Jeep Flexes its 4×4 Muscle with Four Easter Jeep Safari Concepts

Easter Jeep Safari is a massive gathering of 4x4s that sees off-roaders flock to Moab, the unofficial rock-crawling capital of Utah, for the yearly festivities. Jeep has regularly used Moab as a proving ground for its vehicles, as the slick rock, sand, and mud offer challenging terrain that tests a 4×4’s articulation, grip, and general usability.

The brand also values Moab as a place to show new Jeep designers and engineers some of the extreme use cases that the vehicles need to endure, as well as learn how buyers modify their 4x4s. It has a history of bringing outlandish and capable builds to the annual gathering at Moab, many of which have previewed future production options like 35-inch tires and even several Wrangler-based pickups years before Gladiator hit the market.

For 2024, Jeep will be showing off four builds on the trails around Moab that display the broad spectrum of Jeep capability.

Willys Dispatcher Concept

Chris Piscitelli, Senior Manager Jeep Exterior Design, described the Willys Dispatcher as a celebration of “Post WWII Americana.” Based on a 2024 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe, the Willys Dispatcher uses a two-inch lift and a pair of Dana 50 axles to fit 16×7-inch steel wheels and 36-inch Super Traxion tires. The relatively skinny tires, “Willys” embossing on the hood, and Warn 8274 winch are all retro off-roading throwbacks. So are the simple steel bumpers and the custom Element 115 green paint that evoke ‘50s design. The retro theme continues inside, where the factory seats ditched their headrests and wear distressed saddle leather upholstery with houndstooth inserts. A Jeep Performance Parts vinyl floor covering replaces the carpet to continue the retro theme.

Low Down Concept

Revisiting the Lower Forty concept from 15 years ago, Low Down is all about fitting massive tires while keeping the center of gravity low. Its stock Rubicon 392 suspension was left as is, and its Dana 60 axles still manage to wear monster 42×14.5-inch tires on 20-inch beadlock wheels. Repositioned front fenders and some trimming of the bodywork allow the tires to fit. While it’s a four-door, the rear handles were shaved to give a clean appearance and mimic the extended-wheelbase two-door JK that Jeep fans have nicknamed “LJ”.The interior of Low Down is devoid of screens “because racecar.” It also doesn’t have a radio because its exhaust is all the soundtrack you’ll need.

Some of the inspirations for Low Down include ‘60s Ferrari race cars and the Lancia Stratos. That inspiration is clearly reflected in the hood bulge. The clear bubble is perforated by eight holes as an homage to vintage race cars and to denote the V-8 powerplant. The result is a rowdy rock-crawler that offers approach and departure angles of around 90 degrees so that it can approach nearly vertical rock walls, with enough power to climb them.

High Top

Matt Hilburn, Manager Mopar/Jeep Performance Parts Design, said that the idea of High Top was to show how much performance could be had in a Gladiator that was still attainable. Its Dana 60 axles are filled with 5.38:1 gears to help the V-6 powertrain tame the mass of 40-inch tires and 18×9-inch KMC Grenade beadlock wheels. An AccuAir adjustable suspension provides the lift to clear the tires while flexing on the trail while still staying relatively low for on-road jaunts.

A set of JPP concept flat fender flares cover the tires and an AEV front bumper provides trail protection and a tidy place to mount a Warn winch. Its Gingersnap Metallic paint and satin black graphic are a throwback to ‘70s and ‘80s J10 pickups. The color scheme is inverted for the interior, where Alea leather seats use black diamond-quilted inserts and bolsters.

Vacationeer

In another bit of throwback design, the Vacationeer is Jeep’s take on a road trip vehicle that balances off-road capability and on-road comfort. Finished in a retro green called “Spearminted”, the Vacationeer looks like last year’s Grand Wagoneer Overland with a decidedly ’60s slant. Its fascia and reshaped wheel wells, along with a 1.5-inch lift, fit 35-inch BF Goodrich mud-terrain tires on 18×9-inch Method 701 eight-spoke wheels finished in white as a nod steel wagon wheels. In another vintage homage, this big hauler got a touch of wood paneling. The 3D wood stripe is not the usual billboard we’re used to seeing of the Brooks Stevens Wagoneers, but it’s appreciated nonetheless.

Just like the concept from last year, this Jeep ditched the second and third-row seats and second-row sunroof to make way for an access port to the Redtail Skyloft rooftop camper. This time, however, Kiel James Patrick helped with the interior design. The seat upholstery and bedding in the folding camper feature a matching print that incorporates classic Jeep models.

If you happen to be in Moab for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari, keep an eye out for these concepts as well as past concepts, as they’ll be taking to the trails for the week-long event to show what Jeep vehicles are all about.

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