2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4XE: Why this hybrid 4x4 is the most unique Wrangler yet

Marching into 2025, the Jeep brand keeps a majority of the changes to the Wrangler cosmetic. Last year, the iconic 4x4 got a serious interior update, including a beefier infotainment setup. Now, Jeep has taken what was a concept from the Easter Jeep Safari, and brought it to the masses.

The 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4XE debuted at the 2024 Los Angeles auto show, and it was a crowd pleaser. More than the rather basic Willys trim, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler ‘41 4XE takes it up several steps, giving the consumer a visual taste of their interpretation of military esthetic.

Everything from the seats to the paint and graphics have been given the military-esque look. In doing this, they managed to make it feel pretty special. Not to mention it has plenty of goodies to make it capable off-road.

Driving the Willys ‘41 4XE concept in Moab, UT

I was lucky enough to drive the concept that led to the production version of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4XE. Sure, it was kind of brief, but it gave me an idea of what the folks at Jeep had in mind.

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Before I go there, keep in mind that the design idea of the ‘41 became a tangible vehicle before the 4XE ever existed. Back in 2015, Jeep brought out the Jeep Staff Car, which was based on a 4-door Wrangler. Stripped down, it paid homage to the WWII Jeep, and it was awesome. Yes, I drove that one too.

This new one is based on the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) Wrangler. The fact it was a PHEV was nicely subdued. The pre-production model I drove was similar to what we now have in production, and it’s meant to make you feel like you’re storming the beach.

Still, other than the macho swagger, it drove exactly like a Jeep Wrangler 4XE. If you wanted to, provided that you had enough juice in the battery, you could quietly off-road for a few miles. On pavement, Jeep estimates a range of up to 22 miles on electric power alone. Driven like a hybrid, the 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque (combined with the electric motor) hauls the 5,000 + lbs Jeep around with little effort.

What makes the Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4XE unique?

First and foremost, it comes in just one color - “‘41 Green” and it’s also on the wheels, without a gloss finish. There’s a 3-piece front steel bumper with black painted recovery hooks, as opposed to the blue ones on all 4XE models.

You get a nifty blacked out grill with “‘41” hood black decal, with other muted decals in gray/blue. There’s paint-matched (high clearance) fender flares from the Rubicon. One of my favorite upgrades is the vehicle specific, painted 17-inch wheels with LT285/70R17C BFG K02 Off-Road Tires. They are made to look like steel wheels, but they are not.

Sky One-touch retractable roof is a (pricy) option, otherwise, you can get a tan convertible roof or other optional roofs, for a price. Tan/parchment color seats that are also vehicle specific.

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Interior design has lots of ‘41 Easter Eggs, but what I liked is the restraint the Jeep designers used in not overdoing it. It’s a personal thing, but I do like a bit of restraint. The dashboard has its own unique scheme, with a stripe. Looks nice with the newer 12.3-inch screen rocking the Uconnect system.

Lots of easter eggs here, but my favorite has to be the tag mounted on the rear tailgate. It shows a side-by-side image of the original Willis off-set by the new 2025 model. It’s a cool little bit of nostalgic flavor, and I’m all for it.

Heritage design comes with a premium

Don’t get this model confused with the $56,030 Jeep Wrangler Willys 4XE, this is a different, pricier trim. Sitting in the middle of an already expensive lineup, the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Willys ‘41 4XE starts at $60,525. It has all the goodies of the base Willy’s 4XE (like the rear locker), but with a lot more garnish.

The few options available are pricey. The Convenience Group package, which gives you heated seats, remote start and heated steering wheel (among other goodies) is $1,995. The Sky One-touch retractable roof option is available for $3,995. Otherwise, you can get a tan convertible roof standard. Other top options are available too.

Final thoughts

These good looks come at a premium. I feel that you could save thousands and build your own version of the Willys ‘41, but this is a simple way to get something unique. The color, decals, fabrics and extra goodies make this thing unique, and to the right consumer - special.

I suspect, if it proves popular, they may introduce other military-themed colors to the palette. Personally, I like the ‘41’s swagger, and it has a ton of character. It makes you feel like you’re part of a family that goes all the way back to 1941. 

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