by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
From concepts to new vehicle or product announcements, Jeep has long used automobile shows across the country to reveal fresh information to its followers.
While the pandemic somewhat stunted those events over the past 16 months, the brand rolled into this week’s Chicago Auto Show ready to unleash some details and show off its recently revealed Xtreme Recon package, along with announcing a new factory-installed Sunrider Flip Top option for Hardtop models.
“As an icon built around 80 years of unmatched 4x4 capability, the Wrangler has always pushed the limit of what a Jeep can do off road, and the new Xtreme Recon Package with 35-inch tires straight from the factory pushes that limit even further,” said Jim Morrison, Jeep Brand’s North American Vice President. “While the Xtreme Recon Package sets the benchmark for 4x4 capability, the easy-to-use Sunrider Flip Top for Hardtop fortifies Wrangler’s open-air spirit.”
Jeep unveiled some information on its Xtreme Recon package for Wrangler a few weeks ago, but this week’s roll out at the Chicago show offered the first in-person view of the vehicle as well as price point for this option — with the retail price sitting at $3,995. The package is offered on Rubicon models with the 3.6L Pentastar engine or the Hemi-powered Rubicon 392.
The Xtreme Recon package includes 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires, 17-x8-inch beadlock-capable wheels, a 4.56:1 gear ratio and 1.5-inch lift kit with specially tuned shocks on non-392 edition Rubicons. The Wrangler 392 will arrive with a 2-inch suspension lift.
Later this year, the brand plans to offer a 4.88:1 gear ratio as an additional option that, combined with the six-speed manual transmission, will give owners the brand’s first-ever 100:1 crawl ratio.
Of course, there is more to off-roading than simply crawl ratios. With those 35-inch BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain tires and Mopar’s 1.5-inch suspension lift, the Xtreme Recon now has 12.9 inches of ground clearance, an approach angle of 47.4 degrees, breakover angle of 26.7 degrees and a departure angle of 40.4 degrees. Water fording also increases to 33.6 inches.
While Jeep did not come out and say it, the Xtreme Recon package is definitely a strike against Ford’s new-to-market Bronco edition. In contrast, the Bronco’s most aggressive package, Sasquatch, offers 11.5 inches of ground clearance and 43.2, 26.3 and 37 degrees of approach, breakover and departure angles, respectively. Water fording is capped at 33.5 inches.
"Competition is great," Jeep CEO Christian Meunier said earlier this week during a media roundtable. "There is a craving for freedom to make you go anywhere. I think Bronco is going to be a good competitor, a solid competitor, we don’t deny that. At the same time, it puts us on our toes. It forces us to be better and better and better."
Also unveiled in Chicago was Jeep’s Sunrider flip back top option for those choosing a hardtop Wrangler. This top allows an open air feel without having to deal with Freedom panel removal. When front seat occupants want a little more air, they can flip the top open quickly while the rest of the roof remains fixed. For $895, the twill-constructed fabric top option also includes the mounting rails and hardware to install in place of the Wrangler's hard fixed roof.
Both the Xtreme Recon and Sunrider Flip Top for Hardtop are currently available when ordering a new Wrangler Rubicon or Rubicon 392.
However, for those current Wrangler JK and JL owners looking to do something similar with their vehicles, Bestop does offer its Sunrider for Hardtop that will open up the cabin. Additionally, there are plenty of 35-inch all terrain or mud terrain options, gearing choices and suspension lifts available to beef up your vehicle just like the Xtreme Recon edition.
