Jeep

2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys: Test Drive Full Review

You are looking at the 2026 Jeep Wrangler Willys, and I am guiding you through what makes this trim stand out. I focus on where it fits in the lineup, what you get for the money, and why it matters if you want real off-road gear without the top price tag.

As we go, you see how the Willys blends rugged hardware with daily comfort. I show you how it drives, what the cabin offers, and how the features support both trail use and normal trips.

Key Takeaways

  • You get strong off-road hardware with useful daily features.
  • The design mixes classic Wrangler style with modern updates.
  • The price sits mid-range with solid value for what you receive.

Jeep Wrangler Willys Overview

Willys Roots and Wrangler Timeline

You are looking at the 2026 Wrangler Willys, part of a model line Jeep has sold since 1986. This version belongs to the JL generation, which Jeep launched in 2018 and refreshed for the 2024 model year.

Jeep keeps the Willys tied to its off-road history. You see that focus through hardware choices and trim placement rather than luxury upgrades.

Where the Willys Fits and What It Costs

You find the Willys placed near the center of the Wrangler range. Jeep offers the Wrangler in seven trims, starting around $35,000 for the Sport and reaching about $100,000 for the Rubicon 392.

The Willys adds cost over the base models through a dedicated package.

Item Details
Base four-door Sport About $37,600
Willys package About $8,300
Lineup position Mid-range

What the Willys Edition Adds

You gain off-road hardware that moves closer to the Rubicon setup. Jeep pairs this trim with tougher components and visual cues.

Off-road and exterior highlights

  • Rubicon-style suspension
  • Locking rear differential
  • 17-inch wheels with Willys center caps
  • Falken Wildpeak mud-terrain tires (285/70R17)
  • LED headlights, fog lights, and tail lights
  • Steel-reinforced front bumper
  • Black Willys hood badge and Trail Rated badging

Powertrain and capability

  • 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder
  • 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque
  • 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Part-time four-wheel drive with 2H, 4H, Neutral, and 4L

Interior and tech features

  • Fabric seats with manual adjustment
  • Leather-wrapped steering wheel
  • 12.3-inch touchscreen
  • Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Heated front seats and heated steering wheel
  • Rear locking axle and Off-Road Plus mode

You can also choose the Sky One-Touch power roof, which opens and closes at the push of a button, though it adds close to $4,000 to the price.

Exterior Design and Features

Front-End Look and Lighting

Up front, you get LED projector headlights with LED daytime running lights. Extra LED running lights sit on the right side, with LED fog lights below. The bumper looks plastic on the outside, but steel sits behind it, and the grille uses black contrast against the dark gray paint.

Wheels, Tires, and Fender Coverage

You ride on 17-inch wheels with a Willys logo in the center and a five-lug layout. They wear Falcon Wild Peak mud-terrain tires sized 285/70R17, which give you a more aggressive stance. Black fender flares, wheel liners, and Willys hood decals finish the look.

Detachable Doors and Power Soft Top

You can remove the doors, just like any Wrangler. You also get an optional power retractable soft top, which opens and closes with a button. I like it because you do not need to store panels or struggle to reinstall the roof.

Side Profile and Rear Details

From the side, the four-door body looks cleaner and more balanced than the two-door. You see black mirrors with blind-spot monitoring, keyless access, and matching rear wheels and tires. Around back, you get LED tail lights, parking sensors, a full-size spare, a trailer hitch, and a visible rear suspension with a locking differential.

Performance and Powertrain

Engine Details and Output

You get a 2.0‑liter turbocharged four‑cylinder under the hood. It makes 270 horsepower and 295 lb‑ft of torque.

This engine revs to about 6,000 rpm and delivers steady pull across the range. Jeep pairs usable torque with a curb weight near 4,250 pounds.

Key figures

Item Value
Engine 2.0L turbo inline‑4
Horsepower 270 hp
Torque 295 lb‑ft
0–60 mph ~6.5–7.0 sec

Gearbox and Drive System

Power flows through an 8‑speed automatic transmission. You can send power to the rear wheels or all four wheels.

You control a part‑time four‑wheel‑drive system with settings for 2H, 4H, Neutral, and 4L. Manual shift control sits on the gear selector.

Trail Hardware and Low‑Speed Control

You ride on a setup similar to the Rubicon suspension. Jeep adds a locking rear differential and aggressive mud‑terrain tires.

You also get tools that help off road:

  • 4‑Low gearing for slow climbs
  • Off‑Road Plus mode
  • Hill and trail cruise control
  • Pitch and roll readouts on the driver display

Road Manners and Daily Driving

On pavement, you feel strong acceleration for a Wrangler. The turbo engine keeps power ready without needing high revs.

Steering and braking feel predictable, and the ride stays controlled for daily use. You get confident highway merging and easy cruising with the 8‑speed automatic.

Cabin Comfort and Digital Features

Seat Design and Trim

You sit on cloth seats that feel supportive and soft enough for daily driving. Manual controls let you slide, raise, lower, and recline the seat with simple latches and knobs.

The armrest uses a padded leather-like material, while the upper doors use hard plastic to handle wear from removable panels.

Driver Display and Switchgear

You grip a leather-wrapped steering wheel with tilt and telescoping adjustment. The gauge screen shows tire pressure, temps, off-road data, fuel info, and a digital speed readout.

Physical buttons handle lights, fog lamps, traction control, and parking sensors, so you do not dig through menus.

Media Screen and Phone Links

You get a 12.3-inch center screen mounted high on the dash. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but it does not include built-in navigation.

Key screen functions:

  • High-resolution backup camera with guide lines
  • Audio, phone, and vehicle settings
  • Quick return to the last screen after shifting

Storage and Ease-of-Use Extras

You control windows from the center stack since the doors come off. Dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, and a heated steering wheel add comfort in cold weather.

Convenience highlights:

  • USB-A, USB-C, and auxiliary ports
  • Large cup holders for tall bottles
  • Deep center console with extra charging port
  • Dampened glove box

The power retractable soft top opens and closes with a button. You can seal the cabin fast if rain starts, without moving panels or stopping for long.

Safety and Driver Assistance

Core Protection and Visibility Systems

You get blind spot monitoring built into the side mirrors, which helps you check nearby lanes. LED headlights, daytime running lights, fog lights, and LED tail lamps improve visibility in low light and bad weather.

Other safety hardware includes:

  • Rear parking sensors to help when backing up
  • Traction control that you can turn on or off
  • A solid steel structure behind the bumpers for added strength

Driving Support and Assist Features

You have adaptive cruise control, which adjusts speed based on traffic ahead. The backup camera shows a clear image with guidance lines and movement prediction when you shift into reverse.

You can also use:

  • Rear parking sensing alerts for tight spaces
  • Off-road cruise control for low-speed trail driving
  • driver assist display that shows vehicle and system info

These tools help you stay aware while driving on the road or off it.

Cargo Space and Practicality

Rear Load Area and Storage

You get a rear cargo area that stays usable even with the power soft top. The retractable roof slides back toward the rear without taking up back seat space. A full-size spare tire mounts on the tailgate, so it does not cut into the cargo floor.

Rear features you can use:

  • LED rear lighting for better visibility
  • Rear parking sensors to help when loading near obstacles
  • Trailer hitch at the back for added hauling options

Second-Row Space and Comfort

You sit in a four-door Wrangler, which gives you more room behind the front seats than the two-door version. You do not need to stack roof panels or parts in the back seat when you open the roof. That keeps the rear seats open for passengers.

Everyday Use and Adaptability

You can remove the doors and still keep basic controls inside. The design limits power features, but it makes open-air driving simple. The power soft top helps in bad weather since you can close it fast without unloading gear from the cabin.

Pricing, Options, and Value

### How the Trims and Packages Stack Up

You see a wide price spread across the Wrangler lineup. Entry models sit in the mid‑$30,000 range, while the top Rubicon 392 reaches about $100,000.

Where this Willys fits

  • Sits near the center of the lineup
  • Adds off‑road hardware like a locking rear axle and upgraded suspension
  • Uses more aggressive 17‑inch wheels with mud‑terrain tires

Key add-ons discussed

Option Price
Willys package $8,300
Convenience group $2,295
Power retractable soft top ~$3,900

### Savings and Price Adjustments

You did not hear any rebates, dealer incentives, or special pricing mentioned. The focus stayed on base pricing and option costs rather than discounts.

### Fuel Use and Cost to Own

You get a 2.0‑liter turbo four‑cylinder with 270 horsepower and 295 lb‑ft of torque, paired with an 8‑speed automatic. The Wrangler weighs about 4,250 pounds and uses a part‑time four‑wheel‑drive system.

Ownership details you should note:

  • Fabric seats and manual seat controls keep repair costs simpler
  • Removable doors and roof trade convenience for flexibility
  • The powered soft top adds ease of use but increases upfront cost

No fuel economy numbers were provided, so running costs depend mainly on how you drive and how often you use four‑wheel drive.

Final Impressions

You sit in a Wrangler that feels focused on use, not flash. The Willys trim gives you off-road gear that matters, while keeping the cabin simple and easy to live with.

What stands out while you’re using it:

  • Suspension and tires feel ready for dirt and rocks, not just pavement.
  • 2.0L turbo engine pulls strong at low speeds and stays smooth with the 8-speed automatic.
  • Part-time 4WD with 4-Low stays easy to control with clear switches and a solid shifter.

Inside, you get comfort without trying to feel fancy. The cloth seats support you well, and the heated seats and wheel help on cold days.

Feature How it affects you
12.3-inch screen Clear, fast, and easy to read
Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto No cable hassle
Manual controls Simple and reliable feel

The retractable power top changes how you use the Wrangler day to day. You open or close it fast when weather changes, without stopping your plans or pulling parts off by hand.

You notice Jeep kept things practical. Manual latches, physical buttons, and a classic parking brake give you control without distractions.