This year marks 80 years since the introduction of Jeep. It has been the brand synonymous with off-roading capability since 1941. The Wrangler is perhaps the most iconic Jeep, though the Cherokee and Grand Cherokee also have a long brand history and reputation.

Jeep offers many different trim levels and packages on their vehicles and introduces the Xtreme Recon package this year. It will make the Jeep Wrangler even more capable.

Stellantis announced the Xtreme Recon package for the Jeep Wranger

The Chicago Auto Show was first held in 1901 and has been the nation’s longest-running show since. It has been held 113 times and is one of the largest shows. Introducing a concept or package here puts that new product front and center of a large audience.

Stellantis, Jeep’s parent company, announced the Xtreme Recon package at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show. The show ran from July 15-19, 2021. Stellantis made several announcements during the show, starting with a package that can already be pre-ordered. 

The Xtreme Recon package enhances Jeep Wrangler’s already incredible off-road capability

The Xtreme Recon package gives the Wrangler 35-inch factory tires, 17×8 inch bead-lock capable wheels, swing-gate reinforcement, 4.56 to 1 axle ratio, and 1.5-inch factory suspension lift with tuned shocks.

While that may not sound like much beyond bigger tires, this package boosts Wrangler’s off-roading ability by giving it the best-in-class approach, departure angles, and ground clearance. It makes the Wrangler’s ability in water better than any other stock off-road SUV. The Xtreme Recon package gives the Wrangler a 12.9-inch clearance and approach and departure angles of over 40 degrees. It can go through water over thirty inches deep. 

Production on the Xtreme Recon package will begin in August, and it will be built at Jeep’s Toledo, OH plant. Anyone interested can pre-order the Xtreme Recon package for $3,995 on top of the base Wrangler price. 

For anyone who wants to take their Wrangler off-roading, the Xtreme Recon package will be a perfect package to add to their purchase. 

Jeep introduced other options, too

Jeep is also offering other options for their iconic Wrangler. At the Chicago Auto Show, they made additional announcements about optional additions to the Wrangler. 

Jeep will offer an optional 4.88:1 axle ratio later in 2021. If that optional axle is paired with their six-speed manual transmission, then the Wrangler will have a crawl ratio of 100:1, which is best in class for off-roading SUVs. A crawl ratio describes the amount of power to the tires in low-end torque; general off-roading usually requires about a 50:1 ratio. Experienced rock crawlers strive to build to a 100:1 ratio with aftermarket parts. Jeep will be the first to offer it as a factory option. 

Jeep is also offering a Sunrider Flip Top for their hardtop models. Wrangler has always been synonymous with open-air offroading, and the Sunrider Flip-top continues this tradition. It gives the hardtop models an easy flip-top, and it will cost an additional $895.

The Sunrider Flip Top will be constructed of black twill fabric, which is common in luxury convertibles. It gives the hardtop models an easy way to experience open-air driving and off-roading. 

Stellantis’ announcements regarding the Jeep Wrangler at the 2021 Chicago Auto Show align with Jeep’s reputation as a serious off-roading brand. With the additional Xtreme Recon package and the optional gear ratio, the Wrangler will be the most capable factory direct off-roading SUV available.