Next-Generation Wrangler Will Get Two Electrified Powertrains

Introduced as the successor of the iconic Jeep® CJ, the Wrangler is the halo vehicle for the entire Jeep brand. Since its introduction in 1986, Jeep has sold over 5 million vehicles of its legendary body-on-frame, solid axle, and open-top SUV over the past 37 years.

The current Jeep Wrangler (JL) generation was introduced in 2017 as a 2018 model. Since that introduction, the JL has become the most diverse Wrangler ever and offers a model that suits everyone. From plug-in hybrid (PHEV) technology to a 392 cubic-inch HEMI® V8 option, the Wrangler is not only the most capable 4×4 on the market but also the most efficient and the most powerful.

However, since its introduction, the Wrangler now faces fierce competition from Ford with their Bronco. In 2023, Jeep sold 126,551 units in the U.S., while Ford sold a total of 91,468 Broncos. While Jeep maintains the lead, the most recognized 4×4 doesn’t want to be upstaged by Ford.

So, this past week, the United Auto Workers (UAW) tentative agreement with Stellantis shed some light on what we can expect coming down the pipeline for the Wrangler nameplate.

The current JL will remain in production until 2028. Key highlights indicate that the popular Wrangler 4xe PHEV will get an update for the 2025 model year. We expect the HEMI® V8 to be dropped for 2025, so a power upgrade for the 4xe will make it the most powerful Wrangler in the lineup.

But the most important news that the document showed is that the next-generation Wrangler (J70) will make its debut in 2028. The Wrangler J70 will introduce two new electrified powertrains. The first will be an all-new battery-electric vehicle (BEV). Jeep has been teasing this with its three variants of the Wrangler Magneto concept, an all-electric version of the current JL model. The last version, the Magneto 3.0 concept, features a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm and connects to a 6-speed manual transmission for ultimate control.

The compact e-motor allows the driver to choose between two power settings (standard: 285 horsepower/273 lb.-ft. of torque; maximum: 650 horsepower/900 lb.-ft. of torque). Two-stage power regeneration mode allows the Magneto 3.0 to offer normal driving while off, or enhanced brake regeneration using the electric motor when engaged. There is also an aggressive hill descent mode that can be selected in low range to offer true ‘one pedal’ off-road driving in serious rock-crawling situations.

The second powertrain will be a new Range Electric Paradigm Breaker (REPB), which allows an internal combustion engine (ICE) not to drive the wheels, but to act as a generator to recharge the battery on the fly. Giving you extended range, and ultimately allowing the generator to continue to supply power to the battery for use in long-distance driving without having to stop for long periods. This system will also be used on the 2025 Ram 1500 Ramcharger.

In the Ramcharger, a 92 kilowatt-hour (kWh) battery pack is paired with a 3.6-liter V-6 engine on-board 130 kW generator, sending power to 250-kilowatt (kW) front and 238 kW rear electric drive modules (EDMs). It is unknown if the Wrangler REPB will use a 3.6-liter as a generator or maybe something else.

While there might not be a full-out ICE model, the industry is now recognizing that the electric vehicle market in North America is on the decline. So, who knows? There is still plenty of time for Jeep to develop an ICE alternative.

Jeep® Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept Image Gallery:

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