Cowboys don’t ride Jeeps. But Jeep wants you to pretend they do.
Jeep is rolling out a special-edition Wrangler Laredo. It’s part of a yearlong celebration for their 85th birthday. The goal is simple: channel the rugged spirit of the Texas border town that shares the name. Rio Grande vibes. Dust on the hood. Lassos ready to go. 🤠
History, Sort Of
Laredo hasn’t been a Wrangler trim since the early ’90s. It started back in the early ’80s on the CJ-5, offering better materials and a touch more class. When the Wrangler replaced the CJ model, Laredo stuck around. Then it vanished. A nearly forty-year absence is a long time.
Why bring it back? To reconnect with the vehicle’s gnarly roots. Or maybe just because marketing loved the aesthetic.
The 2027 model looks like it just rode out of a dusty saloon.
- Large retro graphics stretch across the hood.
- Matching stripes flank the fenders.
- “Laredo” is stamped in rugged capital letters right along the hood’s edge.
- Bronze accents are everywhere. Tow hooks, badges, you name it.
There is a tan soft top. The grille is sand-colored, aiming for that Texas desert look. Even the rear features “4WD” in a font that mimics a coiled lasso.
Inside? Cowboy hats on the air vent covers. Seriously.
The seats are bison brown nappa leather with Mayan Gold stitching. The center console has a custom badge. The rear swing gate displays a plaque with a map of Laredo Texas. It’s a theme. They’re committing to it.
Under the Hood
Style is fine. But how does it drive?
This thing sits on the Willys platform. It runs the 3.6-liter V6 engine, pushing out 285 horsepower. You can’t just order this as a base model though. You need the Xtreme 35 package to get it.
What do you get for the upgrade?
- Bronze 17-inch wheels.
- 35-inch BFGood KO2 tires.
- Performance brakes.
- Wider wheel flare extensions.
- A higher rear axle ratio for better off-road torque.
It requires the Xtreme 35 pack to exist.
That adds $1,995 to the price. Starting MSRP lands around $48,00a00. It comes in two- and four-door versions.
Twelve For Twelve
This isn’t the only special model coming. Jeep calls it the Twelve 4 Twelve Wrangler Series. Inspired by WWII air drops? Sure. They’re releasing nine of twelve special editions total. The Laredo is number nine.
Don’t worry. These won’t actually be dropped from a parachute. Your paint will thank me.
Orders open later this month. If you want a four-wheeled cowboy steed, better hurry. 🐎
The idea is neat. The execution? A little wild. But then again… it’s a Wrangler.
