It seems Jeep had just a few surprises for us on the sixtieth annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. Whereas we knew of six idea Jeeps, we weren’t anticipating three extra sneak peeks.
At a dinner in Moab to kick off the annual EJS occasion (and the model’s eighty fifth anniversary), Jeep debuted two surprising prototypes and its newest Twelve4Twelve drop.
Jeep Cherokee Upland Idea
The Jeep Cherokee returned as a 2026 mannequin 12 months after a 3-year hiatus and is on sale now. Fans could discover one thing missing within the lineup, nevertheless: an off-road Path Rated spec. Understanding Jeep, we assumed a extra succesful mannequin would debut later within the manufacturing cycle.
However at EJS, we had been stunned by the reveal of what could possibly be the off-road–prepared new KM-generation Cherokee, the Upland Idea. An indication of issues to return?
Sporting a green-hued camo end, the Cherokee Upland Idea debuted with a customized blacked-out off-road–spec entrance fascia for elevated method angles and rugged model. It was geared up with entrance and rear tow hooks and a conceptual roof rack. Serving to to extend its off-road prowess had been idea 18-inch wheels wrapped in 265/65R18 Falken Wildpeak AT3W all-terrain tires.
There was no point out particularly of what was beneath the hood, however Jeep representatives frequently talked about the 1.6L turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder within the present Cherokee, which makes 210 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque and is mated to a CVT.
Jeep stated the Upland Idea affords a artistic interpretation of the Cherokee’s design language that blends kind, perform, and angle. With a bolder stance than the on-road–centric Cherokee, this could be a preview of the place the KM platform is headed. I hope it occurs, since Cherokee not solely has an iconic nameplate, but additionally a legendary off-road heritage.
Jeep Recon Overwatch Idea
If you happen to’ve been holding tabs on Jeep, you’re most likely conscious of the Recon. This squared-off battery-electric car (BEV) has been teased for a while now, however journalists haven’t been capable of drive it but (and we nonetheless didn’t get within the driver’s seat at EJS).
It’s alleged to go on sale in 2026. However for EJS, Jeep teased the ruggedized, off-road–centric Overwatch Idea, displaying what could possibly be from this EV offroader.
Donning a 2-inch idea Jeep Efficiency Components (JPP) carry, a 1-inch wider stance, and 34-inch slotted mags, BFG Mud-Terrain KM3 tires, the Recon Overwatch regarded rugged. Sporting Jeep’s gentle grey Ghost paint, the Recon Overwatch had customized metal rock rails and underbody skid plates to guard it from path hazards.
Different customized bits included distinctive mirrors, specifically fabricated roof rack crossbars and basket, and a bunch of carbon fiber parts. This included customized broad fender flares, door jamb covers, and window aperture closeouts.
As you’ll be able to see within the photographs, a lot of the glass has been eliminated for that open-air expertise — a Jeep trademark on Wrangler/Gladiator. Apparently, it is a characteristic that can make it to manufacturing.
Inside, the cab featured retrimmed entrance and rear seats, all with an avocado hue. There are heavy-duty all-weather ground mats for straightforward cleanup, serving to to indicate its form-versus-function demeanor.
Jeep’s Vice President of Design, Vince Galante, stated this will probably be Jeep’s first Path Rated BEV. The Path Rated designation requires autos to undergo a battery of assessments to show off-road worthiness.
I’m trying ahead to seeing Recon hit the market and whether or not it’ll take the title of King of the Off-Street EVs.
Twelve4Twelve Drop: Jeep Rewind
The final shock of the evening was the unofficial announcement of the following Twelve4Twelve Jeep. The Twelve4Twelve promotion guarantees a brand new special-edition Jeep every month. And for the sixth drop, it’ll be a purple Wrangler with ’80s-style graphics referred to as Rewind.
Accessible in a single coloration, “Rain,” clearly an homage to the late entertainer Prince, Rewind will characteristic vibrant retro graphics hearkening again to an earlier period. Even the spare tire cowl had wild graphics.
The inspiration for the drop comes courtesy of a earlier Easter Jeep Safari idea car from 2025 bearing the identical identify. That idea, nevertheless, was a two-door. The manufacturing model proven was a Wrangler Limitless four-door. It additionally had gold tow hooks entrance and rear, and a bunch of eight-bit graphic particulars inside (such because the shift knob, seat upholstery, and inside badging).
Rewind formally drops on April 12, 2026.
