2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 Is a Throwback to the War Years That Birthed a Legend

 Despite this, the company that currently makes Jeeps doesn't really go out of its way to associate its image with the wartime vehicle. So imagine our surprise when Jeep released this week a special edition of the Wrangler that is a "salute to the original, battle-tested Jeep SUV."

So imagine our surprise when Jeep released this week a special edition of the Wrangler that is a "salute to the original, battle-tested Jeep SUV."

The vehicle that started the Jeep bloodline is the 1941 Willys MB, a vehicle the Army referred to using the umbrella term (which also covered the Ford GPW) "truck." The off-road machines, purpose-built for command and reconnaissance missions, have proven their worth on the battlefields of Europe and elsewhere, with no less than 640,000 units made over the course of four years or so across all three carmakers that took part in the project (360,000 of them made by Willys alone).

The initial Jeep was a pretty awesome machine, as it had to abide by very strict Army requirements. Built on a 75-inch wheelbase and just 36 inches tall (91 cm), it was capable of carrying a 600-pound (272 kg) payload, and had an engine that provided smooth running to speeds of up to 50 mph (80 kph). All of this was wrapped in a boxy package that became iconic for generations of soldiers, but also everyday drivers.

By all accounts the 1941 Willys MB was a spartan build that had only one goal: complete its mission with little regard to how its occupants felt about it. That's not what can be said about the Wrangler-based special edition meant to honor it.

The new vehicle is officially called 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41, and it is meant as a "celebration of our past that inspires us, while we keep pushing the boundaries of capability and innovation." This means it's overall the good-old Wrangler 4xe we know and love, gifted with a number of extras meant to make it rare and, to some degree, collectible.

The most notable thing that helps it do that is the exterior paint job. The military-inspired attire is a blend of olive paint designed to bring back 1941 Willys and army operations vibes. The same color extends down to the 17-inch aluminum wheels over which chunky 33-inch all-terrain tires have been wrapped.

On the hood sides of the vehicle Jeep went for period-correct Drab Blue decals spelling out WILLYS / 4XE in a fashion similar to the factory stenciling on the original. As per Jeep, we're not talking about some hastily assembled decals, but some that were made to authentically replicate the design of the 1940s. These decals are not the only ones used on the bodywork, with more of them spread all over the metal.

The Wrangler is equipped right from the factory floor with stuff like a rear locker to help with traction, and front and rear steel bumpers. The overall design, if you look really closely, makes a connection to the Jeep '41 concept that was presented during the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari.

The interior of the Wrangler was not left to chance either, but here the similarities between the special edition and the vehicle that inspired are too far apart, at least in terms of materials chosen and comfort.

Jeep tried its best, though, and the result is pretty satisfying. The seats of the SUV are draped in tan Heritage cloth, there is an olive drab fabric insert in the dashboard, and the shifter features a '41 medallion.

Mechanically speaking the SUV is no different from the standard version 4xe. Its powertrain pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine with two electric motors and a battery pack. Thanks to this setup, the Jeep can travel as much as 21 miles (34 km) on electricity, and that brings its mileage to a respectable 49 miles per gallon equivalent (4.8 liters per 100 km).

The order books for the special throwback to the original Army Jeep are already open. The carmaker says nothing about a potential limited run, so there's probably no need to rush. You should take into account, though, that the honor of driving around in one of these things does not come cheap.

Jeep is asking $59,930 for the 2025 Wrangler 4xe Willys '41 special edition, which is almost $10k over the price of its regular sibling. That price does not include the $1,895 destination charge which is to be paid when buying one.

The SUV will reach American Jeep dealers by the end of this year. It will be offered with a choice of several roofs, including a body-color hardtop, the Sky One-touch powertop roof, and a tan option that will be exclusive to this model, but it is yet to be detailed.