by Matt Konkle
Torque Editor-in-Chief
Sequels are rarely better than the original. Sure it happens, but for every Godfather II, there are countless husks of Caddyshack IIs left somewhere in the filmmaking wilderness.
Well, Jeep today joined this sequel world with a red carpet rollout of its newest concept vehicle, dubbed Farout, that is designed off the popularity of last year’s Wayout Gladiator concept. However, instead of corny dialogue or unwatchable wooden acting that marks most sequels, Farout looks to smartly check off the boxes on most overlanders’ gearing lists, while including a pulse-quickening 3.0L EcoDiesel engine designed to take travelers “even further off the beaten path,” according to Jeep.
It will also feature upgraded suspension hardware, a new paint scheme, integrated roof racks and a custom designed interior.
Jeep said the Farout was set to roll out earlier this year during the Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah, but the brand put those release plans on hold when the event was canceled for its first time ever. The company already unveiled another Easter Jeep Safari concept earlier in June called the Wrangler Rubicon 392
“Although we didn’t get to celebrate in Moab this year with our latest round of concept vehicles, we’re pleased to introduce the Jeep Farout concept today as a vehicle that blends Gladiator EcoDiesel’s fuel efficiency with an area of features fans of overlanding will love,” said FCA’s Head of Jeep Jim Morrison. “Building on the popularity of last year’s Gladiator Wayout concept, and as overlanding continues to grow in popularity, this year’s Farout concept is another opportunity to gather feedback from our passionate customer base.”
The Farout Gladiator concept's standout feature is a fully-integrated, customized deployable roof-top tent, which measures 16-foot-long by 7.5-foot-tall when opened. Jeep says the tent can open and retract in a matter of seconds, which is certainly good news for those looking to grab some sleep after a long day in the woods or on the trail. Additionally, once unpacked, the brand noted this tent comfortably sleeps up to four people.
Wayout Concept
While last year’s Wayout concept also had a tent, that version was more labor intensive, and sat atop a rear roof rack system that left the bed exposed. The Farout puts its tent above a fully enclosed rear bed that, inside, offers a warm, welcoming living space featuring soft ambient lighting, a fully functional refrigerator and stove, plus hanging storage racks, built-in seats and table space.
Jeep finishes off its Farout Gladiator interior with dark smoke blue leather, orange stitching and plaid flannel seat inserts.
Outside, Jeep has slathered the Farout in a paint color called ‘Earl’ which looks to be a light gray finish, while adding chartreuse accents on the hood, tailgate, coil springs, shocks and badging to give the vehicle a more rugged appearance. However, while the Wayout was painted in Gator green that would become a production color, Earl does not appear to be a option for the 2021 Gladiator series.
Like Wayout, this year’s Farout Gladiator concept sits on a two-inch Jeep Performance Product suspension lift paired with Fox Performance shocks that helps accommodate 37” mud terrain tires. Wayout also offered color matched Gator green steel wheels last year, and Farout takes that look a bit further with 17” matte charcoal rims that nicely offset the vehicle’s light gray paint.
Jeep finishes off the Farout’s exterior with steel Gladiator Rubicon bumpers, a Warn 12,000-lb winch up front, custom front and rear rock rails and an integrated roof rack system up top that adds storage space for those longer journeys.
But what really gives the Farout sequel its star power is the brand’s 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine. This powerplant is joining the production Gladiator lineup as an option for the 2021 model year, and is rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque. Jeep says the engine will generate 28 miles-per-gallon on the highway which, combined with a class-leading 4x4 payload, will take “exploration to the next level.” In contrast, Wayout arrived last year with Jeep's 3.6L Pentastar engine.
Now, of course, all these custom features means Jeep will most likely never bring this concept into showrooms, but building a version of this vehicle isn’t very difficult.
You can customize your production Gladiator like a concept with plenty of accessories such as suspension lift kits, shocks, protective rock rails, rooftop tents—even find a powerful winch to fit your needs.
As far as displaying any other vehicles in this year’s concept crop, well, Jeep did not offer any hints. However, the automaker normally has a history of unveiling its concept lineup around the same time. So it is possible more will roll out in the coming days.
Additionally, we may even know some of their names. Back in early March, Jeep applied for several trademarks through the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, specifically for the names Apache, Farout, Orange, Peelz, Shocker, Tomahawk and Top Dog.
And with Farout now unveiled, those names also could indicate Jeep has plans for another sequel.
After all, Jeep did bring out a Wrangler Apache concept during the 2012 Easter Jeep Safari, and outfitted it with a 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine in the process.
