Jeep has been busy this year. First revealing the Jeep Grand Cherokee L, then the much-anticipated Grand Wagoneer. And let’s not forget the electrified 4XE plug-in-hybrid Wrangler as well as the Hemi-fied 392. But Jeep clearly isn’t done with making headlines as it snagged the first press conference at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show to reveal the Xtreme Recon Package on the Wrangler Rubicon.
Taking a page out of the Ford Bronco playbook, you’ll now be able to get 35-inch tires on the Wrangler direct from the factory. And, yes, it will also be available with a 6-speed manual transmission.
“We have been listening to and watching our customers make this one of the most popular modifications to their Wranglers,” said Jim Morrison, vice president of the Jeep Brand North America, in a press release.
In an industry first move, this package will also deliver a 100:1 crawl ratio.
What else is included in the Xtreme Recon Package? LT315/70R17C BF Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires, 17-inch x 8-inch beadlock capable wheels, a 4.56:1 Axle Ratio and a 1.5-inch factory suspension lift with uniquely tuned shocks.
Checking off the wishlist
During this week’s Consumer Guide Car Stuff Podcast, Brandon Girmus, Jeep senior brand manager, hinted at this extremely off-road capable Wrangler, stating that Jeep has been keeping track of customers’ wish lists (like a Jeep pickup truck and a Wrangler with a diesel engine), and now the brand is working its way through the list and checking off boxes.
This Xtreme Recon Package is another check off the list.
With this new package, the off-road specs are impressive – including the ability ford up to almost 3 feet of water. The specs we know right now:
- Approach angle – 47.4 degrees
- Breakover angle – 26.7 degrees
- Departure angle – 40.4 degrees
- Ground clearance – 12.9 inches
- Water fording – 33.6 inches
What else do we know?
Frankly, other than some cool specs, we don’t have too many more details right now. But we do know these vehicles will be produced at the plant in Toledo, Ohio, and production will start in August. The package will be available on the Wrangler Rubicon 4-door models as well as the 392.
One other bit of info we have is a new 4:88:1 axle ratio will also be available on the Wrangler Rubicon, and when paired with that 6-speed manual, that’s what will create the 100:1 crawl ratio.
Other Jeep Chicago Auto Show details
In the last line of the Xtreme Recon Package press release, there is mention of the 2022 Jeep Compass. While this vehicle isn’t due for a complete redesign, we imagine we’ll see a significantly refreshed version of this compact Jeep that will be revealed at the show.
If you are in the Chicagoland area, the other thing to know about the Chicago Auto Show is that both the Grand Cherokee L and the Grand Wagoneer will be on display – so customers will finally be able to see for themselves how different these vehicles really are.
The bottom line on the Xtreme Recon Package
Competition his healthy, and I for one am super thankful Ford brought back the Bronco – if only for the reason it’s pushing Jeep to innovate with Mopar accessories and Wrangler packages.
This Xtreme Recon Package is going to be a heck of a lot of fun. Can’t wait to see it in real life at the Chicago Auto Show, and I really can’t wait to drive it.
Let the off-road wars begin!
Related posts:
