The commencement of the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, typically brings forth a lineup of “mission-capable” concepts from Jeep. For the 2024 edition of this event, drawing Jeep enthusiasts from across the nation, the automaker unveiled four concepts—a notably smaller number compared to last year, yet intriguing enough to captivate our attention.
Jeep’s concept lineup features the camper-friendly Vacationeer, the V8-powered Wrangler Low Down, the plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher, and the Gladiator-based High Top concept.
All of them are equipped with a combustion engine under the hood—a six-cylinder Hurricane, Pentastar V6, Hemi V8, and 4Xe PHEV—which means there’s no “Magneto” EV this time around. Interestingly, the army-themed Wrangler that appeared in the official teasers is nowhere to be found.
Jeep Vacationeer Concept
The coolest of the bunch is the Jeep Vacationeer, an overlanding camper conversion of the Grand Wagoneer with a nostalgic off-road-focused spec. Painted in a Spearmint shade with a white roof and woodgrain graphics, the SUV exudes retro charm. It rides on white 18-inch racing wheels wrapped in 35-inch BF Goodrich mud-terrain tires, offering an additional 1.5 inches (38 mm) of ground clearance and plenty of grip on rugged terrain.
Exterior modifications body-colored fender flares, skid plates, additional LED lights, and a Warn winch mounted on the front bumper. Of particular note, the roof-mounted tent, named the RedTail Overland Skyloft, is constructed from carbon fiber. It provides a climate-controlled space capable of accommodating two adults, complete with large windows offering panoramic views.
More: Electric Jeep Wagoneer S On Sale This Fall With 600 HP, 400-Mile Range
The interior, crafted by fashion designer Kiel James Patrick, features ample wood trim throughout the cabin, complemented by Tupelo leather upholstery with custom fabric inserts on the seats. At the back, you’ll find a cozy area for relaxation, with soft pillows, vintage suitcases, a bed-lined cargo floor and even a tiny cactus trees in the cupholders. Furthermore, the cabin is connected to the Skyloft tent through a pass-thru entrance on the roof.
There are no changes under the hood, with the stock twin-turbo 3.0-liter six-cylinder Hurricane engine producing 510 hp (380 kW / 517 PS) and 500 lb-ft (678 Nm) of torque.
Jeep Wrangler Low Down Concept
The Jeep Wrangler Low Down takes inspiration from the “Lower 40” concept introduced in 2009, albeit with a modern twist, as it’s built upon the Wrangler Rubicon 392 platform. Staying faithful to the original’s “bigfoot” stance, it boasts an even larger set of 42-inch BF Goodrich Krawler mud-terrain tires mounted on striking gold 20-inch beadlock wheels. Enhanced off-road capability is achieved through a combination of the stock suspension and upgraded Dana 60 axles.
More: The Last V8 Jeep Wrangler Will Cost You $100,000
The exterior is coated in a deep Poison Apple Red hue, accented by white graphics. Shortened bumpers, removal of the rear door handles, and wider carbon fenders with integrated vents contribute to its sleek profile. A transparent dome on the carbon hood offers a view of the potent 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine, delivering 470 hp (346 kW / 477 PS) and 470 lb-ft (637 Nm) of torque. Inside, the Wrangler Low Down boasts black leather seats with cloth inserts, a Rhino-lined floor, a red-tinted bikini top, and a customized dashboard without the infotainment system.
Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys Dispatcher
The second Wrangler-based concept is the Willys Dispatcher designed to invoke “the nostalgia of the early post-war civilian Jeep” albeit with a more eco-friendly 4Xe plug-in hybrid powertrain under the hood. The retro-themed exterior is painted in a custom Element 115 Green shade, with cream-colored 16-inch steelies shod in Super Traxion 36-inch rubber. Other add-ons include the custom front bumper with a warn winch, the gloss black windshield frame, and the Willys lettering embossed into the sides of the hood.
The cabin is equally nostalgic with its blend of saddle leather and houndstooth cloth inserts. The removal of headrests might look cool, but we can’t say that it looks safe. Finally, the cabin is protected from the elements thanks to a bikini top and a vinyl cover sourced from the catalog of Jeep Performance Parts (JPP).
Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept
Last but not least, the High Top concept is based on the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon. The model retains the stock 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 but features a number of exterior, interior, and chassis upgrades by Jeep Performance Parts and Mopar.
The rugged truck is finished in Ginger Snap metallic paint with contrasting black graphics, complemented by a satin black finish on the 18-inch KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels wrapped in 40-inch BF Goodrich All-Terrain tires. Equipped with a front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles, it features a warn winch, a bull bar, and additional LEDs. This setup is enhanced by flat fenders, Rock rail power steps, and a lockable Decked truck bed storage system.
The chassis has been upgraded with Dana 60 axles, and the AccuAir adjustable air suspension for a greater ground clearance. Inside, we find quilted and perforated seats in black Alea leather, aluminum pedals, all-weather floor mats, and a sun bonnet making up for the lack of a roof.
Below you can watch the detailed video presentation of the four concepts. The 58th Easter Jeep Safari takes place in Moab between March 23 and 31.