6 Best Jeep Hood Latches In 2022 – Best Rated

A hood latch is small yet an important part of any vehicle that locks the hood in place and reduces the flattering and shuttering. It is a key component of any jeep or off-road vehicle as solid support for the hood is required for a smooth and secure experience on rough roads. Due to continuous exposure to the outdoor environment and impact energy, a hood latch has a limited lifespan and you need to replace it after that.

Hundreds of jeep hood latch kits are available on the market but it’s not a good idea to pick an option randomly. You need to focus on the compatibility, quality, and performance of the latch while making a purchase. To help you choose the best jeep hood latch, we have reviewed the six best options.

Best Jeep Hood Latches Overview

6 Best Jeep Hood Latches

1. Rugged Ridge 11210.17 Hood Catch Kit – Best For Jeep JK & TJ

The rugged Ridge Hood Catch system combines durability and functionality making it the best jeep hood latch. It takes pride in aluminum and stainless steel hardware and promises a durable performance for many years to come. This hood latch is designed to fit with Jeep Wrangler JK 2-door and 4-door models. This is a complete kit that includes all the necessary hardware that you need to complete the installation.

Since it is made with complete compatibility in mind, it offers a direct mount onto the factory holes. The direct-fit ensures a solid and stable performance that locks the hood tightly in place. It reduces the trembling giving you a stable and secure experience in the rough off-roading conditions. With a reinforced design, rust-proof features, and added strength, this is a solid upgrade to the original hood latches of the jeep.

For effortless installation, it includes everything that you need. The kit comes with an instruction manual and if you follow the instructions it will not take you more than 10 minutes to bring everything down. The only limitation of this unit is the addition of cheap plastic lab and rubber bumpers. These parts appear flimsy and may not outlast the other parts of the latch.

With solid aluminum-steel hardware and effortless installation, this is undoubtedly the best jeep jk hood latch by the Rugged Ridge. The hood latch is designed with the needs of the series off-roading application in mind and significantly reduces the hood twitching and fluttering.

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2. RT-TCZ Original JL Hood Latches

RT-RCZ Hood latch is designed to fit with Jeep Wrangler JL 2007-2017 and is one of the most reliable options you can find in the market. It fits with 2-door and 4-door jeep wrangler models and covers a wide array of applications. What makes this latch hood perfect for serious and most demanding applications is its construction.

It features ABS plastic and die-cast electroplated stainless steel construction. It stands the test of time and even in the roughest outdoor conditions, it holds the hood in place and reduces the trembling. Also, it can resist extreme heat and scratches giving you the best value for money. Moreover, I loved the unique appearance and style of the hood latch.

This jet black latch with an aggressive design gives a more sporty and energetic feel. Ease of installation is another thing that impressed me a lot. The hood latch comes with all the necessary installation hardware. Plus, it features a direct mount onto the pre-existing hood latch space.

No additional drilling and screwing is required and even a new driver can replace it with maximum ease and comfort. The biggest issue with this hood latch is that it cannot resist fading and rusting. Although it claims to be rust-resistant, it is highly prone to corrosion when exposed to salt and water. The unit is backed by a 30-day full refund policy, making it a safe investment.

RT-TCZ original hood latch is a perfect option for anyone who is looking for solid support for tough environments. It is a wider and more comprehensive option than the original one and is a perfect way to upgrade your Jeep Wrangler for a convenient and secure experience.

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3. JeCar Steel Hood Latches For Jeep Wrangler

JeCar Steel Hood latch for jeep wrangler is among the most advanced options on the market. This hood latch kit comes with a wide compatibility band. It replaces the original latch of the Jeep Wrangler JK & JL 2007-2021 models. Also, it is a perfect aftermarket replacement for the Unlimited Rubicon Sahara X Off Road Sport.

In terms of quality, it stands among the most durable options on the market. It comes with industrial-grade stainless steel material with an e-coating for added strength and durability. Plus its professional garden assembly makes it a power structure as a whole. You can expect it to perform in the most demanding situations. It uses dedicated metal screws and corrosion-resistant coating for a longer lifespan.

It also features a unique and trendy look that complements your off-roading vehicles. What we found a little annoying is the subpar locking feature. The locking mechanism is not as smooth as expected. It uses a low-quality locking pin which is a serious disappointment considering the build quality and advanced compatibility of the system.

JeCar steel hood latch for jeeps with a trendy design and strong holding mechanism is the best jeep hood latch you can buy in 2022. With seamless compatibility and availability of all the installation gear, it offers effortless installation and doesn’t take more than 20 minutes to get everything in place.

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4. Routen Stainless Steel Hood Latchese

Next on our list is a reliable locking hood latch for Jeep Wrangler JK 2007-2017 by Routen. This aftermarket hood latch is designed to give you the same fit and security as you get from the original models. It offers a secure fit with all the compatible models and promises a trouble-free experience on all terrain types. The latch features an off-road-inspired design that combines the best-in-class construction with a more aggressive and trendy look.

The hardware is constructed with e-coated stainless steel material. With impressive impact resistance and rust resistance properties, it promises a long-term performance. It fights well against scratches and corrosion and maintains a decent performance in challenging outdoor conditions. The kit is designed to fit on the factory mounts and I loved how easy it was to install.

It doesn’t require modification or drilling and directly replaces the original system. Also, the package includes all the required hardware for a ready-to-go experience. The only issue that we noticed with this hood catch latch system is its locking mechanism. The locking hardware is not as smooth as expected. In the start, it feels a little cumbersome but once you get used to it, the problem goes away on its own.

This Hood latch kit by Route is among the most reliable and functional options you can find on the market. Other than a slight issue with locking, we loved its performance in the most demanding terrain and it is highly recommended if you are a serious off-roader.

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5. Xprite Aluminum Hood Latches Catch Kit

Xprite aftermarket accessories for jeep and off-roading vehicles are known for their impressive price-performance ratios. The next option on the list is the Xprite aluminum hood latch catch kit. This is an affordable option that doesn’t compromise quality and performance giving you a secure and stable experience even in the most demanding conditions. This latch kit features industrial-grade construction and assembly.

It uses premium-grade aluminum alloy and stainless steel to make the sturdiest latch hardware ever. This powerful mechanism ensures rugged performance and holds the hood well for minimum flattering and trembling. It ensures a smooth and secure ride on the bumpy and uneven road making it the perfect off-roading partner. This hood latch by Xprite covers a wide range of applications and it easily fits with Jeep Wrangler JK and JL 2-door and 4-door models.

The jeep latch is designed to fit the factory mount but unfortunately, it doesn’t offer straightforward installation. The biggest issue that we faced was that it lacked the well-drilled and properly machined holes and Allens. It requires a little modification prior to installation and you may need a professional service to get the job done. With a perfect and secure fit, it offers the best-in-class locking mechanism and secures your vehicle from all the outside threats.

Xprite Hood Latch kit combines solid performance with durable hardware making it the best jeep hood latch. Although it is an affordable option, it doesn’t compromise quality and I loved its performance on the most taxing terrains and roads.

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6. Hydraker Hood Latch Lock Catches

The final option on the list is Hydaraker Hood Locks and catch lock. This system is designed to fit Jeep Wrangler 2007-2018 JK and JKU models. This 1-piece system combines the functionality, perfect fit, and smooth locking feature making it the best hood lock for the jeep. It features a professional-grade assembly and premium-grade build quality for maximum strength and durability.

It is made with billet aluminum and e-coated stainless steel material. It offers impressive heat and impact resistance for long-term performance. The high-strength structure significantly reduces the trembling and shattering ensuring a safe ride. Unfortunately, no rust-resistant coating is added to this unit. It is highly prone to rusting leading to a shorter lifespan.

Also, it has a strong locking system. It ensures the security of your vehicle. Unlike other aftermarket systems, the lock is pretty smooth and I didn’t face any issue with this part. For the effortless installation of the unit, it comes with all the necessary hardware. You may need a little modification since many users reported incompatibility issues with the tread pattern on the bolts.

Hydraker Hood latch kit combines a high-strength structure with a highly functional design making it the best jeep hood latch. It has a wide compatibility band and with a reliable locking mechanism, it ensures the vehicle’s safety in all conditions.

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Buying Guide Best Jeep Hood Latches

You may find multiple hood latch kits on the market, but choosing the one with the perfect fit and compatibility will ensure a reliable and long-term experience. To help you make well-informed decisions I’ve composed this guide. This guide covers all the key essentials and features that you must consider while buying a new hood latch for the jeep.

Build Quality

A durable construction should be on top of your priority list while buying a new hood latch for the jeep. A hood latch is directly subjected to the high impact energy as you go off the road and only a durable structure can withstand the test of time. Also, it is directly exposed to the environment and is highly prone to rust, scratching, and fading. It is advised to look for rugged and rust-resistant construction.

Aluminum and stainless steel are the finest material choices for hood latches. These materials are known for their toughness and durability and offer a steadfast performance on rough and bumpy roads. Plus you should focus on the rust-resistant coatings for added durability. The hood latches also include some plastic parts like lab and bumpers. ABS plastic construction is preferred for its superior feel and impact-resistant properties.

Ease Of Installation

It is advised to buy the hood latches kits that offer straightforward installation. Advanced kits include all the necessary hardware and direct fit to the factory mount without additional drilling and modification.

Fit And Performance

The performance of the latch kit largely depends on how well it is fitted to the system. You can’t pick a hood latch randomly from the market. To get a perfect fit you must look for a system that is fully compatible with the jeep you own. A fully compatible aftermarket latch kit provides you with the same secure fit that you get for the original system.

FAQs

Why Do Jeeps Have Hood Latches?

The Hood latch is a safety component that is crucial for off-road vehicles and jeeps. It prevents the hood from bouncing and shattering in the rough off-roading condition and ensures the driver’s and windscreens’ safety.

Are Jeep Hoods Locked?

Yes, jeep hoods are locked by the locking mechanisms present in the hood latch kit. The factory hood latches may not have a locking system, but all advanced aftermarket kits include well-secured locking mechanisms.

Do JL Hood Latches Work On JK?

Yes, almost all hood latches made for JL jeep models will also fit the JK models. The factory mounts for the hood latch in JL and JK models are the same and therefore hood latches designed for JL will also work for JK.

Wrapping Up

From the above discussion, we can safely conclude that build quality and compatibility are two crucial features that one must consider to get the best jeep hood latch. All the options reviewed above are tested for compatibility, quality, and performance to help you make a safe investment. Our top three picks from the list are:

• Rugged Ridge 11210.17 Hood Catch Kit for smooth locking feature, premium aluminum construction, and effortless installation.
• JeCar Steel Hood Latches for Jeep Wrangler for unrivaled fit, durable construction, and impressive performance in challenging off-road conditions.
• Xprite Aluminum Hood Latches Catch Kit for an affordable price, wide compatibility band, and durable construction.

While buying aftermarket accessories, it is advised to look for a well-trusted and reliable brand. Many brands like Rugged Ridge, JeCar, and Xprite have earned a good brand name value in manufacturing aftermarket jeep accessories.