source https://automotivegearz.com/best-jeep-soft-top/