Jeep Launches New Wrangler V8 Trim at $70,000, Cheaper than Previous Model

Jeep's CEO made a promise to expand its offerings of unique and fun engines last year, saying he didn't want them "paywalled" behind expensive trims and packages. The Wrangler 392 was just that, with last year's ironically-named Final Edition starting at $80,000 MSRP. Jeep presumed regulations would eventually spell the end of its V8 engines (as they have across much of the Stellantis brand portfolio), but as emissions regulations are eroded in the US, automakers will be able to extend powertrains like the Hemi V8 past when many thought they'd need to start rolling out Final Editions and Last Call models.

Jeep's new V8 is $10k cheaper than the old one

Demand drove the introduction of a new, more affordable V8 Wrangler, according to CEO Bob Broderdorf:  "Our community has been clear, they want a Wrangler that returns to a more classic, back‑to‑basics formula, paired with the unmistakable power of a V8." The previous was anything but, and represented a capstone in the Wrangler lineup with the most luxurious available interior (for a Jeep) paired with maximum power and off-road capability.

Here, Jeep has stripped away one of those things, leading to a more appetizing $70,000 price tag (before destination). The same 6.4-liter V8 rests under the hood, churning out 470 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. Also carried over from the pricer model are the Dana 44 axles with 4.56 gearing and an electronic locking rear differential. You'll be protected from rocks thanks to the included rails and the 17-inch wheels are beadlock-capable in addition to adding huge 35-inch all-terrain tires. All told, the Willys 392 nets 11.1 inches of clearance.

Willys models also get bumpers, LED lighting units, and a cold air intake hood with a water separator. The latter will surely make the V8 experience as aurally pleaseing as possible given its proximity to the cabin.

Still nice inside, but not as nice

Jeep didn't provide photos of the interior, but imagine a step down from the old Moab 392. You'll still get a few luxuries, though, like heated, power front seats wrapped in Nappa leather. The four programmable auxiliary switches remain, as does a nine-speaker Alpine premium audio system, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system with GPS navigation.

Automakers will lean into large engines

The Wrangler 392 Willys will be the first of many in a return to displacement in the American auto industry. President Trump's EPA repealed the 2009 Endangerment Finding in February, a cornerstone of US climate regulation. Largely unshackled from emissions regulations (barring the inevitable legal challenges such a move presents), automakers will seek to satisfy consumer demand by producing cheap gasoline powertrains rather than investing in hybrids and electrics.

Enthusiasts won't be left out either, as the deregulation of the EPA and federal emissions standards, of course, paves the way for further performance-based gas engines like the famed HEMI V8 to continue or resume production - at least until emissions regulations are altered yet again.