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The unveiling of Jeep’s third special edition Wrangler happens to coincide with the opening of the annual Detroit Auto Show this week. This 85th Anniversary Edition honors the Wrangler’s 85 years of off-road leadership. The special editions are part of Jeep’s Twelve 4 Twelve celebration. This special Wrangler harkens back to some earlier Jeep Americana with plaid upholstery and other design touches. The celebration also extends to the Jeep Gladiator 85th Anniversary edition, bringing the same heritage‑inspired designs to the industry's only Wrangler-inspired mid-size pickup.
“For 85 uninterrupted years, every Jeep vehicle has been built with purpose, designed first for capability, engineered for real world use and shaped by the needs of those who rely on it,” said Bob Broderdorf, Jeep brand CEO. “The Wrangler 85th Anniversary special edition reflects this enduring mindset, translating into thoughtful details and authentic design cues that honor the past while continuing to deliver confidence and capability for today’s adventures.”
2026 Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition
As I reported this weekend, the Jeep Wrangler has been in the news for the automaker’s decision to cancel its 4xe electrified powertrain. The Wrangler was the top-selling plug-in hybrid in the U.S. since its debut in 2021. Jeep and its parent company have decided to focus on more traditional hybrids as well as extended-range EV vehicles.
Jeep announced in November that it would make 2026 the year of the Wrangler, with new special editions being announced monthly, as part of the brand’s yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series. I reported previously on the November debut of the Wrangler Moab 392 and the December reveal of the 2026 Wrangler Whitecap special editions. Jeep says there will also be other 85th Anniversary Editions revealed throughout the year on other Jeep vehicles.
2026 Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition Highlights
Following the success of the “Stranger Things” television show, this year you seem to see retro looks everywhere, in fashion and in furniture. The 2026 Wrangler 85th Anniversary special edition runs with the retro look, featuring exclusive plaid seat inserts with an 85th seat tag. Matching plaid accents on the instrument panel and mid bolster signal a look that is both adventurous and iconic. Heritage-inspired details are paired with exclusive touches, such as an 85th shifter medallion and cupholder plaque, along with Berber floor and cargo mats perfect for life on and off the trail.
Exterior highlights include exclusive Steel Oxide-painted 17-inch wheels, bronze tow hooks, 85th anniversary badges and decals, and body-color fender flares for a refined yet rugged stance.
Other features include:
- Standard Convenience Group with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start and keyless passive entry
- Standard Alpine premium audio
- Standard deep‑tint windows, Gorilla Glass windshield, heated mirrors, automatic headlamps
- Standard LED headlamps, LED daytime running lamps and LED fog lamps
- Optional upgrades include a black molded-in color hardtop or a body-color hardtop, providing additional personalization options straight from the factory. Customers may also upgrade to all-terrain tires at no cost
Orders for the new 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator 85th Anniversary models are now open. Wrangler 85th Anniversary model is only $710 MSRP above a comparably equipped Sport S with Convenience Group and Alpine audio. MSRP for the 85th Anniversary edition starts at $46,300 plus $1,995 destination charge. The 2026 Jeep Gladiator 85th Anniversary model is only $1,005 above a comparably equipped Sport S Gladiator. The Gladiator Anniversary edition has an MSRP starting at $45,820, plus $1,995 destination charge.
Jeep Photo
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.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
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