by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Ford may have its Sasquatch package, but Jeep wants you to know it can give you an enhanced Willys.
The brand on Thursday announced its 2022 Wrangler Willys trim level will offer an available Xtreme Recon package, featuring 35-inch tires straight from the factory that gives it better ground clearance and a more aggressive appearance. This version joins the already announced Rubicon and Rubicon 392 as models that will sport those larger tires right at delivery.
“The new Jeep Wrangler Willys with Xtreme Recon Package gives our passionate customers another great option for straight-from-the-factory 35-inch tires,” said Jeep Brand North American Vice President Jim Morrison. “Named after the original Jeep utility vehicle, the Willys holds special meaning to the Jeep brand, and we’re excited to enhance the new Wrangler Willys with 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 tires.”
The Willys Xtreme Recon package is essentially identical to what is offered on the Rubicon equivalent, just without the latter’s off-road items like locking differentials and electronically-controlled sway bars. The package includes those BFG KO2 All-Terrain Tires in LT315/70R17, a factory 1.5-inch suspension lift with new shocks tuned for that extra weight, tailgate reinforcement, anti-lock performance brakes, 17-inch by eight-inch beadlock capable wheels, plus the same 4.56:1 axle ratio offered in the Rubicon.
In all, that lift and larger tires bump the Willys Xtreme Recon edition to what Jeep says is a best-in-class 12.9-inches of ground clearance. In contrast, Ford’s new Bronco offers 8.3 inches of clearance in its stock form and 11.5 inches when the 35-inch Sasquatch package is purchased.
Other important off-road specs for the package include a 47.4-degree approach angle for the package, 26.7-degree breakover, 40.4-degree departure angle and 33.6-inch water fording depth. That leads Ford’s 43.2 approach, 26.3 breakover and 37 departure angles from the Sasquatch package.
Those customers ordering the Willys Xtreme Recon package will still receive the unique look of that trim level, which includes a gloss black grille and matching side rails, matte black Jeep badging, black ‘Trail Rated’ badge, ‘4-Wheel Drive’ swing gate decal and the Willys name stenciled into both sides of the vehicle’s hood. Plus, with a suspension lift and larger tires already on the vehicle, it allows those customers the ability to focus on other important upgrades like bumpers, winches, lighting, or interior enhancements.
The Willys Xtreme Recon package pricing starts at $39,495 and is solely available as a four-door Unlimited. Jeep said it will arrive with the brand’s 3.6-liter eTorque engine, meaning both manual and automatic transmissions should be offered.
Buyers looking for this package can start placing orders in October, with production beginning in December.
