Episode Details

The Celebration Expands Across the Lineup

Jeep turns 85 this year, and the brand is leaning into its legacy of building vehicles for people who want to get outside and go further. The anniversary kicked off with the Twelve 4 Twelve campaign, which means we’ll see a new special-edition Wrangler every month until the end of 2026.

One of the first big moves was bringing back a HEMI-powered Wrangler. The Moab 392 puts a V8 under the hood again, and Jeep says it’s because customers kept asking for it. That decision set the stage for a year that’s all about heritage and giving enthusiasts what they want.

The Wrangler and Gladiator were first in line for the 85th Anniversary treatment, picking up design cues that call back to Jeep’s rugged, American roots. Now, Jeep is rolling out the celebration to more of its SUVs.

Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Compass Join In

Next up are the Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Compass. Each gets its own set of design tweaks that nod to Jeep’s history but keep things modern and understated.

Outside, you’ll spot Steel Oxide wheels and Agave Blue anniversary badges. These touches set the special editions apart, but the overall Jeep look stays familiar.

Inside, the anniversary models get their own color accents and materials. Look for seat tags in Blue Agave and Mayan Gold, plus contrast stitching that stands out across the cabin.

Plaid interior elements appear across the anniversary lineup, referencing Jeep’s history of outdoor and workwear-inspired design. This pattern connects the models to the brand’s longstanding focus on adventure and utility.

A Brand Built on 4x4 History

Jeep’s history began with the Willys vehicles developed during World War II. These models were first built for military use before evolving into civilian off-road and utility vehicles.

The 1949 Willys Wagon combined four-wheel drive with all-steel construction, a rare combination at the time. Jeep continued to innovate, launching the 1963 Wagoneer, which is often considered the first modern SUV for its mix of passenger-car comfort and off-road ability.

Jeep introduced the Quadra-Trac system in 1973, then added the 1984 Cherokee, one of the first SUVs with unibody construction. The Grand Cherokee followed in 1993, helping to establish the modern premium SUV segment.

Today, Jeep covers everything from compact crossovers to full-size luxury SUVs, but off-road capability is still at the heart of the brand. Jeep is also moving into new territory with electrification. The upcoming Jeep Recon is set to be the first fully electric model with a Trail Rated badge.