Rockford Fosgate Jeep Sound Systems: 1,800 Watts of Audio Glory
Hands-on review of two new Rockford Fosgate Jeep sound systems that replace/improve every speaker in 4-Door JL Wranglers and JT Gladiators!
Strolling through the SEMA Show 2023 earlier this week, I stumbled upon the Rockford Fosgate (RF) booth moments after company reps debuted two new Jeep sound systems, the 18WRNGLR-STG5 and 20GLADR-STG5. Made for 4-door JL 2018-2023 Wranglers and all 2020-plus JT Gladiators, respectively, these new all-in-one systems boast 1,800 watts of total system power and include two subwoofers, front and overhead coaxial speakers, front tweeters, and two pre-tuned amplifiers. Both systems are also “built to stand up to Water, Dirt, Mud, and UV Rays” so you don’t have to worry about keeping your top on.
Or at least your Jeep doesn’t.
The idea here is relatively unique in the sense that Rockford Fosgate reps at SEMA described the system as being “locked.” In other words, you buy this one plug-and-play kit and deliver your Jeep to a qualified installer. That person then follows RF’s video instructions but does no additional tuning and calibration.
Everything is preset, including the digital audio processing, and specifically designed for these two Jeeps.
Pricing & Installation
Both systems retail for $5,500 plus applicable taxes and installation. (Which is a lot, but there’s also a lot of gear here, so make of it what you will.) According to RF reps on hand, the book time for installation should be about six to eight hours since every speaker in the Jeep gets replaced, plus extra wiring. (Although RF reps believe it can be done quicker by those who know “all the Jeep tricks.”) Here are a few notes worth considering:
- These kits work on Jeeps with either the base or premium/amplified OEM system
- The Bass control knob gets placed into the 12V outlet in the center console.
- The 12V outlet then gets relocated to the glove box.
- In automatics, this is the only hole that will need to be drilled.
- In manuals, there is an extra hole needed in the firewall.
- The kit works with Wrangler 392 but requires some fabrication of a mounting bracket in the engine bay.
- The kit will NOT work with the 4Xe Hybrid because of its battery placement and additional OEM wiring.
- The Gladiator kit features dual 10-inch subwoofers placed under the rear seat
- The Wrangler kit features dual 12-inch subwoofers that are placed over/behind the rear wheels where the factory systems, if equipped, place a subwoofer and amplifier
- If the calibration software is unlocked, it can never locked (and I belive this voids the warranty).
JK-Forum’s First-Listen Impressions
Before joining the Editorial Team that oversees JK-Forum, I ran a home theater enthusiast website where, during my tenure, I spent a lot of time reviewing home theater as well as commercial cinema sound systems. I’m passionate about high-quality audio. But cars and SUVs are inherently flawed venues thanks to all the steel, plastic, and glass surfaces. As such, even the best OEM systems are often flawed and underpowered, even if they sound generally okay.
In that context, these pricy new Rockford Fostgate Jeep systems are a revelation, combining earthquake-caliber bass, outstanding stereo and surround-like imaging, and screaming clarity.
LFE Turned Up to 11
Great low-end, in my opinion, delivers hard hits without sounding stressed; it almost becomes, for lack of a better word, creamy in the way it rolls in and out of tones and moves big air. Rockford Fosgates reps were keen to demonstrate their systems’ pounding bass tones with a variety of thudding tracks (sorry I don’t recall their names). Both the Wrangler and Gladiator systems deliver (almost) concussive levels of low-end without the sensation that the Jeep is vibrating itself a part.
You can hear these systems outside, sure. But there’s no unwanted buzzing or NVH.
The Gladiator system, in particular, delivers a literal butt-shaking experience with its under-seat dual 10-inch subs. In fact, I’d argue the Gladiator system has a slight edge because the listening environment is more compact. But Wrangler owners won’t be disappointed with their dual 12-inchers.
Clarity & Imaging
The overhead sound bar also delivers wonderful tone and clarity, with decent low end and excellent midrange. Perhaps most interesting is the way the bar delivers a great stereo experience for rear-seat passengers, but acts more like surround sound for the driver and front passenger.
This surround-sound-style imaging is among the best I’ve heard in a vehicle, placing the front-seat listeners into the center of the recording environment without sounding processed.
A Little Too Bright?
The front speakers deliver excellent higher frequencies that, to my ears at least, can sound a little bright for my personal tastes, but also wonderfully clear. RF reps said they’ve decided to lock all-in-one systems because, in the past, customers (or their installers) were unable to properly calibrate their personal vehicles to sound as good as RF’s demo systems. In that sense, a closed or locked system means Rockford Fosgate can guarantee every customer system will sound just the way RF tuned them. Still, while jamming to Fleetwood Mac at extreme volumes, I personally would have wanted a touch less treble.
Admittedly, that’s my subjective taste, so it is what it is.
Regardless, these systems both deliver propulsive, accurate audio rendering, at quiet and ear-splitting volumes, that is immersive and high quality. I hope they expand their line of all-in-one systems to more vehicles.
2018-2023 Jeep Wrangler 18WRNGLR-STG5 Features
- Fits 4-Door JL Only
- (2) 1” Dash Tweeters + Bezel
- (2) 6.5” Front Speakers + Enclosures
- (2) 6.5” Overhead Speakers + Enclosure
- (2) 12” Subwoofers + Enclosure
- (1) DSP + Jeep Specific Tune
- (1) 800 WaM Amp + Jeep Specific Tune
- (1) 1000 WaM Amp + Jeep Specific Tune
- (1) Bass Level Control + Custom Knob
- (1) Complete Wiring Kit
- (1) 12V RelocaEon Kit
- (1) Rockford Fosgate Duck
2020+ Jeep Gladiator 20GLADR-STG5 Features
- Fits all JT models
- (2) 1” Dash Tweeters + Bezel
- (2) 6.5” Front Speakers + Enclosures
- (2) 6.5” Overhead Speakers + Enclosure
- (2) 10” Subwoofers + Enclosure
- (1) DSP + Jeep Specific Tune
- (1) 800 WaM Amp + Jeep Specific Tune
- (1) 1000 WaM Amp + Jeep Specific Tune
- (1) Bass Level Control + Custom Knob
- (1) Complete Wiring Kit
- (1) 12V RelocaEon Kit
- (1) Jack RelocaEon Kit
- (1) Rockford Fosgate Duck
Price & Availability
Get your ears and wallets ready. Both the 18WRNGLR-STG5 and 20GLADR-STG5 will retail for $5,500 and start shipping to authorized Rockford Fosgate dealers in “early December.”
Photos: Michael Palmer
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