Jeep’s Rad Wrangler Throwback Brings a Retro Safari Standout to Life

Since the announcement of the Twelve 4 Twelve campaign last year, Jeep has dutifully rolled out a special new Wrangler model on the 12th of each month as part of an advent calendar-like anniversary celebration.

It’s an initiative that’s resulted in a steady stream of visual and performance-oriented Wrangler surprises, and the packages have run the gamut in both pricing and impact.

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As we’re reaching the halfway point in the series, you might be tempted to think that Jeep would have already exhausted the best of its ideas. However, the brand has tapped a past fan favorite for the sixth installment of the Twelve 4 Twelve series, and it’s made for a throwback that’s even more vibrant in its retro appeal.

A rad new retro flavor

It’s dubbed the Rewind, and if that’s a moniker that you recognize from your Jeep lore, that’s because it was the name of a rig that appeared at the Easter Safari last year. The brand says the response was so enthusiastic at the time, it had to bring it to life (and for both the Wrangler and Gladiator, no less).

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Thankfully, the resulting package stays pretty true to its pre-production inspiration. As with the Rewind concept, Jeep’s new limited-edition dons vibrant multicolor graphics that draw from the “bold hues and patterns of the mixtape and roller skate era.”

Regardless of whether that resonates with your particular experience for the time period, there’s no denying that it gives the SUV a vibe that’s typical 80s and 90s loud. For this reason, Jeep is offering bright body-color options like Joose and Hydro Blue, though the pictured Reign is closest to the Grimace purple of the Easter Safari rig.

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In combination to the gold accent wheels and tow hooks, rock rails and paint-matched fender flares, it results in a look that is, if not tasteful, at least delightfully dated in a big-hair kind of way. The black seven-slot grille also tones things down compared to the gold of the Rewind concept.

Turning down the funk

Unfortunately, the front fascia isn’t the only change that Jeep made to the Rewind when transforming it into a new visual package. As is often the case with concept vehicles, the brand had to make some compromises.

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Most notably in the case of the seat upholstery. Whereas the Rewind that rolled out as part of the Easter Safari lineup touted a bold era-appropriate print, this year’s production version instead brings arcade-inspired dot embossments in black Nappa leather.

It’s an undeniably safer play, but it still makes the overall result feel muted in its impact. After all, though the Wrangler gets a themed tire cover, the Rewind limited edition does also ditch the corresponding dash inserts and the matching mesh sun bonnet.

Granted, it’d be a bit of an ask to see features like the integrated CD player or a boom box make the jump to reality. However, Jeep could have at least captured the mood of its era-specific inspirations with, well, a little more of it.

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If it’s any consolation, the brand is throwing in some extra goodies as part of the package. Beyond the addition of heated front seats and a heated wheel, buyers also get remote start, LED headlights and fog lamps, adaptive cruise control and a locking rear diff, among various other upgrades.

It also serves as an ideal starting point for your own Rewind rig. Ditch the roof and throw on some 37s, and you’re well on your way.

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Availability and pricing

Jeep’s Wrangler and Gladiator Rewind special editions will be available to order starting in May. According to the brand’s website, the package will add $1,900 to Willys models, which start at $45,635 and $46,455, respectively.

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2026 Jeep Wrangler Rewind

• Starts at $47,535

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