Jeep Charges Into the 2023 Easter Jeep Safari with Seven Concepts - Four of Them Electrified

Every year, Jeep uses the Easter Jeep Safari to show the four-wheeling world what it envisions for the future. This year, Jeep and its Performance Parts Division have created seven new concepts. Depending on the fans’ reactions, some of the vehicles or the customized performance packages will make it into the Jeep lineup. The 2023 Easter Jeep Safari runs from April 1-9. Jeep’s concepts include the Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0, three Jeep 4xes and a cool Grand Wagoneer Overland concept.

All of the different concept vehicles are equipped with an array of advanced powertrains and showcase the latest prototype and production parts.

“Every year, more than 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts descend on Moab, Utah, for Easter Jeep Safari to wheel 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.”

The Seven 2023 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts

The Safari is all about performance and capability. Jeep is known for its legendary rock crawling and off-roading. The concept vehicles are equipped with advanced powertrains that are built and reinforced to perform under extreme circumstances.

“Our annual trip to Moab allows us to showcase the latest selection of custom and authentic, quality-tested Jeep Performance Parts from Mopar,” said Mark Bosanac, North America senior vice president, Mopar service, parts and customer care. “Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our growing portfolio of factory-tested and factory-backed parts and accessories are specifically designed and engineered to face the toughest trails in the world.”

Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept

This is the third Safari that has featured a Magneto. Jeep’s designers are using the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept to test the possibilities of an all-electric off-roader.

Based on a two-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Jeep Magneto features a custom-built electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm and connects to a six-speed manual transmission for ultimate control. The compact e-motor was initially tuned to deliver up to 273 lb.-ft. of torque and 285 horsepower. Updates to Jeep Magneto this year include a new, more efficient motor that boosts the torque output, which results in a 20% increase in useable energy and range.

Also new to the Jeep Magneto 3.0 concept this year are three driver selectable functions that capitalize on the benefits of a fully electric powertrain in serious off-road situations.The driver can choose between two power settings. The standard setting has 285 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque. The maximum setting has 650 horsepower and 900 lb.-ft. of torque.

Jeep Scrambler 392 Concept

Originally introduced in 1981, the Jeep Scrambler (CJ-8) was the Jeep brand’s first convertible, compact truck. The new Jeep Scrambler 392 concept builds on the convertible idea but adds incredible power. The 392 Scrambler concept features the 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 engine. It kicks out 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque.

The Jeep Scrambler 392 concept started as a four-door Jeep Wrangler Rubicon but uses custom carbon-fiber bodywork for light-weighting. One of the most interesting features on the Scrambler 392 is the newly released AccuAir air suspension kit developed for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. This system allows an adjustable suspension lift ranging from 1.5 inches up to 5.5 inches and can be adjusted on the fly. The Jeep Scrambler 392 concept sits on 40-inch tires wrapped around custom 20-inch rims.

1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept

This year’s Resto-mod concept is a throwback to the 1978 Jeep Cherokee. However, this one has the updated 4xe technology. The Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept began its life as a 1978 Jeep Cherokee, which was blended with a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. 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.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept

Following the overwhelmingly positive reaction to the special-run, limited-edition Tuscadero exterior paint color that debuted in 2021 for Jeep Wrangler models, the Jeep design team decided to up the ante on this head-turning chromatic magenta color. The signature seven-slot grille was borrowed from the new Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary model, which sets off a custom hood graphic with a tone-on-tone print that fittingly ties into the interior theme.

Off-road capability has been increased with the addition of an adjustable AccuAir air suspension kit to allow ample clearance for massive 37-inch tires that are wrapped around custom 17-inch high-gloss black American Expedition Vehicles (AEV) Borah wheels. Additional AEV pieces include front and rear bumpers, differential covers and a Warn Zeon winch.

Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept

Overlanding seems to grow every year, especially since the pandemic. The Grand Wagoneer has designed its Overlanding concept to include comfort and convenience. The interior is tricked out with two oversized beanbags, a plush throw rug, pillows and custom, ambient interior lighting. There is also plenty of room for bikes, gear and anything else worthy of the trip. The Grand Wagoneer Overland concept leverages the all-new 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine to lead adventure-seekers further off the beaten path. Delivering 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque, the powerful Hurricane engine offers premium performance while also delivering improved fuel economy versus many competitors’ naturally aspirated V-8 and boosted six-cylinder engines.

The concept’s main feature is a custom RedTail Overland Skyloft affixed to the top of the Grand Wagoneer’s roof. The carbon-fiber constructed Skyloft unfolds in around 10 seconds from the inside by simply pushing up with one arm.

To accomplish the Skyloft’s integration, the design team began by removing the second- and third-row seats. The rear-most sunroof was repositioned to create a custom weatherproof, pass-thru entrance from the third-row seating area to the upper Skyloft level. A fore/aft sliding door and a small step, which also doubles as a usable table, allows for easy access. The Skyloft provides a climate-controlled oasis complete with a sleeping space for two people.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Departure concept builds upon the iconic open-air cockpit of the best-selling and most capable PHEV in America with innovative and conceptual items from the JPP by Mopar design team. The spare wheel and tire mount allows the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe to push the limits of available departure angles with 4x4 electrification.

Riding on 17-by-8.5-inch wheels and 37-inch BFGoodrich tires, the Wrangler 4xe Departure concept features a JPP 2-inch lift kit with BILSTEIN performance shock absorbers. Protecting the seven-slot front grille first introduced on the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition is a custom-designed tubular grille guard measuring 4 feet by 1 foot that folds down to create an innovative bumper bench, a perfect relaxation perch for two while out on the trails. Below the grille guard is a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch.

The design team continues to explore customer needs by investigating additional trail lighting. The Wrangler 4xe Departure concept uses three concept header-mounted, 11-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights with custom brackets that mount to the backside of the windshield header. Each light easily pivots out of the way when the windshield is folded down. Illuminating the ground at all four corners are custom rock lights.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept

The Jeep Gladiator Sideburn concept wears a striking Solar Flash Yellow. Powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, the Gladiator Sideburn concept features a JPP 2-inch lift kit with BILSTEIN performance shock absorbers.

Responding to customer feedback and debuting on a Gladiator Sideburn concept, the JPP by Mopar design team installed a pair of removable 11-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights to each of the roof panels.

A concept JPP Gladiator Sport Bar, made from lightweight carbon fiber and steel, enhances the space between the cabin and the bed with a design that features bed steps on both sides for easy access. The sport bar also features a mid-shelf with tie downs for portable storage totes. Each tote can be locked and secured via eight available tie-down loops. Four T-track rails on the upper portion of the sport bar enable easy installation of bike, kayak or other roof-mounted cargo systems.

The bed on the Gladiator Sideburn concept features integral Molle panels above and behind the wheel flares for additional storage. Integral RotoPaX containers are specially designed for liquid storage during off-road adventures. Within the bed is a modified Mopar bed-mounted spare tire carrier that holds a 37-inch wheel and tire.
The open-air feel of the Sideburn Gladiator concept is further enhanced by the available JPP half doors while JPP side steps and JPP grab handles assist with entry into the elevated cabin.

It will be fascinating to see how the fans react to all of the concepts. It will be especially interesting to see which of the features and upgrades make it into the future Jeep lineups.

Jeep Photos

Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.

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