Seven Easter Jeep Safari concepts revealed

Headed to Moab, Utah, from April 1st until the 9th, are seven one-of-a-kind Jeep concept vehicles. These Easter Jeep Safari concepts are being unveiled and driven off-road during the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari™ to show off just what they can do. 

Why Utah?

Easter Jeep Safari is hosted by Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers four-wheel-drive club. It consists of trail rides that depart from Moab, Utah throughout the event. It began in 1967, created by the Moab Chamber of Commerce, but at the time was a mere one-day trail ride. Over the years, participation has grown, evolving it into an impressive nine-day event.

“Every year, more than 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts descend on Moab, Utah, for Easter Jeep Safari to drive in the most extreme off-road conditions, where our engineers continue to push the capability of our Jeep vehicles to next levels,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. “It’s the perfect place to showcase our seven new Jeep concepts, because it’s with these Jeep enthusiasts that we’ll be able to push the limits even more and get their feedback on where they want to take the Jeep brand into the future.”

So where is the Jeep brand heading? Take a look at the seven concept vehicles on show.

The 2023 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include

Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept

As you may have guessed by the name, it’s the Magneto’s third time in Moab. The Jeep Magneto 1.0 concept was first introduced in 2021 as a fully capable BEV and rock-climbing force. The Jeep Magneto 2.0 concept in 2022 pushed the performance envelope further. This year’s vehicle has a more efficient motor that boosts the torque output, updated programming (for a 20% increase in usable energy and range) and three driver-selectable functions. In terms of aesthetics, you’ll notice an updated paint scheme with more vibrant exterior details, including the addition of red accents.

Jeep Scrambler 392 Concept

The Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was originally introduced back in 1981. It was Jeep’s first convertible, compact truck. Now the Jeep Scrambler 392 concept builds on the open-air origins of the CJ-8 with a twist. A V-8 engine was never offered in the CJ-8, however, the 392 Scrambler features a 6.4-litre HEMI® V-8 engine for impressive power and torque. It displays lightweight off-road performance, which is achieved through its custom carbon fibre bodywork. 

1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept

Another highlight is the reimagined 1978 Jeep Cherokee that has been placed on a Wrangler Rubicon 4xe chassis. While the ’78 Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept looks similar to a vintage Jeep Cherokee SJ at first glance, it has transformed into a modern, electrified, off-road performer. In the interior, you’ll find low-back bucket seats trimmed in leather.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept

With its legendary electrified off-road capability and colour palette, the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept is sure to turn heads. On the exterior, you’ll spot an eye-catching, pink-hued paint with gloss black accents across the front grille and headlamp bezels.

The interior is equally as bold with custom leather seats and subtle splashes of magenta. Additional pops of magenta are featured on the door pulls, grab handles, gear shift and transfer case shifter boots.

Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept

To get further off the beaten path, you’ll find the Grand Wagoneer Overland concept features the all-new 3.0-litre Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine, delivering 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. The concept’s most exciting and main feature is a custom RedTail Overland Skyloft affixed to the top of the roof. It unfolds in a matter of 10 seconds from the inside, and all you need to do is push it up with one arm. That sure makes for an easy end-of-day retirement.

In order to integrate the Skyloft, the design team removed the second and third-row seats and repositioned the rear-most sunroof to create a weatherproof, entrance from the lower third-row seating area. There’s also a sliding door and step for easy access. This climate-controlled oasis is the perfect sleeping space for two adventurers or a couple heading further and further off-road. 

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Departure concept features an open-air cockpit as well as 17-inch Vintage Bronze KMC Impact OL wheels, 37-inch BFGoodrich tyre and a 2-inch (5cm) lift kit. It also features Bilstein performance shock absorbers with remote reservoirs to provide greater cooling capability for increased suspension travel.

You’ll find the custom-designed tubular grille guard that was first introduced on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition. As well as new flat-fender flares and wheel liners. At the rear is a custom convertible tube gate that offers front or rear-facing positions for the spare wheel and tyre. 

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept

The Jeep Gladiator Sideburn concept is powered by a 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 and features a JPP 5 cm lift kit with Bilstein performance shock absorbers. There are black HRE 17-by-9-inch FT1 six-spoke wheels and 37-by-13-inch BF Goodrich tires. 

Again we see the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition front grille on this vehicle. Below the grille guard is a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch. Seen for the first time on the Gladiator Sideburn concept is a custom Jeep Performance Parts limb-riser. It uses heavy-duty cables attached from the top of the hood latch to the back of the windshield header, to direct loose branches over the roofline to prevent damage. With a car this sleek, the last thing you want is to see it being beaten up by the great outdoors.

Now that the show is in its 57th year, you’d think we’d be well and truly used to seeing all the innovations the Jeep team seem to be oozing with. However, seeing these concepts only becomes more impressive as time goes by. Which one’s your favourite of the seven?