The 2022 Easter Jeep Safari, Showcasing 10 Extraordinary Custom-Built 4x4 And 4xe Concepts

An extraordinary line-up of custom-built 4x4 and 4xe concept vehicles, the Jeep brand and Jeep Performance Parts by Mopar (JPP) team at the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari.

During the weeklong annual tradition, electrified power, legendary 4x4 capability and commanding performance conquered the iconic red-rock terrain in Moab, Utah.

Outstandingly, this year, 10 distinctive Jeep brand and JPP concept vehicles were equipped with an array of advanced powertrains. 

Jeep Brand North America’s senior vice president and head, Jim Morrison, remarked, “Easter Jeep Safari is the perfect opportunity for the Jeep brand to push the limits of four-wheel-drive development and, most importantly, to stay connected with our customers. Moab is a rite of passage for many Jeep owners, and to own a Jeep is to truly understand the lifestyle, it’s what the Jeep brand is all about. Whether it’s a Jeep concept or the latest Jeep production vehicle, our customers have the chance to get up close and personal with our passion projects during this event. From a fully capable BEV off-roader to rugged and powerful terrain tacklers, every concept is a true reflection of what our customers tell us they want and give a taste of where the future of the Jeep brand and off-roading can go.”

Notably, the line-up is led by the triumphant return of Jeep Wrangler Magneto, the first battery-electric vehicle (BEV) concept from the Jeep brand. 

Along with the even more powerful and capable Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 and four additional Jeep 4xe concept vehicles.

Each concept featured the latest production and prototype JPP from Mopar, developed with rigorous specifications and legendary 4x4 capability in mind.

Mopar North America’s vice president for service, parts and customer care, Mark Bosanac, commented, “Teaming up with the Jeep brand, there is no better place than the annual Easter Jeep Safari to show off our latest production and custom innovations to true off-road enthusiasts. Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our factory-tested and factory-backed Jeep Performance Parts are specifically designed and engineered to face the toughest trails in the world.”

2022 Easter Jeep Safari Concepts

Jeep Wrangler Magneto 2.0 Concept:

A year ago, the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept demonstrated that a battery-electric propulsion system would be true to the Wrangler’s heritage of on-road and off-road capability. 

Dedicated to Jeep’s ‘Zero Emissions Freedom’, it is literally amped up, creating a terrain-dominating off-roader that carries you far, far off the beaten path.

Its powertrain basics include a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 5,250 rpm and a six-speed manual gearbox for ultimate control over the propulsion system.

Then, it also gets four lithium-ion battery packs, distributed throughout the chassis for weight balance, with a combined power of 70 kW/h, running an 800-volt system.

Complementing all of that, its inverter derived from race cars, converts DC power to AC for the high-tech motor. Its peak amperage in the propulsion system is more than doubled to 600 amps. 

That enables it to instantly deliver up to 1,152 Nm of peak torque to the wheels, over triple the torque output of last year’s concept and 625 hp for serious rock-climbing challenges.

Like an electric nitrous oxide, its new e-powertrain calibration keeps the peak amperage for up to 10 seconds, which lets the Magneto 2.0 bolt from 0 to 60 mph (0 to 97 km/h) in 2 seconds.

Moreover, its first gear ratio in the manual transmission is changed from 5.13 to 3.36, when combined with the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon’s Rock-Trac transfer case. 

Also, a driver-selectable maximum regeneration function added to the propulsion system offers a true ‘one-pedal’ driving experience.

Now, getting all that torque to the ground calls for some hardware upgrades. It starts with 12 inches added to the wheelbase of the two-door Wrangler body style.

Creating some extra room for the powertrain components, it gives the Magneto 2.0 proportions similar to the 2004 to 2006 ‘LJ’ Wrangler Unlimited. 

Augmenting that stretch are a custom 3-inch lift kit and a set of 40-inch off-road rubbers mounted on 20-inch wheels.

The stout, off-road specific chassis setup includes a Dynatrac 60 Pro-Rock front axle and a massive Pro-Rock Dynatrac 80 rear axle, custom driveshaft and an off-road suspension.

Front and rear carbon-fibre wheel flares cover the wide tyres without adding much weight, significantly enhancing the Magneto 2.0’s approach and departure angles on the trail.

Other than that, Surf Blue paint, a custom carbon-fibre B-pillar, custom bikini top and carbon-fibre hood give it a powerful look. 

Lastly, the custom hood includes a blue-tinted, transparent window that gives a view of the power unit underneath.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe Concept:

Launched this spring, the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk 4xe is the first-ever electrified Grand Cherokee 4xe, which will deliver 56 MPGe and 25 miles (40 km) of all-electric range. 

The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk concept pairs legendary Jeep 4x4 capability with electrified freedom to deliver ultimate fuel efficiency and driving range.

It features a new class-exclusive sway-bar disconnect, allowing for improved articulation and traction over rocks and rough terrain.

This concept is powered by two e-motors, a 400-volt battery pack, a 2.0-litre turbocharged, four-cylinder engine and a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. 

Plus, it is also equipped with Jeep’s class-exclusive Jeep Quadra-Lift air suspension to optimize ride performance.

For the overall design, the concept boasts a custom Industrial Blue exterior, along with signature 4xe Lagoon Blue tow hooks and glare-proof black-and-blue matte Trailhawk hood decal. 

Adding to those are a custom roof rack with integrated tie downs, black Rhino Liner roof, custom fog light bezels with quad LED projector fog lamps and custom vinyl side graphics.

That’s not all, the Mopar rock rails fitted add further protection against nature’s lesser forgiving elements.

Inside, it incorporates custom saddle-coloured upholstered seats with ‘Rodney’ houndstooth inserts. The seats also feature the signature 4xe Trailhawk badge and Surf Blue stitching.

Finally, the off-roading rig also comes equipped with custom 20-inch painted Neutral Gray metallic matte wheels with 33-inch BFG mud-terrain tyres. 

Featuring trimmed wheel wells with custom widened flares, they are the perfect complement to the meatier wheel and tyre combo.  

Jeep ’41 Concept:

During Easter Jeep Safari, the Jeep brand pays homage to Jeep vehicles of the past. This year, the spotlight shines brightly on the Wrangler Willys.

Every Jeep brand vehicle has a unique story to tell, with a legacy that links back to the original Willys MB, a trusty 4x4 vehicle the U.S. Army specifically requested. 

The retro Willys concept at the Easter Jeep Safari this year blends military grit and determination with the Wrangler 4xe’s electric-vehicle technology. 

Said concept’s 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain is capable of an estimated 49 MPGe and delivers up to 21 miles of nearly silent, zero-emission, electric-only propulsion.

Eco-friendly, the Wrangler 4xe’s advanced powertrain provides a unique on- and off-road experience through the combination of two electric motors.

Specifically, with a high-voltage battery pack and a high-tech 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine that has been paired to a robust TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.

Visually, the exterior colour, wheel flares and mirror caps, have been decked in an olive D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green finish, with black powder-coated steel bumpers, Warn winch and JPP bumper hoop. 

Fitted with the retro trim cap, it accentuates a tan soft-top, while the JPP half doors offer an enhanced open-air experience to let even more of the outside in. 

Finishing the outlook are the custom stencilled graphics package from the Jeep Graphic Studio and accent-coloured tow hooks.

Interior-wise, the ’41 concept is a retro shifter with a customized shifter cap from the Jeep Graphic Studio, along with canvas-covered seats that feature digital camo inserts and Serafil 1043 stitching. 

Apart from that, there is also a Rhino-lined heavy texture floor in D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green that adds durability. 

To match it, the concept’s instrument panel inserts are also painted in D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green and the cluster features a custom Willys retro graphic.

Harmonising everything, the ’41 concept sits on a JPP 2-inch lift kit and 35-inch mud-terrain tires with 17-inch Fifteen52 wheels painted in D.R.A.B. ‘41 matte green.

Jeep Rubicon 20th Anniversary Concept:

Twenty years ago, the Jeep brand introduced the most capable production vehicle of its time, the Wrangler Rubicon.

Now, the Rubicon 20th Anniversary concept, based on the quickest, most powerful Wrangler yet, which is the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 continues the legacy established two decades ago.

It does so by setting the benchmark for performance and capability with its 6.4-litre V8 engine, customized exterior and stunning interior.

This four-door concept has an active dual-mode performance exhaust, a performance hood with centre scoop, custom-built half doors and Sky One-touch power-top with removable side panels.

Cloaked in matte Granite Crystal vinyl wrap, emphasized with gold tow hooks and badging, Rubicon 20th anniversary hood decal, American flag fender decal and Mopar swing gate air compressor.

For extra capability, a JPP 2-inch lift kit, 17-inch Mopar beadlock-capable wheels with 37-inch mud-terrain tires, steel bumpers and hoop with Warn winch and steel belly pan were added.

Jeep Bob Concept:

Designed to blur the lines between two mighty off-roaders, the Wrangler and Gladiator, the Jeep Bob concept is a spin on the popular trend of ‘bobbing’ the long overhangs of pickup truck beds.

The most noticeable traits of this truck are not what’s on it, but rather what’s missing, of which all four doors and B-pillars have been removed for the ultimate open-air freedom. 

Additionally, a customized hardtop has been perforated and a canvas top has been stretched over top in order to provide shelter from the elements while allowing natural light through.

As for the Gladiator bed, it has been ‘bobbed’ a full foot of length, while the custom steel front and rear bumpers improve the vehicle’s approach and departure angles.

It is built to withstand all the rigors of off-road use, at the same time maintaining a stylish and sophisticated appearance. 

Inspired by the off-road performance world, high clearance flares make room for the larger rolling stock.

Besides that, its off-road capability is further amplified by a 3-inch lift with custom off-road suspension components. 

E.g., the Dynatrac Pro-Rock 60 axles that are supported by a mix of King Coils and Bypass shocks, plus massive 40-inch tires that are mounted to 20-inch beadlock wheels.

Creatively, the multi-finish exterior paint scheme mixes gloss and matte finishes for added flair and texture. 

Meanwhile, on the inside, it features bright bed-lined floors plus custom trimmed seats that create a fun and sporty environment. 

Next, a vented carbon hood adds a notable performance appearance and ensures better airflow to the engine.

Speaking of which, the Bob concept is powered by the award-winning, turbocharged 3.0-litre Eco-Diesel V6 engine. 

To handle greater torque loads, the EcoDiesel V6 connects to a TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission, calibrated for low RPM shifts and to easily maneuver rigorous ground. 

Not to mention, it is also equipped with a Mopar cold-air intake to further boost torque and improve fuel economy.

Jeep D-Coder Concept by JPP:

Rolling in gloss black, the Gladiator D-Coder concept has more than 35 JPP and Mopar accessories, each painted in contrasting Maraschino Red and labelled with QR (quick response) codes.

Thus, making this high-performance off-roader a rolling catalogue of factory-tested and factory-backed items available for customer purchase.

Up front it gets a Rubicon three-piece modular bumper, a single-hoop tubular grille and winch guard with a pair of TYRI 7-inch LED off-road lights just above a Rubicon Warn winch. 

A JPP 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks helps provide ample room for the JPP 17-by-8.5-inch five-spoke beadlock wheels riding on BFGoodrich KM3 37-inch tyres. 

On the front-passenger side, a JPP snorkel keeps water out of the 3.6-litre Pentastar engine while safely allowing air into the Mopar cold-air intake system under the hood. 

Flipping to the rear, completing the powertrain upgrade is a free-flowing Mopar cat-back dual-exhaust system. 

Apart from that, a JPP Gorilla Glass windshield offers up to three times the strength of a standard windshield. 

There is also a pair of TYRI 5-inch LED lights mounted securely in the JPP A-pillar mounting brackets on each side of the cowl area.

Heavy-gauge steel JPP rock rails provide protection for the lower body panels and sit just below the JPP tube doors, fitted with JPP tube-door mirrors on both sides. 

Additional rock rails protect the truck bed behind the rear wheels and feature a replaceable nylon rock-rail trim cover.

Mopar grab handles assist with easy entry and exit into the lifted cabin, while a Mopar mesh sunbonnet provides an enhanced open-air experience.

The distinct Maraschino Red theme continues inside the cabin with Katzkin leather covering both rows of the seats with an enhanced QR code on each seat that links directly to the Katzkin website.

Rounding out the interior are Mopar accessories, including four door-sill guards, stainless-steel pedal covers and all-weather floor mats throughout. 

Then, inside the truck bed, which is protected by a spray-in textured Mopar bedliner, a set of mounted Mopar bed rails carry a THULE low-profile cargo basket for additional storage space.

Jeep Birdcage Concept by JPP:

Created as a wide-open-air extreme 4x4 machine, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Birdcage concept showcases a variety of custom accessory innovations from JPP and Mopar.

All while proving its industry-best capability, as well as its class-exclusive, off-road 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain.

It rides on an industry-first JPP 2-inch lift kit with FOX shocks, specifically engineered and tuned for the plug-in hybrid electric Wrangler 4xe.

Aesthetically, the vibrant Eagle Brown off-roader features Granite Crystal metallic and various signature Jeep 4xe Surf Blue accents.   

Improving the front approach angle, it comes with a custom rock-slider skid plate that connects two rounded 2-inch steel support bars, integral to the custom seven-slot grille. 

Optimally placed for improved rock-crawling performance, the slider plate protects the recessed Warn Winch.

For a unique appearance, two low-mount, Surf Blue closed-tow hoops are securely attached behind the skid plate to the side of the frame for improved tow performance.

JPP five-spoke beadlock wheels measure 17-by-8.5-inches and are mounted with BFGoodrich KM3 37-inch tyres. 

New custom flat-fender flares and wheel liners, designed specifically for larger wheel and tyre combinations provide additional clearance.

Notably, the flat fender flares have integral removable daytime running light (DRL) covers for the off-road enthusiast who may require extra tyre clearance for extreme off-road situations. 

Furthermore, for additional off-road protection with 37-inch tyres, the Jeep design team created taillight spacers to meet federal lighting requirements. 

The resulting location of the light assembly enables the concept aluminium tail lamp guards to better defend from trail mishaps.     

Illuminating the ground below the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Birdcage concept are underbody rock lights at all four corners while custom rock rails on each side feature additional slider tubes.

Taking it to another level, for the serious off-roader who craves true open-air wheeling, the windshield and windshield wipers are removed. 

Tastefully closed off, the instrument panel gets custom cowl and windshield-wiper filler panel covers, creating a smooth factory appearance while protecting against dirt and debris. 

Interior-wise, Tobacco Leaf and Cocoa Brown leather seats feature seat inserts and Surf Blue accent stitching that carries on the instrument panel, steering wheel, shifter boot and e-brake handle.  

In addition to that, Mopar stainless-steel pedal covers use black rubber pads to provide the driver with plenty of traction to the accelerator and brake pedals. 

Armorlite vinyl floor throughout the cabin provides a durable and easy-to-maintain surface with drain plugs for rinsing.  

Interestingly, the Mopar team also created the Add-A-Trunk concept decklid panel that provides security for the accessories when the roof is removed.

Suitable for any Jeep Wrangler model with capacity to store a full-size cooler with ease, the Add-A-Trunk feature uses gas-assisted shocks to lift the decklid panel out of the way for easy access.

That’s not all, for additional storage, a 600-pound capacity Rhino-Rack cargo basket is securely mounted to the top of the roll cage.

Also, inside the tailgate panel, a JPP swing-gate flip-down table provides a perfect working or eating space and sits next to an integral on-board air compressor.  

2021 SEMA Concepts:

Three additional head-turning Jeep concepts by JPP that were recently introduced at the 2021 SEMA Show also made the trip to Moab for the first time. 

First, the Jeep Wrangler 4xe concept represents how passionate off-roaders can build upon the award-winning plug-in hybrid electric vehicle with factory-backed items from JPP. 

Second, the Jeep Wrangler Overlook concept stretches a four-door Wrangler Sahara into a three-row off-roader loaded with luxury touches.

Third, the Kaiser Jeep M725 concept is the transformation of a vintage 1967 Kaiser Jeep M725 military ambulance into an ultimate off-road support machine and rolling mascot for JPP. 

Easter Jeep Safari

Easter Jeep Safari, hosted by Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers four-wheel-drive club, consists of trail rides, mostly daylong trips, departing from Moab, Utah, throughout the nine-day event. 

Originally, the Jeep Safari inaugurated in 1967 by the Moab Chamber of Commerce was meant as a one-day trail ride. 

Over the years, as participation grew, the Safari expanded until it finally reached the current nine-day event. ‘Big Saturday’ remains the culmination of the event on the Saturday of Easter weekend.