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Canada’s New Special-Edition Jeep Wrangler Blows the Doors Off the US Version

No slight to Captain America, but a 250th anniversary Wrangler deserves some V8 power under the hood.

White Jeep Wrangler with red and blue decals and no doors, parked in a desert setting.Stellantis
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By Gray Van Dyke

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Since the launch of the Twelve 4 Twelve program last year, Jeep has dropped a variety of different special-edition Wranglers. Some have proven strictly appearance-based, but others have delivered equipment and performance upgrades as well.

For the seventh Wrangler in the installment, the brand is getting a jump on the United States’ birthday celebrations by way of an America250 makeover. It even features a choice Marvel tie-in.

White Jeep Wrangler with black soft top parked on rocky terrain under a partly cloudy blue sky.
The America250 Edition is undeniably patriotic, but doesn’t V8 power feel appropriate?
Stellantis

However, as patriotic as the 4×4 looks to be, it nevertheless feels a little lacking. Chalk it up to power if you want, but Canada’s counterpart sure seems like the superior display of national pride. 

Power, tires and so much more

I mean, just look at the differences in the equipment. North of the border, Stellantis Canada’s Rocky Mountain 392 comes based on the Wrangler Moab 392. The A250, on the other hand, is more comparable to a Willys model. 

Black Jeep Wrangler with open doors on grassy hill with forest and mountains in the background.
Canada’s Rocky Mountain 392 is subtler in appearance, though it’s far more potent in specs.
Stellantis

Accordingly, the Rocky Mountain brings a 6.4-liter Hemi V8 good for a thundering 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It also features a 2.72:1 Selec‑Trac full‑time transfer case along with Tru-Lok and Dana M220 axles, among other upgrades.

By contrast, the United States’ America250 Edition doesn’t come with the same roaring engine under the hood. Instead, buyers can choose a standard Pentastar V6 or an optional turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four.

Rear tailgate of a Jeep vehicle with a spare tire mounted above and a red "Rocky Mountain" decal on the side.
There’s something about a riveted plaque that implies more staying power, compared to a set of embroidered seats.
Stellantis

Moreover, though it does tout rock rails, tow-hooks and special-colored Steel Oxide wheels, it nevertheless brings smaller 33-inch tires and 4.10 gearing as opposed to the Moab’s 35-inch rubber and upgraded 4.56 axle ratio.

Some inclusions, like the body-colored (or, ahem, coloured) fender flares are a wash, as they’re included in both special editions. However, Canada’s Rocky Mountain 392 does bring a more convenient open-air experience thanks to its Sky One-touch power top.

Gray Jeep Rocky Mountain edition with open doors and no roof on a grassy hill with mountains in the background.
The Sky One-touch power top allows for open-air experiences at the touch of a button.
Stellantis

The Super Jeep that could’ve been 

Even when it comes to visuals, Jeep’s Rocky Mountain 392 one-ups the Wrangler A250 in more ways than one. For starters, it brings a look that’s more broadly palatable.

Interior of a Jeep vehicle showing a black steering wheel, digital dashboard, touchscreen display, blue fabric seats, and center console with Jeep key fob.
The Jean Blue interior and stitched accents do make for a sharp (and patriotic) look.
Stellantis

After all, though it also lays claim to its fair share of patriotic inspiration, the result is subtler in execution. Along with a hoodside decal and a custom plaque in the tailgate, the package complements its paint options (Bright White, black and Granite Crystal Metallic) through red stitching and Dark Ruby Red seat belts.

Back on home soil, however, Jeep’s America250 Wrangler adopts a much louder look. Exclusively available in Bright White, it features commemorative fender badging, hood and side stripes, as well as a denim-colored top and a tire cover inspired by Captain America’s shield.

White Jeep with a Captain America shield-themed spare tire cover on a dirt road.
Captain America’s shield adorns the rear tire cover.
Stellantis

Granted, it’s a natural partnership, as the comic book hero is also celebrating his 85th anniversary this year. Moreover, the tri‑color‑stitched steering wheel, red seat belts and Jean Blue interior, all make for a sharp look throughout the cabin.

Still, it seems a little unsure of what it wants to be. While the A250 is certainly bolder than its Canadian cousin, it’s nevertheless not as committed to its stripes as the Super Jeep. Between the historical reference and the timing of America’s birthday, it’s a look that begged to be brought back, and it feels like a missed opportunity. 

White Jeep Wrangler with open doors and Captain America shield tire cover on cracked desert ground at sunset.
At least Jeep’s America250 Edition comes with a lower cost of entry than its Rocky Mountain 392 cousin.
Stellantis

Availability and pricing

Now, if there’s any consolation to be had for avoiding the Moab 392 platform, it’s that Jeep’s Wrangler America250 Edition promises to be much more accessible in its price.

At some $2,095 on top of a comparably equipped Willys model (which starts at $43,755), it’s not nearly the same kind of investment as the Rocky Mountain 392. That starts from $99,995 Canadian.

Arriving soon, you can learn more at Jeep’s respective United States and Canadian websites.

About the Author: Gray is an associate editor at Gear Patrol, covering cars, motorcycles and anything else with wheels. When he’s not chasing the latest industry news, he’s probably wrenching on one of many projects. For better or worse, he believes classics make perfectly practical daily drivers.

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