AUBURN HILLS, Mich. (September 12, 2026) – More than 80 years after the Willys CJ-2A brought Jeep capability to civilian life for the first time, the Jeep brand is going back to where it all began with the debut of the 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A, the 11th release in the yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve series.

“The original CJ-2A represents a defining chapter in Jeep brand history. It is the moment the Jeep vehicle found a new purpose in communities across America,” said . “More than eight decades later, the 2027 Wrangler JL-2A brings that story full circle, carrying forward an iconic silhouette shaped by 85 years of continuous 4×4 leadership while honoring the original through unmistakable design details and delivering the freedom, adventure and legendary capability that will take a new generation wherever the trail leads.”

– Branden Coté, Jeep brand CEO

In July 1945, the battle-proven formula of the military Willys MB was adapted for civilian life with the introduction of the Willys CJ-2A, the first Jeep vehicle designed specifically for civilian use and the start of the “CJ,” or Civilian Jeep, legacy. Built by Willys-Overland in Toledo, Ohio, the CJ-2A brought proven Jeep capability to farms, ranches and industry, adding practical features including a tailgate and rear power takeoff, along with larger headlights and the now-iconic seven-slot grille. Bold postwar color combinations, including Harvest Tan with Sunset Red wheels and Pasture Green with Autumn Yellow wheels, gave personality to the purpose-built workhorse and directly inspired its modern-day namesake.

The 2027 Wrangler JL-2A reaches back to 1945 for inspiration, reworking the original’s bold colors and signature design cues with a modern Wrangler attitude. Exterior highlights include a modern take on the CJ-2A’s color palette, led by Gobi on the two-door model and ’41 on the four-door, with Bright White, Sting Gray, Ghost and Joose also available; Gobi draws its inspiration from the original’s Harvest Tan finish. Exclusive 17-inch retro wheels finished in Joose — a nod to the original’s Sunset Red wheels — are paired with standard 33-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tires. Body-color fender flares and a three-piece hardtop round out a clean, cohesive exterior, while front and rear orange tow hooks add bold pops of color, and Dark Metallic Grey grille accents give the seven-slot grille a distinctive modern look.

Inside, the JL-2A’s Willys roots come through in a newly developed interior color and material combination — a first for the Wrangler — that goes beyond simple trim accents. Nappa Heritage Tan leather wraps the seats and the instrument-panel mid-bolster, while Bison Brown covers the door panels, lower instrument panel and center console for a rich, distinctive cabin. Desert Orange accent stitching runs throughout the interior, echoing the Joose-painted wheels outside. Exclusive touches include a Willys-Overland satin chrome shifter medallion and heritage-inspired HVAC vent graphics featuring the seven-slot grille on one side and a Willys silhouette on the other, along with a rear swing-gate plaque that recreates the artwork from the original CJ-2A’s dashboard data plate, depicting the farm and factory scenes that recall the vehicle’s agricultural and industrial roots. The JL-2A also comes standard with the Convenience Group — remote start, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a universal garage door opener — as well as a front TrailCam with an integrated washer.

The 2027 Jeep Wrangler JL-2A will be available to order in October. The package carries an MSRP of $4,995, just $115 more than a similarly equipped Wrangler Rubicon.