One of the most anticipated parts of the 2022 Moab Easter Jeep Safari is when the mad scientists at Jeep unveil the latest collection of concept vehicles. For 2022, the Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts trotted out seven captivating and vastly different concepts. The collection contained Wrangler Unlimited, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee models, each bearing a laundry list of mods, and in some cases one-off custom parts. The 2022 collection is also noteworthy because four of the seven Jeeps had either full-electric or hybrid-electric powertrains. This is the most ever in the history of Easter Jeep Safari Jeep concepts, and an indicator of the rapid shift to electric power.
The Jeep Wrangler Magneto all-electric powertrain concept dropped in 2021 and it floored the 'wheeling world. We noted at the time that we felt it's the future of off-roading, and a year later we still stand by that opinion. Magneto featured an "axial flux electric motor" where the internal combustion engine once sat, and it delivered 285 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The motor was powered by four lithium-ion battery packs that had a combined power of 70 kW/h on an 800V system, and this helped Magneto accelerate from a standing stop to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. The motor was mated to an old-school manual gearbox and the stout Rubicon running gear.
For 2022, Magneto has been significantly reworked and rebadged as "Magneto 2.0." Peak amperage in the propulsion system has been doubled to 600 amps, which translates to 625 hp and 850 lb-ft of torque, first gear in the manual transmission has been changed from 5.13:1 to 3.36:1, an additional 12 inches were added to the wheelbase, and there's a three-inch suspension lift kit, 40-inch tires, a Dynatrac ProRock 60 front axle, a Dynatrac ProRock 80 rear axle, 5.38:1 diff gears, diff lockers, among many other highlights. Shocker: It's claimed that Magneto 2.0 will do 0-60 mph in 2 seconds.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
I was darn impressed by Magneto when it debuted in 2021. Jeep definitely took the harder, groundbreaking route with the rig, including pairing the electric motor to a manual transmission. Magneto 2.0 is a monumental leap forward. Example: Its horsepower and torque outputs dwarf those of the mighty Wrangler 392, and its claimed 0-60 time means Magneto 2.0 would leave the Wrangler 392 in the dust. Incredibly, Magneto 2.0 is docile and controllable on the trail.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
Magneto is not the same vehicle it was last year. More burly, more powerful, more capable, more of everything. It drives a lot more like a rock buggy than its previous iteration and it's damn cool. We all know the OEs are being forced into EVs, and at least Jeep is responding with something that shows they haven't forgotten about the enthusiast and that we are still a core part of their business.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
I don't dig EVs for any green reasons, it's how the power is delivered that gets my attention; all of it, to the wheels, all at once. Mix that with how Jeep maintained the beam axles, coil springs, lever-shifted transfer case, and other bits that make Jeeps, well, Jeeps, and I'd say Magneto 2.0 suggests an exciting future for hardcore off-road EVs. Now I really wanna drive it over some obstacles.
"I don't know what we're going to do with it next, we're trying to figure that out. I think we're going to do a third version of it. " -Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design, Stellantis North America
In another big move for Jeep, the company will offer the first electrified Grand Cherokee in 2022. It's called the Grand Cherokee 4xe and it offers up to 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 mpg equivalent (mpg-e). It's a big deal, so it makes sense that Jeep took a Trailhawk model and gave it a few creative mods. With a nod to overlanding, Jeep says, the company added BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires, custom Neutral Gray metallic matte wheels, and custom widened fender flares. Other mods include a custom Industrial Blue exterior, Lagoon Blue towhooks, black-painted Rhino Liner roof, Mopar rock rails, LED projector foglamps, custom vinyl side graphics, and saddle-colored upholstered seats with "Rodney" houndstooth inserts.
Like the production Grand Cherokee 4xe, the concept is powered by a pair of electric motors, a 400V battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. The suspension is the adjustable Quadra-Lift air suspension, and it has a class-exclusive anti-roll bar disconnect system to improve front suspension articulation.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
It's amazing what a set of wheels and tires can do for a 4x4. Not only from the functional standpoint but also for the visual perspective. I'll admit I'm not the new Grand Cherokee's biggest fan, but I really dig what Jeep did with this Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe concept. The LT295/55R20 (almost 33-inch) BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain KM3s pair well with the vehicle's size and the meaty look of the tires is an interesting juxtaposition to the Grand's smooth lines.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
This one was a win for me. I am already a big fan of the Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe and it's a very capable wheeler out of the box. The first time I drove one, I thought it would be quietly impressive as an overlanding rig, just needed a little more wheel and tire and some aftermarket support. Well, Jeep delivered on that thought by carving out the wheelwells on the concept and fitting a bigger wheel and tire package. The fear of pinch flats is real, though, so I would have stuck to an 18, but it is proof that the platform itself has the ability to be very good.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
The Trail Rated badge on the independently suspended Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe concept gave me pause, and the wheel-to-tire ratio seemed to favor metallic matte more than it did black rubber, but there was more to the concept than that. This wasn't about making a rockcrawler, it was about highlighting how far a few upgrades can take an already exciting SUV. There was a lot to like about the articulation offered by the air suspension and how the grabbier tires held the rock.
"That particular car had just finished doing Rubicon Trail and they were not kind to it. It was beat to snot. But it's a good, solid car. Underneath, it was pretty ugly, we had to replace a number of body panels and stuff, but it's a veteran of the Rubicon Trail. Looks like a brand-new car. I think it's one of my favorites. For different reasons than Wrangler." -Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design, Stellantis North America
The Jeep '41 retro concept is Jeep's latest nod to its long-standing military heritage and the Willys. It rides on 35-inch Mud-Terrain tires that fit perfectly thanks in part to a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch suspension lift. The exterior color is olive drab, and it covers even the fender flares, mirror caps, and 17-inch Fifteen52 Analog HD aluminum wheels. There are black-powdercoated steel bumpers, a Warn winch, Jeep Performance Parts bumper hoop and half doors, a tan soft top, accent-colored towhooks, and a custom stenciled graphics package from the Jeep Graphic Studio. Inside, '41 sports canvas-colored seats with digital camo inserts and Serafil 1043 stitching, Rhino-lined, heavy-texture floor in drab, along with many other custom mods.
The Jeep '41 concept is based on a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe, so its retro styling cues belie its high-tech foundation. The concept has two electric drive motors, a high-voltage battery pack, 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine, and Torque-Flite eight-speed transmission. The Jeep's plug-in hybrid powertrain offers a range of up to 21 miles of electric-only propulsion and 49 mpg-e.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
Is it wrong that the first thing I noticed on Jeep '41 was the vintage-looking 17-inch wheels? Jeep couldn't have chosen a better wheel for this concept in my opinion. Everything about Jeep '41 works for me, from the interior and exterior color choices to the BFG Mud-Terrain 35s. In my opinion, Jeep threw a curveball by powering Jeep '41 with the plug-in hybrid system and not the diesel.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
This one was cool enough, but it was almost too subtle to realize all the little touches. I appreciated the wheel style and overall looks, and I like the touch of digital camo on the seats without throwing camo in your face to scream "because military theme!" So maybe subtle was the wrong term—maybe it's restraint that is the key to this one.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
Not my favorite military-inspired Jeep concept—that award goes to the cardboard-beige JK2A Staff Car from 2015, with its NDT tires, blackout lights, canvas top, and other items. However, if any part of the Jeep '41 concept makes it into the hands of Jeep enthusiasts, let it be that olive drab color scheme.
"It's pointing toward a production release of some sort along those lines, but won't be exactly like that. But that's something we want to do. I will tell you that as a young designer in Jeep studio when I first started, I kept drawing and coming up with things that were sort of military-inspired Jeeps, and we were not allowed to do that, and I do not know why that was. This would've been mid-to-late-'90s when I was a designer on the board. I got tired of asking and just started doing it and we've done a few military things like the Willys package and stuff that we do now." -Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design, Stellantis North America
The Rubicon Trail is legendary, and so is Jeep's Rubicon option package. It's hard to believe that so much time has passed since Jeep introduced the fabulous Rubicon package on the 2003 model-year Wrangler two-door, yet here we are. The Rubicon package took the off-road world by storm and included Dana 44 axles, front and rear lockers, disconnecting anti-roll bar, rock rails, and 33-inch tires. To celebrate this milestone for the Rubicon package, Jeep has trotted out the Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept.
The concept is based on the incredible Wrangler Rubicon 392 with its 6.2-liter supercharged V-8. To improve the Jeep's performance, a Jeep Performance Parts 2-inch suspension lift, Mopar beadlock-capable wheels, and 37-inch mud-terrain tires were installed. The exterior was treated to some custom touches, including steel bumpers, Warn winch, steel bellypan, custom-built half-doors, performance hood with center scoop, Granite Crystal vinyl wrap, gold towhooks and badging, Rubicon 20th Anniversary hood decal, American flag fender decal, and Mopar rear swing gate.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
While I appreciate the look, airy feel, and ample power of the Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept, I feel Jeep missed the boat on this one in a couple of major ways. It's my opinion that this concept should've been based on a two-door Wrangler, like the original Rubicon in 2003. And it shouldn't have a top on it, let alone a hard top. Heck, even the little center caps on the wheels show a two-door topless Jeep.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
It's not production intent, but I have it on good authority that there are some very real hints that you will see on the upcoming 20th Anniversary Rubicon. I can't and won't tell you what they are, but I am sure if you stare at the pictures long enough you can figure it out. Overall, the look is freshened with that sculptured grille and the 3D graphics, and I am especially drawn to the 37-inch tires and the on-board air. I mean, with everything a Rubicon comes with today, it's hard to imagine one that's even better. Unless it came from the factory with 37-inch tires and onboard air.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
Even the V-8 and two choices of exhaust tone for the Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept don't drown out the voice in my head that's pining for the slower-than-you-can-walk 4.00:1 gear-reduction in the transfer case and the option to select 2WD. How can I be underwhelmed by a Jeep that's so powerful?
"I think the Rubicon is so special to us. It changed the industry. It really did. We were on a trail the other day and every vehicle on it was a Rubicon. " -Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design, Stellantis North America
Jeep says the Bob concept was designed to blur the lines between the Wrangler and Gladiator. "Bob" is a reference to "bobbing," or shortening the beds of pickup trucks to enhance their off-road utility, and in this case also a subdued reference to an early-'90s scandal. Bob started as a standard Jeep Gladiator Rubicon before its bed was bobbed by 12 inches, the B-pillar was removed, the hardtop was modified, and orange canvas was stretched overhead to protect passengers from the elements.
Suspension components from EVO Manufacturing and King Off-Road Racing shocks allow the Dynatrac ProRock 60 axles, 40-inch tires, and 20-inch beadlocks plenty of room to flex. Custom work on the fenders helps to accommodate the big rubber and both bumpers are tailored to improve approach and departure angles. The bed still has space to mount a full-size spare tire, it shows off unique placements for auxiliary switches and air chucks, and has storage up above with a cargo rack. The carbon-fiber hood is vented, and a turbodiesel V-6 lives underneath.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
Yes, please! I dig how this Gladiator looks with 12 inches lopped off the bed, and I'm an even bigger fan of how it helps make the truck more capable on the trail. I imagine that after all the mods, Jeep had to show restraint by fitting Bob with "only" 40s because it appears the truck could handle bigger meats. I'd love to have this Gladiator in my garage, though I'd need to replace all that annoying orange.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
The keychain is Lorena Bobbitt … need I say more? There is not a better Easter egg than that. Shortening jokes aside, this one is done right and is the ultimate trail Gladiator. To the Bob, I say "Yes, please."
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
Jeep might as well have dressed this one in boots and a cape because it's an off-road superhero, and there's lots to be entertained by here, all the way down to the Bob Doff (say it slowly) dealership license plate frame. We have what appears to be the departure angle of a modified Wrangler, a bed that can still do truck bed stuff, and the down-low torque of the EcoDiesel. All that I'd add to this one is scuffs on the armor because I truly want to wheel it.
"The working title for that was Lorena. And maybe you'll get that. Nobody did in my group. Mrs. Bobbitt … she's on the keychain by the way, and we cleaned it up to Bob. It was funny because I work with a bunch of 22-year-olds, and they had no idea what we were talking about with Lorena Bobbitt. That was a brand-new truck, I think it had 50 miles on it, a brand-new diesel we cut up, which is pretty cool." -Mark Allen, Head of Jeep Design, Stellantis North America
D-Coder is designed so you can point your mobile device's camera at any of the 35-plus QR (quick response) codes found on the Jeep Gladiator D-Coder concept to learn more about this rolling high-performance parts catalog. To make parts-spotting even easier, most of the add-ons are painted in Maraschino Red. Each part has been thoroughly tested at the factory and they are all available for purchase.
D-Coder rolls around with Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) 17x8.5, five-spoke beadlock wheels while 37-inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrains grip the trails. There's a JPP snorkel to keep water and dust out of the 3.6-liter V-6, and the cold-air intake and cat-back dual exhaust system from Mopar enhance performance. Other exciting parts in red include JPP steel rock rails, JPP tube doors and mirrors, color-matched Katzkin-leather seats, a three-piece modular front bumper, a trail-rail system, above-bed cargo basket, and a Warn winch.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
I think that D-Coder is a creative way to highlight what's available for the Gladiator from Jeep Performance Parts. In the end, I pictured the truck with no QR codes, and all the red parts painted flat black, and in my mind, it was a cool rig. Almost all the parts on the truck from JPP serve a functional purpose, and that's a good thing.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
Brilliant way to show every part you have in your catalog, in a way that lets people engage with the products and vehicles while showing them attached in real life. As a marketing exercise, it gets an A+. As a Jeep I'd want to put in my driveway and take on the trail, I'll plead the Fifth.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
Wow, that's a ton of red. I'm looking past the codes and colors and taking a moment to appreciate the breadth and depth of the Jeep Performance Parts catalog. Disappointed that the JPP Gorilla Glass windshield didn't follow the color scheme, so I could see the trail through rose-colored … never mind, I'll see myself out.
"When we came up with the D-Coder idea we started thinking what colors can we contrast it with and we talked about should it be blue, like Mopar blue, should it be green, people associate green with Jeep, and then we said let's go super high-contrast and that's how we came up with the red, so high-contrast red and black on it, and then putting all the QR codes on there, cool military fonts on there as well, there's some Easter eggs thrown in there too that customers will be able to find on their own, so it's a pretty cool way I think to let customers interface with the product as well." -Mark Trostle, Head of Design, Ram Truck and Mopar
Folding down the windshield can only open up your trail experience by so much, so the Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) team did away with it all together, and then some. Wide-open and extreme were at the core of the Jeep Birdcage concept and the lack of front glass was only the beginning of the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe-based machine.
Birdcage showcases JPP's 2-inch lift kit, which features coils and Fox shocks specifically tuned for the Wrangler 4xe, and the Jeep rides on 37-inch BFGoodrich mudders with 17x8.5 JPP five-spoke beadlocks. The flat fender flares on Birdcage integrate the factory DRLs, and above the header you'll find a trio of JPP TYRI 14-inch LED lights. Out back, Mopar's Add-a-Trunk concept decklid panel creates a secure storage space for gear when the roof is off, and it is said to be spacious enough to stow a full-size cooler. Additional storage space is offered by the Rhino-Rack cargo basket mounted to the top of the rollcage. Surf Blue towhooks up front bookend the custom high-clearance bumper/skidplate combo and the recovery points match the accent stitching found inside Birdcage, as well as decals throughout. Hues of Tobacco Leaf and Cocoa Brown are used on the leather seats and on Birdcage's dash panels.
Ken Brubaker, Editor, Four Wheeler:
I think Birdcage is one of the most fascinating Jeeps that JPP has trotted out in Moab in a few years. The sheer number of custom features and creative ideas are amazing. Some mods, like the lack of windshield glass and windshield wipers, are simply design exercises, but it looks cool, and I found that on a windy day in the desert goggles are needed to drive or ride in Birdcage. On that alone I give thumbs up.
Sean P. Holman, Content Director, Four Wheeler:
Cool Jeep, bro. Seriously though, this one is much more interesting and imaginative than a catalog build. I love that JPP is using it to test new ideas and products in front of their customers. It shows a level of imagination that rivals the design guy's builds, despite more constraints on the JPP team.
Jered Korfhage, Staff Editor, Four Wheeler:
Really digging Birdcage from the front and the back. For example, the custom work on the grille that envelops the Warn winch and the stubby-yet-sleek bumper help nail that approach angle. Also, swinging out the tailgate, there's some inspiration to mount your onboard air system behind the spare tire.
"The fenders are concept fenders that we are actually trying to get customer feedback on at this event. This will be at Walker Drug on display in the Jeep Performance Parts exhibit. Same with the rear, what I call add-a-trunk, on it. It's a concept, but the depth of it is that we want to make it, but we want to make it as long as people want it, so this event is a great way for us to get that feedback on it." -Mark Trostle, Head of Design, Ram Truck and Mopar