The 2024 Easter Jeep Safari (aka EJS), now in its 58th iteration, isn’t full with out the annual Jeep idea automobiles. Annually, the long-lasting 4×4 model debuts quite a few automobiles showcasing the newest developments, coolest mods, and wildest customizations for the wheeling world to see.
In the event you’re in Moab, you’ll be able to see them on the Walker Drugstore car parking zone in the course of the occasion. Nonetheless, a choose few get to drive these ideas earlier than they go on show — this yr, I used to be one among them.
For EJS 2024, Jeep introduced 4 contemporary ideas (extra like 3.5), which was not as many as in prior years (2023, 2022, 2021). This yr, Jeep additionally introduced out a number of previous ideas for all to see.
Let’s dive into what these Jeep ideas are all about, together with what they’re prefer to drive off-road.
2024 Jeep Low Down Idea
Large Tires, Large Horsepower, and A number of Persona
With an enormous engine, enormous tires, and a fair bigger persona, Low Down is the incarnation of a street-legal racing Wrangler. It’s a becoming approach to have fun the Wrangler 392’s final mannequin yr.
Underneath the hood — full with a transparent viewing window — is the 392’s 6.4L, 475-horsepower engine. It rides on huge 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler T/A tires mounted on 20-inch RBP beadlock wheels lined by vented carbon-fiber fenders. Dana 60 axles entrance and rear (with WARN Premium hubs up entrance) home 4:10 gears. Shortened bumpers support in strategy and departure angles.
Low Down isn’t lifted; it rides on inventory suspension at a inventory top. Chris Piscitelli, Senior Supervisor for Jeep Design, acknowledged it “took some actually inventive clearance work” to get the 42s to suit with the inventory suspension. “It’s a must to have a hacksaw and a humorousness,” Piscitelli mentioned. The no-lift-look additionally retains the Jeep’s heart of gravity down when it’s out on the paths.
Inside, the infotainment system was deleted and a 392 graphic has been conspicuously added. The customized entrance and rear seats have racy fabric inserts.
The translucent crimson high provides taste, though it makes you’re feeling like a burger beneath a warmth lamp when inside. The entire thing wears Poison Apple Purple paint, and I like the look.
Driving the 2024 Jeep Low Down Idea
Begin Low Down up, and the 392 growls to life. This rig retains the manufacturing 392’s electrical muffler baffles and, once they’re open, Low Down sounds downright imply with its gnarly V-8 growl. Unsurprisingly — even with 42s — this factor scoots.
And, whereas I didn’t get to mash the throttle (a lot), I may really feel gobs of grunt. In low vary, Low Down simply crawled up and over something on our prescribed driving course. It felt prefer it may scale a wall.
Nonetheless, the non-lifted suspension paired with huge tires rode stiffly over bumps. These tires additionally took vital effort to steer. However hey, this factor isn’t made to experience like a cloud — it’s made to climb over them.
There’s no denying Low Down’s cool issue. Its aggressive, minimal racecar-like look paired with its splendidly offended exhaust notice ensures loads of turned heads. It’s a fully superior creation honoring the outgoing Wrangler 392. If solely I may’ve flogged it a bit more durable!
2024 Jeep Willys’ Dispatcher Idea
PHEV Retro Rig
Retro isn’t all the time finished proper, however Jeep appears to all the time know the right way to do it nicely. Heck, it created the SUV phase!
Full with 16×7 steel-style aluminum alloy wheels wrapped in vintage-style 36-inch Superlug tires, the Dispatcher 4xe PHEV seems outdated, however its hybrid drivetrain is something however.
Enjoyable truth: The original Willys Dispatcher was a 2WD supply car!
Carrying a really classic Component 115 Inexperienced hue, the Dispatcher had the Willys brand embossed on the hood for much more wayback aptitude. Up entrance is a WARN M8274-S winch; that is applicable, because it’s been in manufacturing since 1974.
The inside showcases distressed leather-based upholstery with low-back entrance seats and houndstooth accents all through.
Within the again is a black “gas can” that’s truly a hidden cocktail set (very intelligent). The rig additionally has a Jeep Efficiency Components (JPP) air compressor and fold-down desk on the tailgate — superb for joyful hour again at camp.
The two.0L four-cylinder turbo engine and hybrid drivetrain makes 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Dana 50 Advantech axles entrance and rear assist to maintain the ability in verify. The suspension includes a JPP 2-inch carry and Bilstein distant reservoir shocks.
Driving the 2024 Jeep Willys’ Dispatcher Idea
Driving the dispatcher was a pleasure. It felt extraordinarily well-sorted on the numerous terrain. It was assured on climbs, descents, and over a few of the rougher course sections.
In comparison with Low Down, the Dispatcher rode like a luxurious SUV. If I had to decide on one 2024 Jeep Idea Wrangler to day by day drive, it’d be this one. Nonetheless, I would want a extra enclosed high.
The Gumby determine on the sprint couldn’t have been extra applicable, both.
2024 Jeep Excessive Prime Idea
Placing JPP on Full Show
“The aim behind this construct was to take one among our most succesful automobiles and make it higher all-around by way of using our Mopar and Jeep Efficiency Components,” mentioned Matt Hillburn, Design Supervisor for Mopar. Primarily, somebody may construct this actual Gladiator with out fabricating scads of one-off components.
Carrying a Nineteen Seventies Mopar Ginger Snap metallic end with retro two-tone graphics, the Jeep Excessive Prime construct is a handsome Gladiator with an enormous, imply stance.
The 18×9 KMC beadlock wheels had been shod with 40-inch BFGoodrich KO3 All-Terrain tires bolted to Dana 60 axles and WARN Premium Hubs up entrance. Contained in the axles had been 5:38 gears. The AccuAir suspension means an adjustable experience top of as much as 6 inches.
When lifted all the best way up, the Rock Slide Engineering rock sliders/electrical working boards helped you get into and out of this beast.
Up entrance is a Warn Zeon winch in a modified American Expedition Automobiles (AEV) bumper. Within the mattress is a Decked cargo system with twin sliding drawers for all of your path gear.
Contained in the Excessive Prime idea are tan-and-black leather-based seat covers which can be shaded by a JPP solar bonnet.
Driving the 2024 Jeep Excessive Prime Idea
Excessive Prime is clearly very succesful off-road, however it was additionally surprisingly civilized to drive. Its means to be raised and lowered meant you might preserve the rig’s heart of gravity low if you wished, however you might increase it up when wanted. The adjustable shocks did an admirable job of damping the bumps, and its lengthy wheelbase and 40-inch rubber offered loads of grip on the slickrock climbs.
It might be argued that Excessive Prime is the least thrilling of this yr’s ideas as a result of it will be the best to duplicate. There wasn’t an enormous V-8 (it had the inventory 3.6L V-6). It didn’t sound like a race automotive. Nevertheless it was constructed to point out what a client may do to their Gladiator JT, so in that manner, it succeeds. Whereas it appeared nice, and carried out splendidly, it wasn’t as attention-grabbing as the opposite ideas for me.
2024 Jeep Vacationeer Idea
Reskinned & Prepared for Overland Adventures
I discussed Jeep introduced 3.5 ideas this yr. That’s as a result of the Vacationeer is a reskin of the 2023 Wagoneer Overland idea from final yr’s EJS.
It retains the identical TYRI three-light setup on the roof — although the housings had been modified from black to white — the identical front-mounted LED lights, and the hard-sided carbon-fiber Redtail Skyloft camper on the roof (don’t name this $20,000 Skyloft a “tent”). As was proven final yr, the rear sunroof was eliminated so you’ll be able to entry the Skyloft from contained in the car.
Now sporting a “Spearminted” pearlized inexperienced hue and shelf-paper woodgrain facet graphic stripe (with 3D texture), the Vacationeer is a succesful household overlander. White Technique 701 wheels are wrapped in 35-inch BFGoodrich KM3 Mud-Terrain tires and supply 1.5 inches of carry.
The wheel wells had been opened up barely, and fender extensions had been added for tire protection. Armor consists of two skid plates, and a hidden WARN winch is there for restoration.
Inside, the customized plaid upholstery was created by dressmaker Kiel James Patrick. This sample has a number of little Jeep automobiles climbing round on the stripes for a bit of caprice. The inside was additionally accessorized with classic baggage and an aloe vera plant within the cupholder.
Driving the 2024 Jeep Vacationeer Idea
With the rear seats eliminated, the bags taken out, and the Skyloft stowed, I hit the path.
Regardless of the inventory suspension (which will also be raised and lowered through a change within the cabin), this Grand Wagoneer was fairly succesful, particularly for its giant dimension. It traversed the path with confidence, all whereas its massaging seats kneaded my decrease again — I can’t say I’ve had that have earlier than.
Exterior sight traces aren’t tremendous off-road because of a slender windscreen, low seating place, and lengthy hood. However the car proved its Jeep-ness crawling over the panorama with ease.
With 510 horsepower from the twin-turbo Hurricane engine, it wasn’t missing grunt both. Whereas most Grand Wagoneers are prone to be in Moab’s lodge parking heaps versus its trails, the massive rig has reputable off-pavement chops. With the added carry and traction, the Vacationeer idea was really prepared for journey, even when it was simply restyled from 2023.
Previous EJS Ideas: Nonetheless Enjoyable
Jeep additionally introduced a number of older ideas.
This included 2009’s V-8-powered Decrease 40, which was outfitted with a 5.7L HEMI V-8, a five-speed handbook transmission, and massive wheels and tires. It was a complete blast to drive and sounded superb — I don’t even know if it had mufflers.
There was additionally Shortcut, which debuted in 2016. Based mostly on the earlier Wrangler JK, however shortened 14 inches to CJ-5 proportions, it was merely fantastic. With a brief wheelbase, no doorways, and an open rear mattress, it instantly put a smile on my face.
There was additionally 2018’s super-sexy orange Sandstorm, which appeared able to race within the desert.
2024 Easter Jeep Safari Ideas Drive
The annual Jeep ideas are there to point out folks what might be finished with these automobiles to extend their functionality, add extra persona, and up the enjoyable issue. And, regardless of the pared-down 2024 lineup, the ideas proceed to just do that. Whereas it was evident there could also be some cost-cutting at Jeep within the ideas division, they’re nonetheless an integral and attention-grabbing a part of EJS.
