Road Test: 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Willys ‘41

While taking pictures of the 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Willys ’41 I drove recently, I was approached by an older gentleman who asked if he could get a closer look.

After a few niceties, he explained he drove a jeep in the military some years ago and that seeing the Wrangler brought back memories.

I guess that is what Jeep designers were going for when they concocted this special edition, with its unique exterior colour and all the features of the Willys ’41 package.

While the base price for the Wrangler 4XE is $59,995, our as-tested price was quite a bit higher, with a final bill of $82,420.

And the list of add-ons is extensive, with the highlights being the Willys ’41 package for $9,805 – which gives this Jeep its unique look, a $2,495 convenience group which includes things like heated front seats and steering wheel, remote start and dual zone climate control with automatic temperature control.  Other extras include the Technology Group, Safety Group, a Mopar hardtop headliner ($650), Mopar heavy−duty rock slider with step assist ($1,375) and a body-colour 3-piece hardtop ($3,095).

Powertrain: The Wrangler 4XE is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engine that is coupled with two electric motors. They provide a combined power output of 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, and Jeep features an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The plug-in hybrid comes with a modest 17.3 kWh battery pack and 34 kilometres of estimated EV range.

Overall, I would say that the setup of the powertrain is quite good, and the torque number is impressive. Less so is the EV range, which in the real world turned out to be less than advertised.

Exterior: At its base, this is a Jeep Wrangler, so there’s really no need to go into those details. But what makes this model unique is the Willys ’41 treatment as part of the options package.

Apart from mechanical enhancements, it also brings with a host of unique features, including the paint – which the automaker calls Willys ’41, but is essentially a type of army green.

Other than the colour, there’s no missing the Willys ’41 decals on the hood, swing gate and tailgate. Other features include a body−coloured grille with gloss black inserts, a matte black Jeep badge and 17-inch painted body colour wheels.

Interior: The outside may have a unique appeal, but so does the cabin. The tan interior is unlike anything I have experienced on a Jeep, and the dashboard is accented by an olive drab fabric.

The Willys ’41 graphic design also is emblazoned on the shift lever.

Other than the different colour, the overall cabin design is traditional Jeep, with controls for everything – including the windows – located in the centre stack.

It’s a functional interior, but I do wonder how that tan fabric will hold up over time.

Infotainment: The Uconnect5 system features a large 12.3-inch touchscreen for ease of use for what remains one of my favourite systems on the market.

I have always found it easy to use and quite intuitive, and the one in the Wrangler is no exception.

It features wireless compatibility with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as Jeep Connect.

One feature those who off-road with the Wrangler will appreciate are dedicated off-road pages with real-time information about vehicle pitch, roll, steering angle, and more.

There’s also a seven-inch digital driver information display screen.

Drive: Despite the special edition paint, this is still a Jeep, and it drives as such. Not necessarily always refined, the Wrangler can sometimes rattle your bones a little bit, but for those who are passionate about this brand, that will not be a problem.

To help with your off-roading, it features a Selec-Trac full-time 4×4 system.

The EV driving on the Wrangler 4XE is a nice feature but does have its limitations. Notably the range, but I did also find that the transition between the two power options was not always very smooth, leading to some jarring moments.

Conclusion: A Jeep Wrangler in a rather unique paint scheme, the Willys ’41 edition still has all the same traits that have made this nameplate one of the most popular and mythic in the auto world.

Rugged good looks, able to handle the worst of terrains yet equally at home in the city are just a few reasons the Jeep Wrangler can be seen on roads everywhere.

2025 Jeep Wrangler 4XE Willys ‘41
Price as tested: $82,420.00
Freight: $2,195.00
Configuration: Front engine/4X4
Engine/transmission: 2.0-litre turbocharged inline 4-cylinder paired with two electric motors/ 8-speed automatic
Power/torque: 375 horsepower/ 470 lb-ft of torque
Fuel (capacity): Regular (65 L)
Battery: 17.3 kWh
EV range: 34 km
Combined fuel economy ratings (L/100 km): 11.7 L/100 km or 4.8 Le/100 km (combined gas and electric)
Warranties: 5-years/100,000 km (basic)
Competitors:  Ford Bronco, Toyota 4Runner
Website: Jeep Canada