2024 Jeep Safari Reveals Four Jeep Concepts

While other manufacturers usually reveal their concept vehicles within the walls of an auto show convention hall, Jeep reveals them in their natural environment—specifically, Moab, Utah, for the annual Easter Jeep Safari. This year, Jeep had four such concepts, all variations of current models. Krusen Motors reviews this year’s concepts with the thought that with Jeep, sometimes concepts later morph into models, special editions, or new accessories.

Jeep Low Down Concept

The Low Down pays homage to a Wrangler concept called the Lower 40, which was shown fifteen years ago at the same Easter Jeep Safari. The popular Lower 40 was named after its 40-inch tires. This updated concept goes even bigger and is basically built around its massive 42-inch BFGoodrich Krawler 42x14.5R20 mud-terrain tires mounted on 20-inch beadlock wheels. It features custom high-clearance carbon fender flares and shortened front and rear bumpers to fit between the tires, which tells you something about its approach and departure angles. Charged with moving those tires is the 475-horsepower 392 cubic inch V8. It retains the Wrangler Rubicon 392 suspension, but Dana 60 axles with 5.38 gears replace the standard Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears. 

The body has been streamlined by removing rear door handles, a custom carbon hood with a transparent power dome, and looks almost dipped in deep Poison Apple Red exterior paint. Inside (more or less) are custom black leather seats with cloth inserts and Rhino-lined floors. Above is a purpose-built, red-tinted bikini top that casts a warm red glow upon the cabin.

Jeep Willys Dispatcher Concept

The Willys Dispatcher is a celebration of the Wrangler’s past and future. The earliest post-war civilian Jeep models inspire the exterior with rugged, utilitarian looks exemplified by the 16-by-7-inch alloy wheels that resemble the cream-colored steel wheels of those first Jeep models available for civilian use. Wrapping around those wheels are Super Traxion 36-inch tires. Other nostalgic elements include the embossed “Jeep” typeface on each side of the clamshell hood. The Element 115 Green exterior paint also harkens back to those early models. Up front is a new but vintage-appearing 8274 Warn winch.

In contrast to its retro appearance, the Willys Dispature contains the award-winning 2.0-liter plug-in hybrid 4xe drivetrain, which delivers 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque through an eight-speed automatic. Dana 50 Advantech front and rear axles with 4.70 gears effortlessly transfer all the power and torque to the Super Traxion tires.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top Concept

Not all Jeep concepts are Wranglers, as evidenced by the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon High Top, which seeks to push further the performance boundaries of the world’s most off-road capable midsize truck. 

The “Ginger Snap” metallic orange exterior is combined with black to invoke 70s-era graphics. The concept rides high on massive new 40x13.5R18 BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires mounted on 18-by-9-inch Satin Black KMC Grenade Crawl beadlock wheels. Like the Down Low, a modified front bumper from American Expedition Vehicles is shortened to fit between the tires. The bumper features a raised loop to protect the Warn winch. Rock rail power steps from Rock Slide Engineering protect the undercarriage and help provide easy entry and exit from the cabin. An AccuAir adjustable air suspension can be activated with a cell phone app to improve all the off-road angles and clearances. 

A 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine powers the High Top, combined with a TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission that focuses on low-end torque for improved off-roading. Power is sent to Dana 60 front and rear axles with matching 5.38:1 gearing, which should be ready for any serious off-road excursion.

The bed features a covered deck that can be loaded over a storage system with lockable dual sliding drawers. The cabin features extraordinary custom quilted and perforated tan and black Alea leather seats with an embossed JPP logo on the headrests. A JPP sun bonnet provides overhead protection.

Jeep Vacationeer Concept

The big Wagonner gets the concept treatment with the Vacationeer concept. The model is immediately striking for its metallic “Spearmint” and triangular pop-up RedTail Overland Skyloft, which provides a climate-controlled sleeping space for two people that offers panoramic views and an above-mounted roof fan and solar panels. You will next notice the vintage-inspired white roof fronted by a triad of 11-inch TYRI LED lights. The white roof is matched by white 18-by-9-inch bead grip 701 Method racing wheels wearing 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires cleared by a 1.5-inch lift. A closer look reveals a beautifully integrated Warn winch with a matching skid plate below. As a tasteful nod to the wood-clad Wagoneers of Jeep’s past, a thin textured wood-grain stripe is featured along the length of each side. 

Renowned fashion designer and Wagoneer enthusiast/owner Kiel James Patrick was turned loose on the cabin, which features brightly colored plaid cloth inserts that combine a vintage Wagoneer theme with authentic New England-themed Americana. 

Continuing the theme of each concept being differently powered, the Vacationeer features the new corporate 3.0-liter Hurricane Twin Turbo Inline-6 engine, delivering 510 horsepower and 500 lb.-ft. of torque. 

All Jeep models look great coming out of the box, but these concepts show they can all be canvases for something you can truly make your own, and Krusen Motors provides access to a wide variety of Jeep accessories to help get you started. Visit Krusen Motors to see both the models and the add-ons for your next adventure vehicle.