The Jeep brand has unveiled the Wrangler Whitecap, the second limited-run model in its yearlong Twelve 4 Twelve program, marking 85 years of continuous off-road production. Presented as a limited-run model, the vehicle is offered exclusively as an upgrade package for the Sahara and Rubicon Wrangler trims. Revealed in December from Auburn Hills, Michigan, the Whitecap follows the recent debut of the 2026 Wrangler Moab 392 and continues Jeep’s practice of pairing modern hardware with visual references drawn from its long design history. The Twelve 4 Twelve initiative will see 12 exclusive Wrangler models released over the course of the year, each intended to highlight a specific aspect of the brand’s heritage or identity.
The Whitecap edition looks back to the classic 1960 CJ-Universal and its Arctic White hardtop, a detail that became closely associated with early civilian Jeeps and helped define their utilitarian but distinctive appearance. In the modern Wrangler Whitecap, that historical cue is reinterpreted through a Bright White painted hardtop and a matching seven-slot grille, creating a two-tone look that deliberately contrasts with the body color below.
The Whitecap package is designed to complement the different personalities of the Sahara and Rubicon Wrangler models. On the Sahara, which traditionally emphasizes daily usability alongside trail capability, the Whitecap elements add a visual link to Jeep’s past without altering the vehicle’s balanced on-road and off-road character. On the Rubicon, widely regarded as the most trail-focused Wrangler in the lineup, the Bright White accents are paired with functional off-road hardware, reinforcing the idea that heritage styling and serious capability are not mutually exclusive.
CEO of Jeep Bob Broderdorf said,
“The Jeep Wrangler Whitecap is more than a special edition; it’s a statement. It honors Jeep brand heritage while introducing a striking two-tone look that turns heads on any trail. Just like every model in the Twelve 4 Twelve series, Whitecap is designed to stand out—a true tip of the hat to the brand’s legendary legacy. With more ways to personalize and customize than ever before, we’re giving Jeep owners the freedom to make their Wrangler truly their own.”
Beyond its appearance, the 2026 Wrangler Whitecap retains the mechanical foundations that have kept the Wrangler relevant across decades of changing expectations. Buyers can choose between Jeep’s 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine or the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, both of which are already well established within the Wrangler range. Power is routed through Jeep’s Selec-Trac part-time or full-time transfer cases, depending on configuration, providing the low-range gearing and traction control systems that underpin the Wrangler’s reputation off pavement.
The Whitecap package includes a Bright White painted hardtop roof and a matching seven-slot grille, both of which play a central role in the edition’s visual identity. A Bright White 1941 side-stripe decal is fitted to both Sahara and Rubicon models, while the Rubicon also receives a Bright White hood decal. Body-color fender flares are standard on the Sahara and included as part of the Whitecap package on the Rubicon, ensuring a cohesive appearance across the different trims. For buyers looking to blend heritage styling with open-air convenience, an optional Sky One-Touch power top is available with Bright White accents.
Jeep has positioned the Whitecap as an accessible way to personalize a Wrangler rather than as a high-priced collector model. Orders are now open, with pricing structured differently depending on the trim level. The Whitecap package starts at $495 on the Rubicon X. On the Sahara, the package begins at $2,690 and includes the optional body-color hardtop. On the Rubicon, pricing starts at $3,185 and incorporates both the body-color hardtop and body-color fender flares.
Read More: Buyers Guide :: Off-Grid, Off-Road Trailers
Our No Compromise Clause: We do not accept advertorial content or allow advertising to influence our coverage, and our contributors are guaranteed editorial independence. Overland International may earn a small commission from affiliate links included in this article. We appreciate your support.
