Last Updated on April 11, 2023 by Paul S.
Ready to update your front bumper on your Jeep Wrangler JL? Updating your bumper not only increases your Jeep’s capability off-roading but also looks amazing and gives your rig a fresh rugged look.
Your rig’s capability off-roading expands with a new steel bumper because they offer more pulling force using the recovery points, the ability to add more accessories, and better trail protection than your stock plastic bumper.
Not only are they tough but the minimal design allows for better maneuverability for your tires and less chance of getting stuck on approaches and rocks. Once you do this facelift on your Jeep, it starts to look more like an offroad vehicle than a grocery getter.
If you are in a rush and do not have the time for the complete article, then do not worry as we have provided our top front bumper the EAG Rock Crawler. This bumper made the top billing because of its great reviews, its mid-width design, and the price. It is also made by a company that makes a ton of other after-market parts for the industry and has great reviews on those as well.
If you are all in for the rest of the article, we are going to cover more of the top bumpers available on Amazon, why they are the top, and what to look for as you begin your search for your Jeep’s bumper aka steel mustache! Carry on below!
Table of Contents
Best Front Bumper For Jeep JL Reviews
EAG Front Bumper Rock Crawler
The Front Bumper by EAG is comprised of laser cut and welded 5/32-inch steel and powder coated for corrosion protection. The bumper has been cut to include holes that are ready for your stock fog lights.
It comes with a location for your winch that can handle up to 12,000 lbs and two shackle mounts are welded on the bumper from the inside/outside providing a strong weld. It also comes with two 4.75 ton D-ring shackles.
The bumper is a mid-width design, so it offers protection just past the grill but does not extend all the way to the width of the tires providing more space for your tires to do what it needs to do, get over those obstacles.
Many Amazon reviewers were impressed by the bumper. Many responded to mention the installation was easy as well. From various reviews, it appears installation took around 3 hours.
This fits the 2018-2022 Wrangler JL but you can also fit it into your 2020-2022 Gladiator JT. This bumper can also fit the Wrangler JK with the exception of the 2017 JK Rubicon Recon Model.
Cons
- Some reviews complained that the stock fog lights did not fit as mentioned but others had no issue so it could be certain models do not work or it’s user error!
Tyger Auto Fury Stubby Front Bumper
Tyger Auto’s stubby bumper is manufactured with 5mm or 13/64 inch carbon steel and powder coated black for protection against the elements. The bumper includes an integrated winch plate, welded D-ring mounts, a license plate bracket, and hardware for your stock fog light installation.
Remember that this is a stubby bumper, so it only covers the front grill and does not extend towards the tires. This is great for off-roading on difficult trails and allows the tires to articulate and flex.
Installation is made to be bolt-on with no drilling required. They have also provided a video for installation on the amazon page which is helpful and time-saving. For all US-based customers, there is a 5-year warranty on the bumper.
Cons
- Factory splash guard and skid plate must be removed for installation and cannot be reinstalled.
- Ratings are not provided by the manufacturer for the winch mount nor the d-rings but reviewers have stated that the shackle tabs are rated for 4.5 tons and that a winch rated at 10,000 lbs has been used with the bumper.
KYX Front Bumper
This bumper is comprised of 5/32 inch alloy steel and is powder-coated to keep it rust-free. It comes with an integrated winch plate that can hold a winch rated up to 12,000 lb and d-rings that are rated for 9,500 lbs.
There are pre-drilled holes to attach lights at the top of the bull bar but does not come with any pre-designed holes for fog lights.
This is a mid-width bumper that will provide protection just past the inside of the tires. In terms of style, it could be argued that this is more of a basic straightforward bumper.
There are many good reviews regarding the bumper and ease of installation. The bumper comes with instructions and installation pictures. It can only be installed on the Jeep Wrangler JL.
Cons
- Does not come with designed holes for stock fog lights.
- It’s a basic bumper but for the budget option on this list it can be argued that has good value. There are reviews of some slight rusting but again it’s the budget model. Top of the line bumpers can go for 4 to 5 times the amount of this one so some touch up paint can go along way for someone on a budget. Or if you are in a region that doesn’t see the rain, snow, and deicing agents it could be a great option.
EAG Full Width Front Bumper
This EAG model is a full width 5/32 inch steel bumper that extends to almost the width of your tires. It is built with alloy steel and texture powder coated black and directly bolts onto your Jeep Wrangler JL.
The bumper includes two D-ring mounts with two D-rings rated at 9,500 lbs and a winch plate that is capable of supporting a 12,000 lb rated winch. The winch on this bumper sits nestled into the bumper which provides a little protection for it. There are pre-machined holes that will work for your OE fog lights and it also has two tabs for the mounting of more lights.
On Amazon, there are many glowing reviews and at the time of this article, there were no really low reviews.
This bumper fits the 2018 to 2022 Wrangler JL and it fits the Gladiator JT if you are looking for that as well.
Cons
- This is the most expensive item on the list but with extra attention to detail around the winch and fog lights it is arguable justified.t is justified.
Jeep JL Front Bumper Comparison Table
| Weight (Lbs) | Type of Steel | Width | Compatible with OE Fog Light | Installation E-easy, H-hard, D-Difficult | |
| EAG Front Bumper Rock Crawler | 80.25 | Not Provided | Full | Yes | E |
| Tyger Auto Fury Stubby | 70.90 | Carbon | Stubby | Yes | E |
| KYX Front Bumper | 37.90 | Alloy | Mid | No | E |
| EAG Full Width Bumper | 92.48 | Alloy | Full | Yes | E |
What To Look For When Purchasing a Front Bumper
Powder Coating
Powder coating is a must for your after-market bumpers. It is a dry finish application that protects your bumper from UV rays to deicing agents. It is far more durable than any liquid paint can be.
Full Width vs Mid width vs Stubby Bumpers
These three options indicate the size of the bumper. Each size represents the protection they are going to offer your Jeep and their capability on the trail. Here is a quick rundown of each width.
Full Width Bumpers
- The full width bumper provides the most protection for your vehicle as it stretches from fender flare to fender flare.
- They can limit your rig’s ability on the trail in terms of approaching larger obstacles and tire flex/articulation.
Mid Width Bumpers
- Mid width bumpers provide protection for the grill and out towards the inside of the fender flares.
- This is a good in-between option as it provides great protection while not limiting your tires or tackling aggressive trails.
Stubby Bumpers
- These bumpers typically do not extend past the grill area of your Jeep. The protection is lacking for your tires, fenders and suspension area but it will be a lighter bumper.
- But with these small bumpers comes great adventures. This bumper offers less tire interference, less issues with difficult trails, and less material for things to get stuck on.
So, you can choose which style you like the best. If you only take your heavily moded Jeep off-road and tackle difficult trails and are not concerned with protection, then stubby bumper may be for you. If you tackle trails a lot while also commuting, then the mid-width may be best to get the best of both worlds. Then if you want full protection of your vehicle the full-width bumper is most likely best.
Price Difference Between These Bumpers And Higher End Bumpers
Some of these bumpers are on the lower end of the price range for steel after-market bumpers. Many of the higher end bumpers aren’t even carried by certain sites. The higher end bumpers could cost sometimes 4 to 5 times the amount. Expectations should be realistic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great looking rig while having more money to spend on other mods!
Conclusion
Now that you have chosen your bumper, get ready for more confidence on the trail while also having a rig that stands out! As you get into tough situations on the trail you will be able to rely on your recovery points and know that your steel bumper isn’t just going to rip off like a cheap piece of plastic.
After reading all the reviews, websites, and reviewing the specifications our top pick is the EAG Front Bumper Rock Crawler. Not only did it review well, but it’s a mid-width bumper that offers protection while also being great on the trail.