Jeep uses the annual Easter Jeep Safari as a chance to showcase a series of awesome concept vehicles. Some are retro, some are futuristic, some feature slick aftermarket Jeep upgrade parts, and some foreshadow upcoming production vehicles.
But they’re all equally amazing—so let’s not stand on ceremony here and get right to it.
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2023 Easter Jeep Safari Concept Vehicles
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Jeep Scrambler 392
If you’re even remotely into Jeeping, then simply hearing “Scrambler” and “392” in the same sentence should give you a shiver. Hearkening back to its popular CJ-8 sport truck of the early 1980s, the Jeep folks took the Scrambler legacy and cranked it to 11 thanks to a fire-breathing 6.4L Hemi engine good for 470 horsepower (just like its Wrangler Rubicon 392 counterpart).
Even better, the Scrambler 392 is wrapped in a carbon fiber-trimmed body that looks like the delightful offspring of a Baja buggy and stadium truck—finished off by Mopar’s Sublime Green paint, no less. As icing on the cake, it’s sitting on 40 inch tires with 20 inch rims, and features an air-adjustable suspension lift.
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Jeep Magneto 3.0
We first saw the all-electric Jeep Magneto back in 2021, and the Jeep folks haven’t stopped improving it since. Now in its 3.0 release, this electric off-roader boasts a more efficient electric drivetrain and selectable power output modes—with up to 650 horsepower and 900(!) lb.-ft. of torque on tap. Magneto 3.0 has advanced brake regen capabilities and a innovative “aggressive hill descent mode” that lets you better slow and control the Magneto’s crawl by just using the accelerator pedal.
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1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe
There’s usually at least one throwback-style build in the annual Easter Jeep Safari concept lineup and, thanks to its slot mags(!!!), stripe package, and chrome grille, the 1978 Cherokee 4xe does not disappoint.
Starting with the beloved Cherokee SJ body, the Jeep engineers plunked it on the chassis of a modern Wrangler 4xe. The Cherokee also benefits from the 4xe drivetrain, which consists of a turbocharged four cylinder internal combustion engine complemented by a pair of electric motors. Power gets routed through a legit 4:1 transfer case on its way to the Cherokee’s 37 inch tires. Inside you’ll find low-back buckets up front and a customized dash.
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Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn
Consider the Sideburn a rolling product development platform. The Jeep folks tossed an array of off-road upgrades onto a Gladiator, including a grille guard, off-road light pods mounted on the roof panels, Molle mounts in the bed, and a clever fluid jug mount integrated into the Sideburn’s flank. But perhaps the most striking addition is a custom sport bar made from carbon fiber and steel. It has built-in steps for cargo access and an assortment of mounts and cargo tie-down points.
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Jeep Grand Wagoneer Overland
Yup, overlanding continues to gain momentum in the U.S., and Jeep may have just given us the most comfy and capable overlanding rig yet. While the Grand Wagoneer Overland is powered by that new 3.0L Hurricane Twin Turbo inline six that’s cranking out over 500 horsepower, this concept’s biggest feature is its impressive RedTail Overland Skyloft rooftop tent.
But that’s not the best part of the roof setup—the Jeep’s design team modified the rear sunroof into a rooftop access door, so overlanders can move from the cabin into the tent without leaving the vehicle. Custom fender flares and a Warn winch tucked into the bumper complete the Grand Wagoneer’s overlanding resume.
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure
Tube doors, open top, rock sliders, and stubby bumpers—the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe “Departure” is the textbook EJS concept vehicle. Though it’s made with off-roading primarily in mind, take special note of the fender flares here. They’re plenty big enough to accommodate some massive wheel/tire combos, yet feature those all-important daytime running lights to remain DOT-legal for all 50 states.
Then notice the light pods on the Departure’s windshield. They’re hinged to pivot up (forward) when you kick the windshield down. Out back is a custom tube bumper that carries a spare tire, yet can be converted to a bed extender for more cargo capacity when needed. Neato.
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Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe
Wearing what Jeep calls a “chromatic magenta” paint job, the Wrangler Rubicon 4xe concept carries 37 inch tires wrapped around 17 inch Borah wheels from AEV. (AEV supplied the diff covers and off-road bumpers as well.) This concept also features a similar adjustable air suspension used in the Scrambler 392.
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Will any of these Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles make it to production?
We’re sure the answer is a definite maybe. At the very least, these custom builds give us a glimpse at what’s coming down the Jeep product development pipeline.
…Now, scroll back up to that Cherokee and bask again in its slot-magged retro goodness.
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