Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary: Plaid Interiors and 85 Years of Unchanging Form
Jeep is celebrating its 85th anniversary in the United States with yet another special edition as part of its "Twelve 4 Twelve" campaign, which will see twelve different versions of the legendary off-roader released throughout the year. The latest newcomer is the Wrangler 85th Anniversary, and its primary draw is a retro-inspired plaid fabric that brand CEO Bob Broderdorf claims symbolizes American heritage and a tradition of hard work. It is somewhat ironic that the milestone of one of the world's most capable off-roaders is marked primarily by a checkered pattern stitched into the seats and new floor mats, yet for loyal fans, this is reason enough to rush to the dealerships.
The special edition is based on the Sport S trim and adds a series of decorative elements such as 17 inch wheels painted in a Steel Oxide finish, bronze colored tow hooks, and "Blue Agave" anniversary badges on the doors. Inside, passengers are greeted not only by the plaid fabric but also by 85th anniversary branding on the gear shifter and near the cup holders. Jeep has also included more practical features in the package, such as heated front seats, an Alpine audio system, and a reinforced Gorilla Glass windshield, all priced so the package feels like an unexpected gift to the customer, costing only a few hundred dollars more than a similarly equipped standard model.
The same plaid attire has been extended to the Gladiator, which remains the only open-top pickup of its kind on the market. Both models are equipped with modern safety features ranging from adaptive cruise control to automatic LED headlights, proving that even an 85 year old symbol can keep pace with contemporary requirements. For those seeking an even more robust look, Jeep offers the option to choose all-terrain tires at no extra cost, which is perhaps the most practical part of the entire birthday package.
Jeep does not plan to limit the festivities to the Wrangler and Gladiator, promising to add 85th Anniversary special editions to other models in its lineup over the coming months. It appears that 2026 will be a year of looking back at the past and presenting models adorned with new decals, hoping that decades of off-road leadership remain a strong enough argument to keep the brand relevant among a new generation of adventurers. Ordering is already open, and the first Jeeps with plaid interiors will hit the roads this spring.
