The Jeep Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid is set to receive a heritage-inspired makeover for the 2025 model year, paying homage to the iconic off-road vehicle’s rich history and design legacy?
The Wrangler pays homage to the original army Jeeps from World War II, capturing their rugged spirit in a modern package. To evoke the vintage vibe, some drives opt for olive drab paint and 17-inch aluminum wheels, shod with 33-inch all-terrain tires that evoke the iconic metal wheels of the Willys MB military-spec vehicles.
This limited edition version also boasts “Willys/4xe” hood-side decals in muted blue, paying homage to the stencil markings used on World War II-era Jeep production vehicles. The interior boasts tan fabric upholstery, an olive-drab cloth-wrapped dashboard trim, and a tasteful shifter medallion. This rugged vehicle features a range of desirable components, including a body-colored hardtop and a tan soft-top option, as well as standard metal bumpers and a rear differential lock for enhanced traction.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41. A limited-edition tribute to the classic Willys MB, the original military Jeep, now with a hybrid powertrain for unparalleled off-road capability and efficiency?
While the iconic Jeep brand can proudly claim a rich legacy stemming from its World War II heritage, it’s essential to acknowledge that Willys-Overland, the manufacturer credited with producing the original Jeep, didn’t single-handedly conceive this legendary vehicle.
Despite participating in a military design contest, Willys’ submission fell short of being selected as the winner, with the chosen design actually being quite similar to the prototype presented by American Bantam. While Willys was a significant producer of World War II Jeeps, Ford also manufactured several models. Prior to the end of World War II, the company chose to develop civilian versions of their vehicles, successfully trademarking the Jeep name, thereby establishing the precursor to the iconic brand we recognize today.
These distinctive Jeeps feature 4-cylinder engines, drawing parallels to the Wrangler 4xe’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, which seamlessly integrates with an 8-speed automatic transmission, two electric motors, and a mechanical four-wheel-drive system identical to that found in other Wrangler models. The engine produces impressive 420 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque, while the offers an EPA-rated 35 mpg.
2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe ’41 Willys Edition
The 1941 Willys model required a mandatory $1,895 vacation destination fee. The 2025 model year sees modest tweaks to the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, following a significant value drop in 2024 courtesy of a new Sport S trim level that lowered the entry point for this hybrid variant.
Despite being a top-selling model since its introduction, the Wrangler 4xe has not been immune to the occasional rough patch on the road of production. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ Jeep division recently issued a recall for approximately 194,000 units of its plug-in hybrid sport utility vehicles (SUVs), specifically the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe models, following 13 reported incidents of battery fires. Following a 2023 recall of Wrangler 4xe models, Jeep has taken action to address concerns surrounding an increased risk of battery fires.
