A Familiar Name Returns
For those who remember the Jeep CJ-series or the early Wrangler YJ, the Laredo name is a welcome blast from the past. First appearing in the early 1980s, the Laredo trim has long been associated with a more premium, style-focused package on Jeep's rugged
platforms. After decades of absence from the Wrangler lineup, Jeep is reviving the name for a special edition model that leans heavily on this heritage. The move is part of Jeep's "Twelve 4 Twelve" series, a yearlong campaign of monthly special editions celebrating the brand's 85th anniversary. Inspired by the American Southwest, the new Laredo aims to capture a 'cowboy' aesthetic, blending retro design cues with modern trail-rated performance. This revival provides enthusiasts with a tangible connection to the brand’s rugged roots, re-introducing a classic name to a new generation of buyers.
What's in the Laredo Package?
The 2027 Wrangler Laredo is more than just a sticker package. It is built on the capable Wrangler Willys platform and comes standard with the Xtreme 35 Package. This factory upgrade provides a one-inch suspension lift, bronze 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels, and massive 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 all-terrain tyres. Visually, the package is defined by its retro graphics, a Gobi-coloured grille, and the return of the classic tan soft-top, a feature many fans will remember fondly. Bronze accents are found on the tow hooks and badging, while the rear features a unique lasso-style '4WD' logo. Inside, the Southwestern theme continues with luxurious Bison Brown Nappa leather seats, Mayan Gold contrast stitching, and even a subtle cowboy hat motif on the HVAC controls. The package will be available on both two-door and four-door Wrangler models.
Proven Power Under the Hood
The headline is correct: powering this special edition is Jeep's tried-and-true 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine. This naturally aspirated motor produces a healthy 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which has been a staple of the Wrangler lineup for years. It provides a reliable and well-understood balance of power for both on-road driving and off-road crawling. While Jeep offers other powertrains in the Wrangler family, including a turbocharged four-cylinder and a potent V8, the V6 remains the standard workhorse. For the Laredo trim, this engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, as the required Xtreme 35 package does not offer a manual option. This combination ensures the Laredo has the muscle to back up its rugged looks.
Market Position and India's Outlook
In the US market, the Laredo package will add approximately $1,995 to the price of a Wrangler Willys equipped with the Xtreme 35 package, putting the starting cost around $53,000 for a two-door model. This positions it as a premium, style-focused model within the vast Wrangler lineup, sitting above the base Sport and Willys trims but below the top-tier Rubicon in terms of specialised off-road hardware. For the Indian market, the outlook is less certain. Jeep India launched the facelifted 2024 Wrangler earlier this year, offering the Unlimited and Rubicon variants with a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, not the V6. Prices for the current Wrangler in India start at ₹67.65 lakh (ex-showroom). Given that the Laredo is a special edition primarily focused on the North American market and built around the V6 engine, an official launch in India seems unlikely at this stage. Enthusiasts in India hoping for this nostalgic trim may have to wait and see if Jeep decides to adapt the concept for its international markets or introduce a similar appearance package for the existing powertrain options.
