Jeep® CEO Talks About The Next-Gen 2027 Electric Wrangler!

Jeep® is making significant strides in adopting electrification, with plans to introduce electric versions of its vehicles in the coming years. The brand has already announced the production of the midsized luxury Wagoneer S (KX) and off-road-oriented Recon (EJ) models in 2024, along with the launch of the subcompact Avenger (JJ) in Europe.

In a recent interview with Auto Express, Jeep CEO Christian Meunier discussed the future of Jeep electrification and shed light on the next-generation Jeep Wrangler (JM) scheduled for production in 2027.

Meunier emphasized the off-road capability of the next-gen Wrangler and stated, “The Trail Rating is a scale up to 10. At 10 is the two-door Wrangler Rubicon – the Wrangler [Unlimited] Rubicon is at 9. We start at 4 for the Renegade with Trail Rating.” He expressed his ambitious goal: “I want to push that to 12. We’re working with engineering on that.”

Regarding Jeep’s commitment to electric off-roading, Meunier stated, “With the next-generation Wrangler, we want to push the Trail Rating to 12. Electrification doesn’t prevent us from doing anything when it comes to off-roading.”

Jeep has shown that it is interested in developing an all-electric version of the Wrangler. Over the past couple of years, the brand has continued working on its Magneto series of concepts, which have been the highlight of several Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) events in Moab, Utah.

Meunier highlighted the positive response from Jeep enthusiasts towards electrification, stating, “In quarter one, 38% of all Wranglers we sold were [electrified] 4xe models. And by the end of this year, I bet it’s going to be more like 50 or 60%. That’s not because people are forced; when they test drive it, they understand they can drive 20 to 25 miles on electric power and go to the gas station less.”

Meunier explained how electrification enhances Jeep’s capabilities, stating, “Electrification doesn’t prevent us from doing anything when it comes to off-roading. It enhances our capability because you have more torque, better control, and smoother power delivery.”

The next-gen Wrangler will likely use a shorter, more compact version of the full-size STLA Frame architecture that will underpin the upcoming 2025 Ram 1500 REV and REV XR.

Meunier also addressed the upcoming Jeep Recon midsize, stating, “The Jeep Recon will be Trail Rated 6 on the Rubicon trail, which is really hardcore – 6 is really good. There is the capacity [for the Recon] to go up to 8 with a few modifications.”