A Different Kind of Wrangler
For the first time, there is now a Jeep Wrangler with an independent front suspension. That comes in the form of the new Wrangler Scrambler SRT Concept, which made its debut during SEMA 2026 in Las Vegas. The problem is that, for now, this is still a concept, and Jeep has yet to confirm whether its unusual suspension setup will make it to a regular production Wrangler.
However, Tim Kuniskis, Head of American Brands for Stellantis, has already floated the idea of offering independent front suspension as an option for production Wranglers. It is an interesting proposition, considering that the solid front axle has been one of the nameplate’s defining mechanical characteristics for decades.
The idea is not necessarily to replace the existing setup. Instead, Stellantis could give customers the option to choose between two different suspension configurations depending on how they intend to use their SUVs.
Stellantis
Kuniskis Wants to Know What Wrangler Buyers Think
As reported by The Drive, Kuniskis raised the possibility during his presentation at SEMA, asking whether independent front suspension should remain exclusive to the SRT version or become an option for all Wrangler customers. He was also quick to clarify that he wasn’t suggesting Jeep should abandon its traditional solid front axle.
“Before I start getting the hate mail, I’m not asking you to give that up, I’m asking you can you have both,” Kuniskis said.
“The bigger question is, do we leave this only for SRT, or do we make this an option for all Wrangler customers? I don’t know the answer. But I’m pretty sure in the next two or three days we are going to find out because we are going to get flooded with love mail and hate mail, and we are going to have to figure out where the tide breaks,” he added.
There’s actually some logic here. Independent front suspension lets each wheel do its own thing, which means better steering, stability, and control when you’re blasting over rough ground at speed. The solid axle, on the other hand, is still king for rock crawling thanks to its flex and old-school toughness.
Stellantis
A Shot Versus the Bronco
Jeep’s consideration of independent front suspension also brings up its longtime competitor, the Ford Bronco. When Ford revived the Bronco, it went with an independent front suspension paired with a solid rear axle. This gave the SUV a more modern driving character, particularly on paved roads and faster off-road sections. The Wrangler, meanwhile, retained solid axles at both ends, staying closer to its traditional off-road formula.
That difference has helped distinguish the two models, although it has also given the Bronco an advantage in certain driving situations.
Offering independent front suspension could help Jeep address some of those differences without taking away what traditional Wrangler buyers appreciate. Those who spend their weekends crawling over rocks could stick with the solid axle, while customers who prefer desert trails and faster off-road driving could opt for the independent setup.
There’s no official word yet on whether Stellantis will actually put this setup in regular Wranglers. But with Kuniskis dropping hints, it sounds like they’re at least thinking about it – and what buyers say next could tip the scales.
About the author
Jacob Oliva
Senior Editor, Autoblog