The Most Iconic Jeeps
When it comes to rugged reliability and iconic design, few vehicles can match the legacy of the Jeep. Over the decades, the brand has produced some truly legendary models that have made their mark on and off the road. Here’s a look at some of the most legendary Jeeps ever created.
Willys MB: The Original War Hero
The original Jeep, the Willys MB, was born during WWII. With its unmistakable design and robust engineering, it became the blueprint for every Jeep that followed. Built for the battlefield, it’s the ultimate symbol of versatility and freedom.
Birth Of The Civilian Jeep
After the war, the Willys MB evolved into the CJ (Civilian Jeep) series. The first civilian models took the rugged DNA of their military predecessors and added features that appealed to everyday drivers.
CJ-2A: Civilian Workhorse
The CJ-2A offered innovations like a tailgate and a side-mounted spare tire. This model marked Jeep’s transition from a military utility vehicle to a trusted workhorse for farmers, ranchers, and outdoors enthusiasts.
CJ-5: A Jeep For Every Adventure
One of the longest-running Jeep models, the CJ-5, set the stage for the recreational off-roader. With its rounded fenders and classic open-top design, the CJ-5 captured the adventurous spirit of the Jeep brand and remains a fan favorite.
The Influence Of The CJ-7
Introduced in the 1970s, the CJ-7 added features like an optional automatic transmission and a longer wheelbase. It’s often considered the forerunner of the modern Wrangler due to its blend of comfort and capability.
Birth Of The Wagoneer
The Jeep Wagoneer was the pioneer of luxury SUVs. With woodgrain panels and a roomy interior, it combined rugged capability with comfort and style, making it the go-to vehicle for family road trips and off-road excursions alike.
The Introduction Of Quadra-Trac
The 1973 Wagoneer introduced Quadra-Trac, the first automatic four-wheel-drive system, adding a layer of sophistication to the already versatile Jeep.
Cherokee: The First Compact SUV
The original Jeep Cherokee redefined the SUV segment. Its smaller size and lighter unibody construction made it more agile than traditional SUVs, yet it still offered serious off-road capability.
The Cherokee XJ Revolution
The Cherokee XJ changed the game in the 1980s. With its boxy design and legendary durability, it became a staple in both urban and off-road environments, influencing SUV designs for decades.
Wagoneer’s Legacy Of Luxury
The Jeep Wagoneer set the bar for high-end SUVs. With its plush interior and advanced 4x4 system, it was one of the first vehicles to combine true off-road capability with a comfortable driving experience.
Wrangler: The Off-Road Icon
When people think of Jeep, the Wrangler is often the first vehicle that comes to mind. With its removable doors and roof, the Wrangler embodies the freedom and adventure spirit of the Jeep brand.
The TJ Generation: Return Of The Round Headlights
The Wrangler TJ, introduced in 1997, brought back Jeep’s iconic round headlights and added a more refined coil-spring suspension system, enhancing its off-road performance without sacrificing comfort.
Unleashing The Rubicon
The 2003 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon set a new standard for off-road vehicles. With heavy-duty axles, electronic lockers, and a disconnecting front sway bar, it was built to tackle the toughest trails.
The First Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee debuted in 1993, redefining the SUV market. Combining luxury and serious off-road ability, it became the benchmark for what an upscale SUV could be.
Grand Cherokee ZJ: A Luxurious Trailblazer
With leather interiors, a V8 engine option, and a unibody construction, the first-generation Grand Cherokee offered a unique blend of comfort and ruggedness, solidifying its place as a premium off-roader.
Cherokee Trailhawk: Off-Road Versatility
The Cherokee Trailhawk introduced a more rugged version of the mid-size SUV, complete with skid plates, a raised suspension, and an aggressive design that emphasized its off-road prowess.
Gladiator: A Jeep with A Truck Bed
The Gladiator is a perfect blend of Jeep’s iconic off-road capability and a functional pickup truck. With its rugged frame and removable top, it offers the versatility and open-air experience of a Jeep with the added utility of a truck bed.
Gladiator Rubicon: Built For The Rough
For those seeking the ultimate off-road truck, the Gladiator Rubicon is equipped with front and rear electronic locking differentials, rock rails, and an Off-Road+ mode for serious trail performance.
Compass: A Crossover Jeep
The Jeep Compass offers the brand’s signature 4x4 capabilities in a compact crossover package, making it an ideal choice for those who want Jeep performance in a smaller, more urban-friendly vehicle.
Patriot: Budget-Friendly Utility
The Jeep Patriot combined affordability with versatility. While not as rugged as its siblings, it provided a solid option for drivers seeking Jeep DNA at a lower price point.
Liberty: A Modern Off-Roader
The Jeep Liberty was designed to fill the gap between the Cherokee and the Grand Cherokee, offering a modern take on Jeep’s off-road tradition with a more refined interior and advanced 4x4 options.
Renegade: Jeep’s Playful Side
The Renegade introduced a fun, quirky design to the Jeep lineup, aimed at younger, city-dwelling adventurers. Its compact size and bright color options made it stand out in the crowded crossover market.
The SRT8: A High-Performance Jeep
The Grand Cherokee SRT8 brought high-performance driving to the Jeep lineup, with a powerful V8 engine and sport-tuned suspension, making it a standout in both speed and capability.
Trackhawk: Unleashing Power
The Grand Cherokee Trackhawk takes performance to the next level. With a supercharged Hellcat engine, it’s one of the fastest SUVs in the world, proving that Jeep can excel on the pavement as well as off it.
The Forward Control: Jeep’s Unique Truck
The Jeep FC (Forward Control) was a unique design experiment that placed the cab over the engine, offering a compact yet highly functional layout for specialized tasks like firefighting and snow plowing.
Jeepster Commando: A Retro Classic
The Jeepster Commando combined the style of a convertible with off-road capability, offering an open-top experience and a vintage look that’s still sought after by collectors today.
Jeepster Revival
In 2021, Jeep paid tribute to its classic Jeepster with a modern concept vehicle, blending the retro styling of the original with contemporary technology and off-road features.
J-Series Pickup: Jeep’s Hardworking Truck
Before the Gladiator, the J-Series pickup trucks were Jeep’s answer to the full-size truck market, offering serious hauling capability with the brand’s signature off-road prowess.
The Grand Wagoneer: Luxury Reborn
Jeep revived the Grand Wagoneer nameplate in 2021, bringing back the legacy of the original with an ultra-luxurious interior, advanced technology, and powerful engine options.
Commander: A Full-Size Adventure
The Jeep Commander offered three rows of seating and a more squared-off design, providing a larger, family-friendly option without sacrificing off-road capability.
The 2024 Wrangler 4xe: Jeep Goes Electric
The Wrangler 4xe is Jeep’s first plug-in hybrid, combining electric power with the Wrangler’s legendary off-road capability. It’s a glimpse into Jeep’s electrified future.
The Jeep Hurricane: A Concept For The Ages
The Jeep Hurricane concept was introduced in 2005, featuring a dual-Hemi engine setup and an innovative four-wheel-steering system, making it one of the most extreme off-road concepts ever created.
Jeepster Beach: A Modern Retro Concept
In 2021, Jeep unveiled the Jeepster Beach, a concept that blended classic 1968 Jeepster styling with modern components, highlighting the brand’s commitment to both heritage and innovation.
Jeep Mighty FC: A Tribute To The Past
The Jeep Mighty FC concept revisited the cab-over-engine design of the original Forward Control, offering a modern take on this unique Jeep truck with updated suspension and off-road features.
The Cherokee KL: A Modern Evolution
The modern Cherokee KL blends style, safety, and off-road capability, making it a versatile choice for families and adventurers alike.
Wagoneer L: A Full-Size Luxury SUV
The Wagoneer L takes Jeep’s largest SUV to new heights with extended wheelbase options, a luxurious interior, and a powerful turbocharged engine.
The Jeep Grand Commander
The Grand Commander is a unique model exclusive to the Chinese market, offering three-row seating and a more refined, upscale design tailored for urban drivers.
Jeep Yuntu Concept
The Jeep Yuntu concept, unveiled in 2017, previewed a potential future direction for Jeep’s large SUV offerings, featuring plug-in hybrid technology and a sleek, modern design.
The Grand Cherokee L: Room For More
The Grand Cherokee L adds a third row to the iconic Grand Cherokee, providing more space and comfort while maintaining the brand’s legendary 4x4 capability.