The military-inspired Jeep Wrangler Willys model is set to go Xtreme Recon. Jeep revealed the upcoming new model package at Detroit 4Fest in September. The Xtreme Recon package was previously only available on the Rubicon trim.
Let’s look at what will be available on the new Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Willys Xtreme Recon.
Improved Off-Road Performance
One of the most obvious upgrades to the new Willys Xtreme Recon model is giant 35-inch all-terrain tires. This gives the military-inspired Willys an even more aggressive look and obviously adds to the model’s off-road ability and height. Also adding to the height is a 1.5-inch factory lift kit, which helps lift the ground clearance to 12.9 inches. Higher ground clearance also means more fording ability, and this new Willys model can get through 33.6 inches of water.
Other upgrades for the Willys Xtreme Recon are a retuned suspension, a reinforced tailgate to hold 17-inch wheels, a 4.56:1 axle ratio, improved approach, departure and break-over angles, and Goodrich KO2 all-terrain tires in size mentioned above.
Comparison to the Rubicon and Bronco
To compare, the Rubicon Xtreme Recon also has 12.9 inches of ground clearance, a 1.5-inch suspension lift, and 17-inch wheels with the same tires. The Xtreme Recon debuted on the Rubicon, which is the top off-road trim of the Jeep Wrangler, mainly to compete with the new Ford Bronco. Jeep asked customers what they wanted in terms of an even more off-road-ready Wrangler. Competing with the Bronco was a major goal, but also Jeep found out what upgrades were typically installed by customers after purchase.
The Bronco offers 8.3 inches of ground clearance on the base stock model.
The Ford Bronco Badlands with the Sasquatch package offers 11.5 inches of ground clearance and water fording ability up to 33.5 inches.
The Xtreme Recon managed to beat the Bronco in every area.
Approach angle: Xtreme Recon is at 47.4 degrees, and the Bronco Sasquatch is 43.2 degrees.
Departure angle: Xtreme Recon is at 40.4 degrees, and the Bronco Sasquatch is 37 degrees.
Break-over angle: Xtreme Recon is at 26.7 degrees, and the Bronco Sasquatch is 26.3 degrees.
Standard Willys Equipment
The Jeep Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon will start at $40,930 and will come standard only with the 3.5-liter eTorque V6 engine. The Willys model is inspired by early military Jeeps and comes with eight color choices, including Army Sarge Green. This trim also includes rock rails, a gloss black grille, Willys stencil decals on the hood, and 4WD decals. The Willys Xtreme Recon package will only be available for the Unlimited four-door models. A manual transmission will likely be an available choice along with the automatic.
Jeep expects deliveries of this new Willys Xtreme Recon model to start in December of 2021.
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