RIDE-CT – Classic Cars Celebrating Classic Cars in Connecticut
EAST HADDAM, CT -The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 pays homage to a pivotal time in American history. After Dec. 7, 1941, the U.S. drove drive into World War II at the wheel of a Jeep.
If you’re unfamiliar with the story, the Army needed a light, 4×4 reconnaissance vehicle. Numerous companies were approached, but only the American Bantam Car Company and Willys-Overland responded and committed to supplying a prototype.
Bantam gets credit for creating the basic, original design but it was readily apparent that the boutique Butler, PA company would never be able to manufacture in significant quantity. Consequently, Willys-Overland got the primary production contract and produced nearly 360,000 examples. Ford would be brought in later as a second source after anticipated demand quickly outstripped projected supply.
As a consolation, Bantam would build Army trailers.
After the war, the Jeep – supposedly named from its “general purpose” specification, thus GP – would be civilized for consumer consumption as the CJ (Civilian Jeep). The Jeep name was trademarked by Willys-Overland in 1950.
In 1953, what was left of Kaiser-Frazer assumed ownership and would later sell Jeep to American Motors in 1970. After AMC entered into Renault’s hands in 1979, Chrysler would take control in 1987. The rest, as they say, is history.
Which brings us to the new Willys ’41 edition of the Jeep Wrangler. It’s a “Salute to the Past” that’s “Built for the Future,” according to the company. It features military olive drab-derived, 1941-ish exterior paint (glossy, though, not matte) with uniquely steel styled and color-matched 17-inch aluminum wheels.
The model also has 33-inch all-terrain tires, period-correct Army inspired (drab blue) decals, and an exclusive Heritage tan interior, which is also a tribute to the original 1941 Willys Jeep “utilitarian aesthetic.” It can get as easily and authentically soiled as it did back in the day.
Tweed-like, olive drab instrument panel inserts round out the special interior accoutrements. And, no surprise, Willys ’41 highlights adorn the hood and gearshift knob.
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Out on the open road it’s a head turner that garnered more than its fair share of attention and praise. Particularly, the wheels. Along with obligatory, two-fingered (V for Victory) Jeep waves from other approaching Wrangler owners, of course.
In further keeping with its green theme, the Willys ’41 is only available as a plug-in Hybrid (PHEV). The 4xe system combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, two electric motors and a high-voltage battery pack to deliver 49 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) and 21 miles of all-electric range.
With all systems engaged, the Wrangler generates 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft torque.
On its own, the four-banger offers 270-horsepower. It’s mated to a sophisticated eight-speed automatic transmission and forcefully gets the job done. It is a bit clickity-clackity at idle, though, due to its high-pressure fuel injection system.
As mentioned in a previous RIDE-CT review, “The Wrangler 4xe takes the redundant plug-in Hybrid powertrain idea to a new level of adventure. Because it exploits it by turning the Jeep into two utility vehicles in one!
“If your circumstances allow, you can use the rugged 4xe all week long as a simple daily commuter on electric charge. Then, when the weekend arrives, you can rest easy and head for the hills with the confidence of gasoline power” and without the ever-unsettling consequence of EV range anxiety. The Wrangler 4xe is the best-selling PHEV in America.
When combined with the Jeep’s relatively short doors and tall, 33-inch tires which increase ride height, getting in and out of a Willys ’41 requires a bit more dexterity than usual. Side steps would surely help. Otherwise, the Wrangler runs down the road as you might expect. The aggressive, all-terrain, B.F. Goodrich T/A Baja Champion tires do howl a bit.
An electronically controlled, rear wheel locking differential is standard (sorry, I never got to take it off road), as are black, front and rear steel bumpers. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 special edition hardtop retails for $59,930, which doesn’t include an $1,895 destination charge. An optional tan Sunrider soft top is in the works.
The 4xe Willys ’41 has been called a “Patriotic Plug-In.” It originally debuted as a prototype at the 2022 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. FYI, Willys is pronounced Willis, not Will-eze.
(Photos courtesy of Jeep unless otherwise noted.)
