To help you buy only the very best exhaust system for your Jeep Wrangler JK, and so you can get maximum performance, improved efficiency, and get that deep throaty sound out of your JK, we’ve compiled this top 5 list.
The Jeep JK Wrangler has been and continues to be one of the most popular 4X4s available. And the aftermarket is endless! From led tail lights, lift kits, and everything in between, you’ll always have good ways to customize your JK.
Best Exhaust System for Jeep Wrangler JK
| Rank | Image | Product | Material | Technology |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  | MagnaFlow 15160 Large Stainless Steel Exhaust System | Stainless Steel | Straight through mufflers. Mandrel bent tubing. |
| #2 |  | DynoMax 39528 Stainless Steel Exhaust System | Stainless Steel | Super Turbo System |
| #3 |  | Corsa 24412 Dual Exit Cat-back Exhaust System | Stainless Steel | Patented No Drone, Reflective Sound Cancellation (RSC) Technology |
| #4 |  | Gibson 17303 Split Rear Dual Exhaust System | Aluminized Muffler, Stainless Tips | Non Specified |
| #5 |  | DynoMax 39510 Super Turbo Exhaust System | Stainless Steel | Patented flow director design |
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
#1 – MagnaFlow 15160 Large Stainless Steel Exhaust System – Winner: Best Exhaust System for the Jeep Wrangler JK
MagnaFlow’s offering comes in the form of one of the coolest-looking exhaust systems on the market. The Jeep Wrangler JK comes with stock exhaust with a single steel exhaust tip. MagnaFlow’s 15160 exhaust switches that out for a twin exhaust option, made out of stainless steel and finished in a high-temperature satin black coating. The exhaust both looks mean and puts out an impressive sound.
MagnaFlow makes use of the latest technology and premium components to build the products that have made them a market leader. They have over 30 years of experience in the automotive industry, and they apply that experience with their team to achieve their philosophy of quality, power, and sound.
MagnaFlow’s history includes a connection to Car Sound Exhaust and continues to manufacture catalytic converters to this day. MagnaFlow instead chose to focus on the rest of the airflow system, from input kits to exhaust systems and mufflers; they sell it all. They’ve managed to secure their place in the market by putting a focus on quality. They’re ISO-9001 certified and have a strong focus on testing their products, ensuring they can stand behind their products’ lifetime warranties.
Exhaust kits aren’t all about looks and sounds, though. MagnaFlow advertises the 15160 to increase your Jeep’s horsepower and torque. Their facilities just north of San Diego include a flow bench and two dynamometers to support their statements.
The product’s stainless steel pipes are 2.5” in diameter and are formed in special jigs making use of mandrels to ensure the inside of the pipes remain smooth and undamaged during bending. The tips expand to a 4” diameter and have an angled double-wall style to them. The exhaust system also features a straight-through flow design to maximize airflow and provide the wide-open performance you expect. Under casual driving conditions, one can also expect improved fuel economy.
While it seems like the installation of the kit is fairly straightforward, many drivers have commented on some struggles getting the stock exhaust off. Still able to do it by yourself, expect to put in a bit of effort. MagnaFlow has sold a surprising number of these products, which is great as it allows us to get a good feel from customers. And what customers say is that this is the best exhaust kit out there.
The most prevailing complaint, though, relates to the sound. For some, it didn’t match their expectations, while others complained about the drone at cruising speeds, a not uncommon result when replacing an exhaust system. A few people also noted that one exhaust tip sticks out further than the other when initially installed. This can be adjusted to get alignment better.
Still, the vast majority of customers are thrilled with their purchase. The design looks good and provides verified performance boosts. It is the second most expensive product on our list, but for the satin black coating alone, we’d be fine to pay the extra money. We’re happy to go with customers here and rank the MagnaFlow 15160 as the best exhaust system for the Jeep Wrangler JK.
#2 – DynoMax 39528 Stainless Steel Exhaust System for Jeep Wrangler JK
From dark to shiny, the Dynomax 39528’s polished stainless steel exhaust tips will make your Wrangler stand out anywhere. DynoMax decided to take the same approach as MagnaFlow, offering a twin exhaust to spruce up the look of your car’s rear end.
DynoMax is one of the leading suppliers of high-performance exhaust kits with the widest selection. They actually offer six different products for the Wrangler JK alone. They also pride themselves on their drone-free performance mufflers.
The performance exhaust in question is formed from 2.5” mandrel-bent stainless steel tubing, with the aforementioned polished tips expanding to a 3” diameter. Assembly is fairly straightforward with only two mounting hooks. But it may take a bit longer as the tips come loose, having to be attached with rather large hose clamps.
The muffler supplied is a DynoMax UltraFlo polished muffler assembly. The muffler design makes use of exclusive patented flow director practices to provide exhaust flow channels that eliminate turbulence. Likewise, the large internal flow tubes reduce backpressure. The muffler includes fiberglass matting technology to absorb unwanted noise while providing the performance notes you desire.
DynoMax is so sure you’ll like the sound of their exhaust kits that they offer a 90-day sound guarantee, meaning if you don’t like it, you can return the product for a full refund. If you make it past 90 days, you’ll still be covered by the product’s lifetime warranty.
When we consider feedback from customers, one can be assured of a good product. Firstly, of the five products on our list, this product and the other Dynomax offering the 39510 are the two cheapest products, and by a long way. This helps with ratings, as it gives a product different expectations.
Regardless of expectations, though, the product does well. The sound is one of its defining aspects, and although some customers noted a drone in low gears after installation, this appeared to fade with time. Otherwise, a slight performance boost rounds off the product’s highlights.
#3 – Corsa 24412 Dual Exit Cat-back Exhaust System for Jeep Wrangler JK
Corsa’s premiere technology is its patented Reflective Sound Cancellation technology. It’s what got them started and what they continue to define themselves on. The goal of the technology is to ensure a drone-free exhaust sound. All their products are further designed to increase engine performance and deliver an appealing sound.
Corsa offers three different levels of sound. The Corsa 24412 falls into the middle category, sport. A sports sound is characterized by a high-performance sound with a distinct rumble at idle, with aggressive notes while accelerating. It is their most popular sound level.
The Corsa 24412 is very similar in design to the previously discussed DynoMax product, with the same piping structure, and separate exhaust tips to be mounted. The tips in question are polished stainless steel, rolled 3.5” tips.
The full kit is specified to produce an additional 7 horsepower and 5 lb-ft of torque from a potentially increased flow rate of 44%. The kit is also slightly lighter than the stock exhaust system and manufactured entirely out of stainless steel, provided with a 10-year warranty.
Corsa has a strong history in the aftermarket scene. It’s their passion to deliver the best driving experience, and they make use of advanced engineering technologies to help create their products, aiming to lead the market. It is with concern then that we see the product has the lowest customer feedback rating.
Taking a closer look, though, one customer received a faulty unit that they returned but didn’t replace, and another has complained about receiving the wrong product. None of which speak ill of the performance of the product. Take comfort then that even including this feedback, the Corsa 24412 received two positive ratings for every negative rating it was given.
And the positive ratings are far more convincing, with a string of customers thrilled with their purchase. Between the slightly controversial customer feedback and the extremely high price (60% more than the next most expensive unit), the Corsa receives our third-place prize for the best exhaust system for the Jeep Wrangler JK.
#4 – Gibson 17303 Split Rear Dual Exhaust System for Jeep Wrangler JK
Gibson performance exhausts have a slightly different background to most other aftermarket parts manufacturers. They started out working on motorhomes. Tired of the poor performance of his motorhome, Ron and his wife Julie set out to have the best exhaust system designed.
From there, friends with sport trucks and 4x4s requested Gibson’s assistance in developing products for them. Now they’re the number one manufacturer of street-legal, high-performance exhaust systems. The main goal for their products is to deliver more performance per dollar than any other system. Other benefits would include an expanded power band, a cooler-running engine, and a system that would not impact engine life.
The 17303 makes use of the now common twin tip design. It features 2.5” aluminized mandrel bent tubing terminating with a dual 3.5” polished stainless steel tip. They have around slash-cut design and clamp onto the exhaust. The muffler design is baffled and chambered with no internal packing. The sound output is aggressive but ensures minimal interior drone.
Gibson offers another 6 products for the Jeep Wrangler JK, including the identical product in a fully stainless steel getup, but at an additional $150 cost. The 17303 offers all you need though by providing more power in the idle to 3,000 RPM range. It is designed to enhance low and mid-range performance, specifically for climbing and towing. Installation is simple and can be performed at home.
From a price perspective, the Gibson 17303 competes with our top-ranked MagnaFlow. They’ve also managed significant sales of this product and predominantly positive customer feedback. There is a combination of reviews regarding the sound, most people like it, but there are a number of people saying they don’t like it. There’s also a customer complaining that this exhaust system, in conjunction with a cold air intake, results in a loss of power and that Gibson is aware of this issue. If you have a cold air intake and are interested in buying the Gibson exhaust, we recommend giving them a call to find out if this is still a problem.
#5 – DynoMax 39510 Super Turbo Exhaust System
A second DynoMax product, the 39510, has a similar design but lacks the polished stainless steel cover of the 39528. It also has twin exhaust tips that have a slightly different and smaller design. It is the cheapest product on our list, though, and this has made it one of the most popular products from a purchasing perspective.
The 39510 makes use of a DynoMax Super Turbo muffler, which in their own words provides pure unadulterated power. Their patented flow director design channels exhaust gases better and reduce turbulence. The same as in their other product.
The biggest concern people have about this product is that it seems to rust fairly quickly, especially for those driving in areas where salt is used on the roads. That alone may make it worth the $50 to upgrade to their other offering. Otherwise, most new customers are happy with the purchase, and its resulting sound and performance improvements.
Reasons to Replace Your Exhaust System
When it comes to the world of large displacement V6 engines, most people aren’t too concerned about their gas mileage. Instead, people are looking to make some performance gains, and it’s one of the main reasons people choose to install an aftermarket cat-back exhaust system.
But that’s not all it’s capable of doing, stock exhaust systems are usually hidden and unimpressive to behold, whereas replacement parts add a strong visual element to any car. Coupled with an improved sound, many people get more from their replacement kits than they initially expected.
All of that is not to say that you can’t expect some gas savings as well. It all depends on how you decide to drive your newly configured vehicle.
Conclusion
With the Jeep Wrangler JK has been on the market for so long, it seems like every manufacturer offers multiple products in the aftermarket exhaust arena. After having a look at the most popular ones, we’re still happy with our initial choice of the MagnaFlow 15160. It looks good, sounds good, and delivers on MagnaFlow’s performance and quality guidelines, worthy of the title of best exhaust system for the Jeep Wrangler JK.
Images: Carsbase, Amazon
