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Next-gen Wrangler talk: renders meet reality
Stellantis and Jeep find themselves at a crossroads. Recent sales figures have left the wider group searching for momentum, but the Jeep lineup still carries strong cachet in SUVs and off-road segments. Industry outlets are already probing the Wrangler's future as the current JL generation, launched in 2018, edges toward replacement. A MotorTrend scoop and speculative CGI work from digital artist Andrei Avarvarii have sparked fresh discussion about what a 2029 Wrangler could look like and which powertrains it might bring.
Design preview: modern takes on classic DNA
The unofficial Bright Silver rendering from Avarvarii keeps the Wrangler's signature boxy silhouette while refining details for a contemporary look. The concept nods to Wrangler history — notably the YJ's square headlights from 1987 — but pairs that throwback with cleaner bumpers, a reinterpreted seven-slot grille, and tighter surface work.
Key styling cues to watch
- Retains a rugged, upright profile to preserve off-road presence.
- Square-ish headlamp theme as a retro reference to early YJ models.
- Simplified bumper and grille treatments for a more modern face.
- Maintains removable roof variants and classic Wrangler proportions.
Avarvarii himself reportedly put only modest confidence level on the accuracy of the concept; nevertheless, the render offers a plausible visual direction that balances heritage cues with contemporary design trends. It demonstrates how Jeep could evolve Wrangler styling without losing the familiar silhouette buyers expect.
Powertrains: hybrids, EREV and the return of the straight-six
One of the more interesting takeaways from recent speculation is Jeep's likely multi-pronged approach to propulsion. Rather than moving immediately to a battery-only Wrangler, sources suggest Jeep will pursue electrified options that preserve range and off-road capability.
Expected powertrain lineup includes:
- 4xe plug-in hybrid variants, building on the current Wrangler PHEV architecture.
- A range-extended electric vehicle (EREV) version that pairs electric drive with a small gas generator to extend range on long trips and trails.
- A possible reintroduction of a Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six, reviving Jeep's straight-six tradition and providing a performance-focused internal-combustion option.
This mix would give buyers a choice between improved efficiency, longer electric-only range in urban settings, and a powerful straight-six for towing and high-load off-road work. Importantly, an EREV setup could sidestep some limitations of pure BEV systems in remote off-road environments where charging infrastructure is scarce.
Architecture, capability and body styles
Expect the Wrangler to remain true to its core mechanical architecture. Reports indicate a continued body-on-frame construction, live rear axle, solid off-road hardware, and the typical lineup of two-door and four-door configurations plus soft- and hard-top options. Modern infotainment, driver aids, and safety tech should be integrated without diluting the Wrangler's utilitarian roots.
Market positioning will likely emphasize capability first, with technology and electrified powertrains framed as complementary. That approach aims to preserve the Wrangler's appeal for traditional buyers while attracting eco-conscious shoppers seeking capable SUVs with reduced emissions.
Pricing and timing
Industry chatter points to a spring 2029 on-sale window and a starting price in the neighborhood of $37,000 for base models. Those numbers should be treated as early estimates; official specs, packages and pricing will arrive closer to Jeep's production reveal.
What this means for Jeep
For Jeep, the next Wrangler generation is more than a design exercise. It is a strategic test of how to blend heritage, capability and electrification in a way that sustains market momentum. If Jeep can offer genuine off-road ability alongside efficient powertrains like 4xe and an EREV, the Wrangler could remain a core pillar of the brand through the next decade.
Highlights:
- CGI renderings point to a respectful evolution, not a reinvention.
- Multiple electrified powertrains could broaden appeal without sacrificing capability.
- Core architecture and removable-top versatility are expected to remain intact.
Whether the final production Wrangler mirrors creative renders or takes a different path, the mix of design clues, plausible powertrain options and market context gives a useful preview of what may be coming in 2029.
Source: autoevolution
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