Every spring, Moab, Utah transforms into the epicenter of off-road culture, but 2026 marks something far more significant than another gathering of trail rigs and enthusiasts. This year’s Easter Jeep Safari celebrates its 60th anniversary, a milestone that underscores not only the longevity of the event, but its deep influence on the evolution of the Jeep brand itself.
Running from March 28th through April 5th, the event will once again draw tens of thousands of enthusiasts to the red rock landscape that has become synonymous with Jeep’s identity. What began decades ago as a regional trail ride has evolved into a proving ground where concept vehicles preview the future of off-road capability while paying homage to the brand’s heritage.
As Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf puts it, “Moab isn’t just a place we visit. It’s a proving ground we honor and safeguard, a landscape we continually reinvest in, and a community we’re proud to call our second home.”
This year’s concept lineup reflects that philosophy in full, blending heritage cues, forward-thinking engineering, and purpose-built functionality across a diverse range of platforms.
A Celebration of Capability and Community
Easter Jeep Safari is as much about stewardship as it is about spectacle. Jeep brand employees, Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar, the Red Rock 4-Wheelers, and the Bureau of Land Management once again join forces to maintain and protect Moab’s trails. Annual restoration efforts include cleaning debris, repairing rock walls, and preserving trail access for future generations.
The Red Rock 4-Wheelers themselves have been central to the event since taking over its organization in 1982. Guided by their mission “to have fun and promote responsible 4-wheeling,” the group continues to donate time, vehicles, and resources to maintain trails and ensure continued public access.
That partnership is reflected directly in one of the most purpose-driven vehicles in this year’s lineup.
Gladiator Red Rock: A Tool For The Trail
Rather than building a traditional concept showpiece, Jeep and Jeep Performance Parts (JPP) by Mopar created the Gladiator Red Rock as a purpose-built support vehicle designed to serve the trails of Moab year-round.
Based on a Gladiator Rubicon, the Red Rock is powered by a 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a reliable and proven foundation for both trail work and recovery operations.
The exterior is comprehensively outfitted with functional upgrades. Seventeen-inch beadlock wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires deliver durability and traction, while a steering stabilizer enhances control in rough terrain. Up front, a steel bumper integrates a Warn winch, triple-hoop winch guard, and dual-mounted 7-inch TYRI lights, complemented by additional 5-inch TYRI lights mounted on A-pillar brackets.
Protection and utility are equally prioritized, with wide rock rails, door-sill guards, and performance wiper blades enhancing durability in harsh conditions. A Rock Krawler 3-inch Overland X PRO lift kit provides increased clearance, while an onboard air system with quick-connect coupler supports tire adjustments and tool operation in the field.
The bed is transformed into a mobile operations center. A Leitner Designs active cargo system rack supports four adjustable 3-inch lights at each corner and incorporates GearPOD storage containers for trail tools, recovery gear, and cleanup equipment. A BEDSLIDE rolling cargo tray improves accessibility, and custom graphics tie the build to the Red Rock 4-Wheelers’ legacy.
Inside, the focus remains on function. Armorlite flooring allows for quick washouts, while grab handles and an instrument panel accessory rail improve usability. An ARB onboard air system further supports trail work and recovery needs, reinforcing the Red Rock’s role as a true working vehicle rather than a display piece.
Wrangler BUZZCUT: Compact, Aggressive, And Adventure-Ready
The Wrangler BUZZCUT concept pushes the boundaries of Wrangler design, transforming the platform into a compact, two-seat adventure machine with a strong emphasis on storage and extended-range capability.
Under the hood, a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and enhanced by a Mopar cold-air intake, delivering a responsive and efficient powertrain suited for both trail and travel.
Visually, the BUZZCUT stands apart with its Vitamin C Orange and black exterior and a dramatically altered roofline. The fastback-style roof is chopped and lowered by two inches, creating a squat, aggressive stance that contrasts with its 2-inch lift and 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires mounted on satin titanium 17-inch beadlock wheels.
The exterior modifications are extensive. A steel front bumper integrates a Warn winch, winch guard, and dual 7-inch TYRI lights with orange accent rings, while additional 5-inch TYRI lights are mounted on A-pillar brackets. A snorkel supports water fording, and flat fenders at all four corners improve clearance. Wide rock rails, a reinforced tailgate for a full-size spare, a steel rear bumper, and an AMP Research rear bumper step enhance durability and usability.
Storage and accessibility are key themes. An integrated grab handle behind the C-pillar allows easier access to the roof-mounted Rhino-Rack Pioneer platform, which is paired with a custom roof rail system and three 12-inch TYRI lights.
Inside, the BUZZCUT transitions into a highly functional adventure cockpit. Jeep Performance Parts upgrades include a tailgate table, onboard compressor, instrument panel accessory rail, pedal covers, door sill guards, and all-weather floor mats. The rear seat is removed entirely, replaced by a Diabolical Slipstream security enclosure with lockable drawer storage and MOLLE panels for gear organization.
High-back performance seats trimmed in black and Ash leather with Raven suede surfaces by Katzkin provide support, while orange seat belts, satin titanium roll bar finishes, and matching accent stitching tie the interior to the exterior’s bold theme.
Wrangler ANVIL 715: A Refined Overland Vision
The Wrangler ANVIL 715 concept represents a more deliberate approach to overlanding, focusing on efficiency, integration, and long-range capability without unnecessary bulk.
Built from a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon, the ANVIL 715 is powered by the 392 HEMI V8.
Its exterior design blends heritage inspiration with modern execution. A restyled front nose draws from 1960s SJ-series Jeeps, while a custom non-removable roof incorporates skylights and an integrated roof rack engineered specifically for overlanding. The system is designed to support extended travel while maintaining a clean, cohesive appearance.
Functionality is integrated rather than added. An onboard air system with quick-disconnect fittings enables rapid tire adjustments, and auxiliary forward- and rear-facing lighting improves visibility in remote conditions. Heavy-duty steel front and rear bumpers provide protection, while the overall design minimizes clutter by integrating storage solutions within the vehicle’s architecture.
Inside, the ANVIL 715 emphasizes durability and comfort for extended journeys. Custom reupholstered seats are designed for long-distance support, while the interior layout balances passenger space with gear storage. A dedicated IP-mounted Trails Offroad mapping system enhances navigation, and a roof-mounted interior storage rack increases cargo capacity.
Bed-lined flooring ensures maximum durability and easy maintenance, reinforcing the vehicle’s focus on practical, real-world overlanding use.
Wrangler Laredo: Back To Basics
In contrast to the more complex builds, the Wrangler Laredo concept strips the platform down to its essentials, emphasizing mechanical engagement and analog driving feel.
Powered by a 3.6-liter V6 paired with a manual transmission, the Laredo delivers a direct connection between driver and machine.
The exterior reflects a focus on simplicity and proportion. A tan spatter-coat hardtop is paired with a manual Sky Slider concept, while a 2-inch JPP suspension lift improves stance and trail capability. Seventeen-inch retro-style slotted mag wheels wrapped in 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires reinforce the vehicle’s classic off-road aesthetic.
The interior continues the back-to-basics philosophy. Durable cloth seating features custom throwback inserts, while carpets are removed in favor of a vinyl floor covering for easy washout. The overall environment is intentionally rugged and analog, free from unnecessary complexity.
A rear-gate-mounted onboard air system adds functional capability without detracting from the minimalist design, completing a build that prioritizes feel over features.
Grand Wagoneer Commander: Full-Size Meets Functional
The Grand Wagoneer Commander concept explores how Jeep’s flagship SUV can evolve into a capable off-road support platform without sacrificing its premium identity.
Rolling on 35-inch all-terrain tires mounted to 20-inch wheels, the Commander establishes a confident stance suited for both trail and towing duties.
The exterior modifications focus on capability and utility. A custom roof rack integrates Baja Designs lighting for improved visibility in low-light and off-grid environments, while protective skid plates enhance durability in rough terrain. Custom side graphics reinterpret traditional wood-grain styling with a more aggressive, off-road-oriented aesthetic.
Inside, the concept remains largely unchanged, showcasing the Grand Wagoneer’s refined craftsmanship and highlighting its potential as a premium base for further customization.
XJ Pioneer: A Tribute To A Trailblazer
The XJ Pioneer concept bridges past and present, celebrating the original Cherokee’s impact while reintroducing its spirit to a new generation.
Built from a 1984 first-generation Cherokee, the Pioneer incorporates subtle but meaningful upgrades. A 2-inch suspension lift improves stance and capability, while a quick-disconnecting sway bar enhances articulation on the trail.
Custom carbon fender flares with reshaped wheel openings increase clearance, and 17-inch wheels paired with 33-inch BFGoodrich all-terrain tires strike a balance between classic proportions and modern performance. Integrated structural rock rails add protection without compromising the vehicle’s clean lines.
Inside, the concept leans into nostalgia with a range of hidden and visible details inspired by 1980s culture, including a custom cooler and era-specific ergonomic seat enhancements. Despite these updates, the interior remains remarkably faithful to the original XJ, preserving its simplicity and character.
More Than Concepts
Beyond the vehicles themselves, Easter Jeep Safari continues to evolve as a fully immersive experience. The Jeep brand’s home base at Walker Drug in downtown Moab serves as the hub for hands-on interactions, community events, and vehicle displays from March 30th through April 3rd.
Attendees can participate in off-road trail rides on routes like Baby Lion’s Back, experience on-road drives in the latest Jeep models, and take part in community celebrations that include a Jeep-themed drone show and interactive events.
The expansion of the Jeep Badge of Honor program, including new trails and a limited-edition 60th anniversary badge, further reinforces the connection between the brand and its enthusiast community.
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