Each year Jeep shows off multiple concept vehicles at the annual Easter Jeep Safari (EJS) in Moab, Utah, held this year from March 28 to April 5. They can range from crazy creations with massive tires and powerful engines, to platforms showcasing its in-house Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) line.
For 2026, Jeep is bringing six concepts to celebrate the brand’s 85th year in business, as well as the 60th year of EJS.
2026 Jeep EJS Concepts
Jeep Wrangler ANVIL 715 Concept
This is Jeep’s overland-style build for EJS 2026, and it’s based on a Wrangler Unlimited with Rubicon bits and a brawny 392 V-8. Its one-off front clip is reminiscent of the brand’s Kaiser military roots. Its a custom olive-drab color is another nod to its armed services heritage.
The rig has a hardtop that’s been raised 4 inches and houses safari-style windows; it also has a functional roof rack. There are steel bumpers front and rear, an on-board air system, and 37-inch BFG KO3 tires with 17-inch wheels.
Inside is a tactical green interior with a large screen to display Trails Offroad maps, the brand’s off-road navigation partner. There is also added interior storage and a bed-lined floor for easy cleaning.
Jeep opted to omit many overlanding accessories, such as a rooftop tent, to present the vehicle as a blank canvas for adventure.
Jeep Grand Wagoneer Commander Concept
Jeep took its big SUV and added more capability and attitude with the Commander concept. Stealthy yet rugged, the Commander’s finish is accented with topo graphics from the nearby Canyonlands area, mimicking the original Wagoneer’s wood paneling.
A custom roof rack also has Baja Designs lights for low-light visibility. For added off-road prowess, the rig rides on 35-inch Nitto all-terrain tires on 20-inch black wheels. Custom skid plates have been added for underbody protection. They also included custom olive-hued tow hooks. Jeep kept this Grand Wagoneer’s interior stock.
Jeep Wrangler Laredo Concept
Jeep’s Laredo trim level made its debut in 1982 on the CJ-7 and offered chrome wheels and a chrome grille. For EJS, the brand has taken this heritage theme and implemented it into a modern Wrangler.
Starting with a Wrangler Willys, Jeep added a 2-inch Jeep Performance Parts lift, and 37-inch BFG KM3 tires on custom-slotted mag wheels with retro center caps. There are also ’80s-style custom graphics resembling a Laredo of yore.
This concept has half doors, a sliding “Sky Slider” soft top inside a tan splatter-coat hard top, a vinyl floor, and interior upholstery made from old horse blankets. It’s powered by Jeep’s 3.6L V-6 and is equipped with a manual transmission, just like many Laredos were back in the day.
1984 Jeep XJ Pioneer Concept
The original Jeep Cherokee “XJ” (for “experimental Jeep”) debuted in 1984, and was a groundbreaking shift pairing car-like unibody construction with solid axles and 4WD. This created a unique off-roader made through MY2001 that still has a strong following.
This ’84 XJ has the original paint but a custom root beer brown roof. The fenders were cut and the flares raised to accommodate 33-inch BFG A/T tires without adding a lift. It has custom body-color-matched rock rails for added armor and rides on custom 17-inch alloys that resemble steel wheels.
Jeep said it still ran great, so this Cherokee retains the original 2.8L V-6 and has 4.10 gears. Inside the glovebox was a notebook where the previous owner tracked every fuel-up for all 80,000 miles of the XJ’s life.
There are also a host of fun period-correct accessories throughout the vehicle. The interior is original.
Jeep Wrangler BUZZCUT Concept
The BUZZCUT Concept is a platform for Jeep to showcase its own Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) alongside other aftermarket brands. It started out as a two-door Wrangler with the 2.0L turbocharged I-4 engine and eight-speed automatic transmission.
To it, Jeep added a Mopar cold-air intake. Jeep Performance Parts include a 2-inch lift kit and steering stabilizer bar, Satin Titanium 17-inch bead lock wheels with 37-inch BFG KM3 tires, and a steel bumper with a WARN winch and TRYI lights with orange rings (more TYRI lights are on the roof and cowl).
From a snorkel and rock rails to flat fenders and a Rhino Rack Pioneer Platform rack, this concept showcases a myriad of parts, all wrapped in an orange Vitamin C hue with black accents. The roof was even chopped 2 inches and given a fast-back style. The rebellious, squat profile gives this Jeep a sporty, rugged attitude.
Jeep Gladiator Red Rock
The Red Rock 4 Wheelers have been the club behind Easter Jeep Safari since they took it over in 1982. The club’s mission is “to have fun and promote responsible 4-wheeling,” so Jeep built this Gladiator as a truck to help the club maintain trails, map new ones, and preserve access to public lands for all.
The Red Rock concept rides on 17-inch JPP wheels with 37-inch BFG KM3 tires. A JPP steel bumper houses a WARN winch, triple-hoop grille guard, and 7-inch TYRI lights. There’s also a JPP tool-kit and recovery kit.
The pickup has a Rock Krawler Overland X PRO 3-inch lift kit for extra flex and clearance. A Leitner Designs cargo system rack adorns the bed, and a Bedslide cargo tray occupies the bed floor.
Inside are grab handles, Armorlite flooring for easy washing, and an ARB onboard air system. This rig also sports custom graphics combining the Red Rock 4 Wheeler’s legacy and JPP.
The Importance of EJS to Jeep
Easter Jeep Safari is an important event to the Jeep brand, and not just because its name is in the title. Jeep representatives spoke of how they learn things about parts while in Moab. They mingle with customers and have a cross-pollination of minds.
In fact, some parts are a direct result of off-road testing at Moab, such as its rock rails, removable bumper end caps, and even its Jeep Badge of Honor program.
Jeep at EJS is about listening to enthusiasts and respecting the brand’s heritage. If you’re in Moab for EJS, the concepts will be on display at Walker Drug at the center of town during the event, and Jeep will be hosting ride-and-drives for its latest models, among other activities, during the entire occasion.
I’ll see you in Moab!
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