The long-running Moab Easter Jeep Safari will draw 20,000 participants and debut 7 wild Jeep concept vehicles, four of which are electrified

Seven one-of-a-kind Jeep concept vehicles take four-wheeling to the next level of Jeep 4×4 capability for the 2023 Easter Jeep Safari. (Photos courtesy of Stellantis)

Table of Contents

Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept
Scrambler 392 Concept
1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept
Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Concept
Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept
Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure Concept
Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn Concept
Jeep Performance Parts

 BY MARK MAYNARD

Jeep has just off-loaded seven wild mission-capable concept vehicles for the 57th annual Easter Jeep Safari, April 1-9, 2023, in Moab, Utah. 

The annual gathering since 1967, began as a simple one-day trail ride by the Moab Chamber of Commerce. Over the years, as participation grew, the Easter 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.

Today, Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers four-wheel-drive club hosts the Easter Jeep Safari. The club will lead trail rides and some daylong trips.

“Every year, more than 20,000 Jeep enthusiasts descend on Moab, Utah, for Easter Jeep Safari to wheel in the most extreme off-road conditions,” said Jim Morrison, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. 

Moab, Utah — the Jeep brand’s home away from home — has the ideal conditions to connect with Jeep enthusiasts. Morrison said in a release that Jeep listens to its followers for their feedback on where they want to take the Jeep brand into the future.

Moab’s Red Rock 4-Wheelers four-wheel-drive club hosts the Easter Jeep Safari and leads trail rides and some daylong trips.

Sermon On the Mount 

Electrified power and commanding performance will be front and center during this year’s Safari, Morrison said. Jeep engineers and designers from Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar have created one-off rock-crawling and terrain-traversing vehicles to take four-wheeling to the next level.

The Wrangler Magneto, Jeep’s first battery-electric vehicle concept, returns for a third season. The third iteration of the Jeep Wrangler SUV concept, Magneto 3.0, and three other Jeep 4xe concept vehicles are a testament to the Jeep brand’s commitment to Zero Emission Freedom and 4×4 leadership.

Each concept features the latest production and prototype Jeep Performance Parts, all battle-tested for durability.

“Unlike any other aftermarket offerings, our growing portfolio of factory-tested and factory-backed parts and accessories are designed and engineered to face the toughest trails in the world,” said Mark Bosanac, North America senior vice president, Mopar service, parts, and customer care.  

The 2023 Easter Jeep Safari concept vehicles include:

Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 

The Jeep Wrangler Magneto 3.0 Concept is back with modifications for its third safari.

When the Jeep design team began building the Jeep Wrangler Magneto concept, the intention was to use the platform to discover and push the boundaries of 4×4 electrification.

The Jeep Magneto 1.0 concept made its Safari debut in 2021 as a fully capable battery-electric off-roader. Based on a two-door 2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, the Magneto features a custom-built axial flux electric motor that operates up to 6,000 rpm. Its 285-horsepower e-motor connects to a six-speed manual transmission. The compact e-motor was initially tuned to deliver up to 273 foot-pounds of torque.

The 2022 debut of Jeep Magneto 2.0 raised the e-motor power to 625 hp with 850 lb.-ft. of peak torque.

Updates to the 2023 Jeep Magneto include a more efficient motor and updated programming. Together, the powertrain has a 20 percent increase in useable energy and range, Jeep says.

Also new to the 2023 Jeep Magneto 3.0 concept are three driver-selectable functions. Output select allows the driver to choose between two power settings:

Standard: 285 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque; 

Maximum: 650 horsepower and 900 lb.-ft. of torque;

• Two-stage power regeneration mode allows normal driving while off, or with enhanced brake regeneration using the electric motor when engaged ;
• Aggressive hill-descent mode selectable in low range for “one-pedal” off-road driving;

Trail-riding assets of Magneto 3.0 include:

• Dynatrac 60 front axles (5.38:1 ratio) and Dynatrac 80 rear axles (5.38:1 ratio).
• 20-inch off-road beadlock wheels.
• 40-inch mud terrain tires.
• A 3-inch lift.   

The tinted hood insert on the Magneto 3.0 Concept.

Bodywork changes include:

• Door openings swept back by 6 inches for ease of access, ; 
• A new B-pillar was moved rearward 2.36 inches (60mm) from stock to make way for a custom anti-roll bar;
• Front fenders stretched back on the trailing edge by two inches; 
• Windshield raked 12 degrees to give the side view a “chopped” roof feel without shortening the front glass.  

An updated paint scheme showcases all three evolutions of the Jeep Magneto 3.0. The Bright White and Surf Blue theme remains, but it was amped up with more vibrant exterior details and red accents. Magneto’s front seats are re-trimmed in blue leather with red accent stitching. The rear seats have been removed, and the floor is Rhino-lined in Surf Blue.

Jeep Scrambler 392 

Introduced in 1981, the Jeep Scrambler CJ-8 was Jeep’s first convertible, compact truck. This small pickup was similar to the CJ-7, but featured a longer 103-inch wheelbase and an extended rear overhang for increased cargo space.

Fast forward four decades, and the 2023 Jeep Scrambler 392 concept follows in the tracks of the CJ-8. Though a V-8 engine was never available for the CJ-8, the 392 Scrambler concept has a 470-hp 6.4-liter HEMI V-8 with 470 lb.-ft. of torque.  

The Jeep Scrambler 392 concept started as a four-door Wrangler Rubicon. Custom carbon-fiber bodywork reduced body weight. The windshield is laid back 12 degrees and matches a lower roof. The modified silhouette reminds of chopped-top hotrods.

A tinted, clear insert in the hood sets off the 392-cubic-inch V-8. in the Scrambler 392.

One of the most functional features of the Jeep Scrambler 392 concept is the newly released AccuAir air suspension kit developed for the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator. This adjustable-height system ranges from 1.5 to 5.5 inches. The ride height can be adjusted on the fly with an in-cab controller or through long-range Bluetooth on a wireless device.

Updated bodywork includes a new front fender flare and carbon-fiber hood. A tinted, clear insert in the hood sets off the 392-cubic-inch V-8. Lightweight front and rear bumpers with new fender flares allow more clearance for a larger tire and wheel combo.

The Jeep Scrambler 392 concept sits on 40-inch tires on custom 20-inch rims. The rims and tow hooks are finished in Brass Monkey paint, the same as today’s Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. The concept’s Sublime green paint contrasts with the interior treatment of blue plaid inserts with green stitching.

1978 Jeep Cherokee 4xe Concept

This year’s resto-mod concept recalls the 1974 Jeep Cherokee SJ, a two-door version of the Wagoneer. The Cherokee SJ was aimed at younger, more adventurous drivers, Jeep says. 

The Cherokee 4xe concept began with a 1978 Jeep Cherokee, which was married with a 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe. 

The original body was heavily modified, and the exterior melds original proportions with an unmistakably 1970s multicolor paint scheme.

At a glance, the ’78 Jeep Cherokee 4xe concept looks similar to a vintage Jeep Cherokee SJ. But it has been transformed into a modern, electrified, off-road performer.

The concept’s custom interior features low-back bucket seats trimmed in leather.

Under the hood, the ’78 Cherokee 4xe concept uses the Jeep Wrangler 4xe powertrain. Power comes from two electric motors, a high-voltage battery pack, and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. An eight-speed automatic transmission connects with a 4:1 transfer case. The gearing delivers enough power to turn the 37-inch tires wrapped around custom 17-inch “slotted mag” style wheels.  

The concept’s custom interior features low-back bucket seats trimmed in leather. The rear bench seat was replaced with a four-point safety cage, and the rear cargo space houses a full-size spare tire.  

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe 

This Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe concept won’t be overlooked on the trail. It has an unapologetic color palette in its pink-purple-hued paint with gloss black accents. 

An AccuAir air suspension kit raises off-road capability. The adjustable suspension allows clearance for the concept’s 37-inch tires and 17-inch high-gloss black American Expedition Vehicles Borah wheels. Additional AEV pieces include front and rear bumpers, differential covers, and a Warn Zeon winch.

Grand Wagoneer Overland

 Over the hills and through the canyonlands with the cross-trekking 2023 Grand Wagoneer Overland Concept. The exterior of the Grand Wagoneer Overland concept is painted Industrial Green with Gunmetal accents.

The Grand Wagoneer Overland concept leverages the new 510-hp 3.0-liter V-6 Hurricane Twin Turbo 510 engine with 500 lb.-ft. of torque.

A stand-out feature of the overlanding-inspired concept is its rooftop RedTail Overland Skyloft. The carbon-fiber-constructed Skyloft unfolds in around 10 seconds from the inside by pushing up with one arm.

Inside, the Skyloft’s second- and third-row seats have been removed, and the rear-most sunroof was repositioned to create a weatherproof, step-up entrance from the third-row seating area to the Skyloft level. Entry and exit are by a sliding door and a small step, which doubles as a table. 

The Skyloft unfolds from the inside by pushing up with one arm.

The two-person Skyloft is a climate-controlled oasis. Its cozy interior has two oversized beanbags, a plush throw rug, pillows, and interior lighting. The interior also provides storage for bikes, gear, or anything else worth its weight and size to pack along.

A heavy-duty Warn winch was at the front grille features two sets of custom laser lights for superior night-time visibility. A durable, black Rhino-lined roof has a pop of orange to call out the outdoor gear used by many overlanding enthusiasts.

Bodywork includes larger wheel openings and custom wheel flares. A custom front chin and rear valance improve approach and departure angles. The concept’s 35-inch tires and 18-inch wheels give a 1.5-inch lift to the vehicle, boosting break over and ground clearance.

Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4xe Departure 

The Jeep Wrangler 4xe Departure is a plug-in hybrid with a catalog of special equipment. It can manage tall steps with 37-inch BF Goodrich tires on 17-by-8.5-inch Vintage Bronze KMC Impact OL wheels. It gets a 2-inch JPP lift kit with Bilstein performance shock absorbers. 

A wide-mouth tubular guard, measuring 4 feet by 1 foot, protects the seven-slot grille. The custom grille guard also folds to create a bumper bench, an ideal perch for two to take a break along the trail. Below the grille guard is a modified Rubicon bumper with a Warn winch.   

New, flat fender flares have integral removable daytime-running-light covers, which are 50-state legal. 

Dark Harbor blue exterior paint is carried onto the instrument panel, which features various Vintage Bronze accents.

Unique to the Wrangler 4xe Departure concept are innovative options to mount the spare wheel and tire. At the rear is a custom tube gate that allows front- or rear-facing positions for the spare wheel and tire. When the spare is flipped outward, the system acts as a bed extender for more cargo space. When the gate is turned toward the cabin, the rear overhang is improved for off-roading, with the spare wheel and tire safely secured. The convertible gate maintains a factory backup camera and CHMSL in either position.  

Dark Harbor blue exterior paint is carried onto the instrument panel, which features various Vintage Bronze accents. The bold interior treatment has Nappa leather colors of Light Acorn Squash with darker Carnegie Hall brown, accented with off-white stitching. The Dark Harbor blue continues onto the 

The Wrangler 4xe Departure concept also features an accessory instrument panel rail to mount phones or accessories for recording trail rides.

Jeep Gladiator Rubicon Sideburn 

The Jeep Gladiator Sideburn concept, in Solar Flash Yellow paint, gets a JPP 2-inch lift kit with Bilstein performance shock absorbers. Hefty-footprint BF Goodrich tires, 37-by-13-inches, are on black HRE six-spoke wheels, 17-by-9-inches. 

In response to Jeeper feedback, the Gladiator Sideburn concept has a pair of removable 11-inch TYRI rectangular LED lights at each roof panel. The lighting bracket features a quick disconnect.

A hefty-footprint BF Goodrich tires, 37-by-13-inches, are on black HRE six-spoke wheels.

The bed on the Gladiator Sideburn has Molle storage panels mounted above and behind the wheel flares. Integrated RotoPaX containers are specially designed for fuel and liquid storage. In the bed, a modified Mopar spare tire carrier secures a 37-inch wheel and tire.

JPP half doors, side steps, and grab handles add to the open-air attitude.

Custom instrument panel bezels carry a 3D topographical map of Moab scenery. The map is in a matte-black base with gloss dark-silver trails. Accents throughout the cabin are in Atomic Silver matte paint. 

Jeep Performance Parts

JPP’s factory-backed and quality-tested parts include axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates, and suspension components.

Created in 2012 and offered by Mopar for the Jeep brand, JPP develops high-end, hard-core quality aftermarket accessories and performance parts. 

The factory-backed and quality-tested parts include axles, lift kits, bumpers, winches, skid plates, and suspension components. 

To see the full line of Jeep Performance Parts, visit Mopar.com.