The Story Starts in Uniform
Jeep is known for offering a versatile lineup centered around rugged off-road mobility. The Compass suits daily driving, the Grand Wagoneer serves families that need space, and, of course, the iconic Wrangler. Before that, the American marque’s roots lay in military vehicles, with then-Willys-Overland supplying the Willys MB to the U.S. Army during World War II.
Despite evolving into what it is today, Jeep still prides itself on its past, as shown by the Wrangler retaining design cues from the original Willys CJ-2A, the brand’s first civilian vehicle. But for the latest release in its yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series, the automaker is making that connection more explicit by introducing the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A, a special-edition Rubicon-based model honoring the 1945 Willys CJ-2A.
The Wrangler JL-2A marks the 11th installment of the series, following the Smoky Mountain Edition, inspired by the natural landscape and the massive Jeep enthusiast community of the Great Smoky Mountains. The latest iteration mostly features cosmetic changes inside and out, which the automaker says cost just $115 more than a similarly equipped Rubicon.
Retro Details On a Modern Wrangler
Exterior-wise, the Wrangler JL-2A notably features 17-inch Joose-painted retro wheels, a nod to the original Sunset Red wheels. The wheels are wrapped in 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires and complemented by front and rear orange tow hooks. Jeep highlights the two-door model in sandy beige Gobi, inspired by the original’s Harvest Tan finish, and the four-door in military-inspired ’41 green. Other color options include Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost, and Joose.
Inside, the cabin comes with a first-ever Wrangler interior color and material combination, including Nappa Heritage Tan leather seats; Bison Brown door panels, lower instrument panel, and center console; and Desert Orange accent stitching. It also features heritage-inspired HVAC vent graphics with the iconic seven-slot grille and a Willys silhouette.
The new package also includes body-color fender flares and a three-piece hardtop, Dark Metallic Grey grille accents, an exclusive rear swing-gate plaque, a Willys-Overland satin-chrome shifter medallion, a standard front TrailCam with an integrated washer, and the standard Convenience Group with remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, and a universal garage door opener.
No powertrain changes are mentioned, so it’s safe to assume the Wrangler Rubicon’s 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 will likely remain, producing 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
The Cost of Going Retro
Jeep offers the Wrangler JL-2A package for $4,995, with orders opening in October. That month is also scheduled to bring the final installment of the Twelve 4 Twelve series, launched to celebrate the brand’s 85th anniversary.
The JL-2A joins other Twelve 4 Twelve series models, including the inaugural Moab 392, Whitecap, 85th Anniversary Edition, Willys 392, Rockslide, Rewind, America250 Edition, Sarge, Laredo, and the aforementioned Smoky Mountain.
About the author
Rex Sanchez
News Editor