Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind enter production after Safari debut

Jeep confirms Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind production after strong response at Easter Jeep Safari, turning a retro concept into a limited series. Learn more.

Jeep has turned one of the most talked-about Easter Jeep Safari concepts into a production model, bringing the retro-inspired Rewind edition to market in both Wrangler and Gladiator form. The decision was driven directly by audience response, as feedback from enthusiasts in Moab played a key role in moving the project forward.

The Jeep Rewind first appeared in 2025 as a concept based on a two-door Wrangler Rubicon powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. It was unveiled at the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Utah, an event the brand uses as a real-world testing ground for design and capability. Instead of controlled presentations, new ideas are exposed to a passionate off-road community, delivering immediate and unfiltered feedback. In this case, the response was strong enough to bring the concept into production.

The project is part of Jeep’s year-long Twelve 4 Twelve program, which introduces 12 limited-edition Wrangler models, one each month. Rewind is the sixth release, marking the midpoint of the series. This structure highlights that the model is not a one-off experiment, but part of a broader effort to reinterpret the brand’s heritage through contemporary products.

The Rewind concept draws heavily from the visual culture of the 1980s and 1990s, when Wrangler became associated with brightly colored CJ-7, YJ and TJ models. These generations, rooted in the earlier civilian CJ line, helped define Jeep’s image as a symbol of freedom and off-road capability. The new editions reflect that era through multicolor graphics, gold accents and interior details inspired by early digital design, including arcade-style and dot-matrix elements.

At the same time, the Rewind editions are not limited to visual nostalgia. Both Wrangler and Gladiator versions are based on Willys trims, which maintain a direct connection to Jeep’s historical roots while preserving off-road performance. Features include off-road tires, steel rock rails, a locking rear differential and Off-Road+ mode, along with modern systems such as adaptive cruise control, LED lighting and remote start.

The launch of Rewind also demonstrates how Jeep continues to use Easter Jeep Safari as more than a concept showcase. Vehicles developed with Jeep Performance Parts and Mopar often serve as a bridge between experimental ideas and production models. In this case, the transition from prototype to market-ready vehicle was notably quick.

Orders for the Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind will open in May 2026, with pricing set at $1,900 above comparable Willys models. The rapid move from concept to production underscores the influence of the Jeep community, where enthusiast feedback can directly shape the final product.