The best Jeep JK fenders add a layer of protection from the damage off-roaders know all too well, but they also add a touch of style to your Jeep.
The Jeep Wrangler JK (2007-2018) is an outstanding off-road vehicle, which means the aftermarket is loaded with parts and accessories to make it even better. Keeping your Wrangler better protected is one way to ensure it will look great for years to come. One way to do that is with a set of Jeep Wrangler aftermarket fenders.
To help you get started, we’ve done the research and found the best Jeep JK fenders available and put them all in one place.
Table of contents
- 1. Editor's Choice: Smittybilt XRC Armor Front Fenders
- 2. Best Kit: u-Box Inner Fender Liners & Front and Rear Steel Fenders
- 3. Best Styled Fenders: OEDRO Upgraded Fender Flares
- 4. Best Tube Fenders: Hooke Road Tubular Tube Fender Flares
- 5. Best Budget Kit: YITAMOTOR Steel Front and Rear Fender Flares
1. Editor's Choice: Smittybilt XRC Armor Front Fenders
When it comes to Jeep accessories, Smittybilt is usually the first company that comes to mind. That theory holds true when it comes to Jeep JK Fenders. Specificialy, the XRC Armor front fenders from Smittybilt might just be our favorites.
These are some of the best JK aftermarket fenders that have been engineered to offer the added protection and clearance off-roaders need when tackling the nastiest obstacles. The XRC Armor front fenders are powder coated in Smittybilt’s two-stage finish and each section is designed to be a complete bolt-on with stainless steel fasteners. They also come with an inner fender liner designed to keep mud, snow and other trail debris out of the engine compartment and wheel wells.
It is worth noting that some drilling is required to install the Smittybilt XRC Armor front fenders, but with the added protection you get (not to mention an eye-catching look), it seems like a small price to pay.
2. Best Kit: u-Box Inner Fender Liners & Front and Rear Steel Fenders
This u-Box Inner Fender Combo is designed specifically to fit Jeep JK Wranglers. In this six-piece kit, you get two Wrangler JK front inner fender liners, two front fenders, and two rear fenders.
If you are interested in enhancing your Wrangler’s appearance and appeal, this is certainly a kit you want to consider. What’s more, you can look forward to this kit helping to increase the clearance of your tires, offering optimal articulation of your suspension while keeping your Jeep safe from mud and debris.
The installation relies on a handy bolt-on design for the front fender, as well as the inner fender liners. The rear, however, will require some drilling during installation.
3. Best Styled Fenders: OEDRO Upgraded Fender Flares
You can look forward to a perfect fit thanks to the craftsmanship of these Jeep JK fenders from OEDRO. With this set, OEDRO includes four solid welded steel fenders that are designed to be compatible with Jeep Wrangler JK and JKU Unlimited models.
These aftermarket Jeep fenders are somewhat unique in that they allow you to detach their crimson decor so that you can redesign it based on your vehicle’s style. The build quality features welded carbon steel. The structure comes with an aggressive style that helps to show your lifted suspension and tires.
There is a tangent design on the surface, along with crimson decor that serves to make your Jeep look attractive and unique. This also helps to protect your wheel well from mud, rocks, dirt, and other debris, ensuring that your vehicle stays looking its best.
The additional powder-coated treatment ensures longevity in both the appearance and performance of your new Jeep JK fenders.
As for installation, this set of fenders requires no drilling or cutting of any kind. . In the package, you will receive two front fender flares, two rear fenders, a set of screws, and the instructions for installation.
4. Best Tube Fenders: Hooke Road Tubular Tube Fender Flares
Next on our list is this set of Jeep JK tube fenders. The tubular design of these fenders gives a unique look while also offering protectio from mud and other debris.
These fender flares are made using heavy duty stainless steel. What’s more, they are protected with a black powder coat finish that can be painted to match your vehicle. The bolt-on installation is a welcome addition that means assembly and installation is both quick and straightforward. There is some minor drilling required for the rear Jeep JK inner fenders, so you will need to provide your own power tools to complete the task.
The articulation of your suspension is pronounced thanks to the effects of these Jeep JK fenders, so if you’ve been wanting to give your suspension a makeover, this is a great way to do it.
5. Best Budget Kit: YITAMOTOR Steel Front and Rear Fender Flares
A more affordable option for Jeep JK Fenders is this kit from YITAMOTOR, which comes with both front and rear fender flares. According to the manufacturer, each fender is made of heavy-duty stainless steel that is powder coated to prevent rust and corrosion. In addition to giving your Jeep Wrangler JK a more rugged, off-road look, these fender flares are designed to protect your wheel wells from damage inflicted by mud, sand and other debris.
Installation does require some drilling, as is the case with most of the fender kits on our list. There is a danger to buying budget fender kits online, as we have seen many of them with complaints about poor fitment and missing parts. But we included the YITAMOTOR kit because the reviews from owners have been overwhelmingly positive.
Despite a price tag that is hundreds of dollars less than some options on this list, buyers have noted that these fenders don’t feel “cheap” and everything needed arrived in the box (not always the case with budget fender kits from other companies). If you are on a budget, but still want the protection fender flares provide, these aftermarket Jeep fenders are worth taking a look at.
Doesn’t my Jeep already have fenders on it?
Yes, your Jeep does come with fenders and for daily driving to the mall or grocery store, they’ll do you just fine. If you take your Jeep off-road, where it was intended to go, you can benefit from installing these fenders. Even more so if you modify your Jeep with any kind of lift kit and larger tires. This is because you potentially have more suspension articulation which could cause your larger tires to come into contact with your OE fenders. By installing some of the fenders mentioned in this list, you will eliminate this problem and give your Jeep a true off-road style.
How hard are these fender kits to install?
Some installation is as simple as taking off your stock fenders and replacing with the aftermarket. Most kits do require a bit of drilling, but honestly the installation is still pretty straight forward and simple.
Additional Resources
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Updated 9/9/2021: Updated product descriptions, added FAQ, added additional resources, ranked product options