The Laredo name has returned to Jeep's lineup of open-top SUVs after a break of nearly four decades. The new 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo features distinctive brown-and-gold accents, a beige soft top and off-road equipment with 35-inch tires. However, it is not a literal reissue of the old CJ: the modern model is considerably larger, is available with four doors and offers a Sahara-level interior.
The main link between the two generations is not the technology, but the character of the trim. In the 1980s, Laredo was a more stylish version of the basic, utilitarian Jeep. In 2027, the brand has repeated the same formula by combining the Wrangler Willys' off-road foundation with a more upscale interior and retro details.
When the First Jeep Laredo Appeared
The Laredo name comes from the city of the same name in Texas, on the US-Mexico border. Jeep used it to give the SUV an American Southwest image: practical and durable, but more distinctive and richly finished than the base versions.
According to the official Jeep history, the Laredo package was offered for the CJ family from 1980 to 1986. It was available on the CJ-5 from 1980-1983, although the package remained in the CJ lineup through 1986. The CJ-7 was offered in Laredo trim from 1982 to 1986.
The historic package included a chrome grille, bumpers and wheels, a separate hood emblem and decorative body elements. After CJ production ended, the name appeared among the trim levels of the first-generation Wrangler YJ, but later disappeared from the lineup of the two-door open-top SUV. Jeep continued to use Laredo on other models, primarily as the name of one of the Grand Cherokee trims.
Period | Model or event | Role of the Laredo name |
1980-1983 | Jeep CJ-5 Laredo | A more stylish CJ-5 trim with chrome details |
1982-1986 | Jeep CJ-7 Laredo | A trim package with chrome, badges and special decoration |
From 1987 | First-generation Wrangler YJ | Laredo was included among the Wrangler's early trims |
March 28 - April 5, 2026 | Easter Jeep Safari in Moab | The Wrangler Laredo concept was shown as a precursor to the production version |
July 13, 2026 | 2027 Wrangler Laredo unveiled | The name returned for a limited-edition Wrangler |
Late July 2026 | Orders open in the US | The model is expected to reach US Jeep dealers |
From the Moab Concept to the Production Vehicle
The first hint that the name might return appeared in spring 2026. From March 28 to April 5, the 60th Easter Jeep Safari took place in Moab, Utah. For the event, the brand prepared the Wrangler Laredo Concept, which referenced classic CJs through its styling and deliberately simple character.
On the official Jeep concept vehicle page, the prototype is described as having a beige hardtop, a manually operated sliding Sky Slider section, 37-inch BFGoodrich KM3 tires, 17-inch retro wheels and a two-inch suspension lift. The carpet was removed from the cabin and replaced with a practical, washable vinyl floor.
On July 13, 2026, automotive publications reported on the production 2027 Wrangler Laredo. The production version retained the concept's overall styling but became less extreme. It uses 35-inch tires instead of 37-inch tires, while the suspension lift was reduced from two inches to one. This brings the vehicle closer to the regular Wrangler and makes everyday use easier.
Which Wrangler Version Is the New Laredo Based On?
Jeep did not create a separate technical platform for the Laredo. On the official Wrangler Laredo page, the manufacturer states directly that the exterior and off-road hardware are based on the Wrangler Willys, while the interior comes from the Sahara.
This approach repeats the idea behind the historic Laredo. The old package did not turn the CJ into a fundamentally different vehicle: buyers got the familiar off-road construction with more distinctive trim. In the new Wrangler, that role is fulfilled by combining the Willys' off-road-ready chassis with the more comfortable Sahara cabin.
The new Laredo is not a separate Wrangler generation and does not introduce a new powertrain. It is a limited edition of the existing model with a preselected set of off-road equipment, interior trim and decorative details. At the time of the presentation, Jeep had not published a separate engine and transmission table on the special-edition page.
What Has Changed Since the 1980s
Bronze and Warm Tones Replace Chrome
The historic CJ-5 and CJ-7 Laredo stood out through their extensive use of chrome. The grille, bumpers, wheels and individual trim elements could all have a bright finish. On the modern Wrangler, chrome no longer defines the exterior. It has been replaced by bronze tow hooks, bronze wheel centers, a warm Gobi shade on the grille and brown-and-gold decals.
Graphics styled after the CJ and early Wrangler YJ appear on the hood and side panels. The rear carries a lasso-shaped “4 Wheel Drive” inscription. The result is retro-inspired without literally copying the stripes and badges of a specific 1980s vehicle.
A Four-Door Version Is Now Available
Classic CJs and the early Wrangler YJ were built in a two-door format. The 2027 Wrangler Laredo can be ordered with either two or four doors. The four-door Laredo is one of the most significant differences from the historic vehicle: it provides a full-size rear row and easier access to the cabin.
The two-door version is closer to the old model in its proportions and its concept of a compact open-top SUV. The four-door model is aimed at buyers who want retro styling without giving up family practicality.
35-Inch Tires Are Part of the Factory Package
The production Wrangler Laredo receives the Xtreme 35 package. It includes 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires, 17-inch wheels capable of accepting beadlocks and approximately one inch of suspension lift. Bronze center caps reinforce the overall color scheme.
With older CJs, large off-road wheels often came as part of an owner's own modifications. The modern version delivers a similar appearance and geometry straight from the factory, without requiring the buyer to select tires, wheels and suspension components separately.
The Cabin Is Considerably More Upscale and Comfortable
The old Laredo was considered an upgraded version of the utilitarian CJ, but its comfort reflected what SUVs of the period could offer. The modern vehicle has seats trimmed in Bison Brown Nappa leather, Mayan Gold stitching and Platinum Chrome elements.
The front seats have power adjustment and heating. A separate Laredo badge is placed on the center console, the tailgate carries a plaque with the coordinates of Laredo, Texas, and small cowboy-hat images appear on the climate controls.
The Soft Top Is Once Again Part of the Design
The standard beige-and-brown soft top is one of the clearest references to classic open-top Jeeps. It significantly changes the Wrangler's appearance and complements the warm exterior and interior treatment.
A removable black hardtop is available for both versions. The four-door vehicle can also be ordered with the Sky One-Touch power top, which opens most of the roof panel without requiring manual removal.
Feature | 1980s Jeep CJ/Wrangler Laredo | 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo |
Basis | CJ-5, CJ-7 and early Wrangler YJ | Willys exterior and off-road hardware, Sahara interior |
Number of doors | Two | Two or four |
Main design details | Chrome grille, bumpers and wheels | Bronze details, Gobi accents and retro decals |
Roof | Soft and hardtop options depending on the model | Beige soft top, black hardtop or Sky One-Touch |
Wheels and tires | Chrome wheels included in the Laredo package | 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels and 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires |
Suspension | Standard for the relevant CJ or YJ version | Factory lift of approximately one inch |
Interior | Enhanced trim by the standards of its time | Nappa leather, power adjustment and heated front seats |
Model status | Trim or appearance package | Limited special edition in the Twelve 4 Twelve program |
How the Production Laredo Differs from the 2026 Concept
The Moab concept was designed to showcase a styling idea, so it received larger 37-inch tires, a two-inch lift, special half doors and a simplified washable interior. The production version has to meet the requirements of a daily-use vehicle and fit within the factory Wrangler lineup.
The tire diameter was reduced from 37 to 35 inches.
The suspension lift was reduced from approximately two inches to one.
The concept's deliberately utilitarian cabin was replaced by Sahara trim with Nappa leather.
A full four-door version is available to buyers.
The beige soft top became a standard part of the design rather than an experimental hardtop structure.
Jeep has nevertheless retained the main details that identified the concept as a Laredo: its warm color palette, retro graphics, bronze accents and connection to the American Southwest.
How Much Does the 2027 Jeep Wrangler Laredo Cost?
According to MotorTrend on July 13, 2026, the starting price for the two-door Wrangler Laredo is $53 240, while the four-door model starts at $55 620. The special edition costs $1 995 more than a comparable Wrangler Willys with the Xtreme 35 package.
Jeep has not yet published a separate price list or complete configurator on the official Laredo page. Before placing an order, buyers should therefore confirm the final price, destination charge, available engines and option list with a dealer. Taxes, registration and additional equipment may increase the total.
Version | Starting price according to MotorTrend | Key characteristic |
Wrangler Laredo, 2 doors | $53 240 | Closer to the classic CJ in body format |
Wrangler Laredo, 4 doors | $55 620 | More second-row space and easier entry |
Premium over Willys Xtreme 35 | $1 995 | Special trim and a Sahara-based interior |
When Will Sales Begin?
Jeep's official website states that the 2027 Wrangler Laredo will arrive in late July 2026. MotorTrend adds that US dealers are expected to begin accepting orders during that period. The manufacturer has not yet announced the production volume, but Laredo is part of the limited-edition Twelve 4 Twelve program.
This information applies to the US market. Deliveries to Europe and other regions, local pricing and the possible availability of individual roof options have not yet been confirmed.
Has Jeep Recaptured the Character of the Old Laredo?
The new Wrangler Laredo does not attempt to reproduce the CJ-7 down to the last detail. Modern expectations for comfort, safety and practicality would make such a repetition impossible. Instead, Jeep has carried the historic trim's basic principle into 2027: take a capable off-road vehicle, add distinctive styling and preserve its connection with an open body and the American Southwest.
What remains from the old Laredo is not chrome itself, but the combination of a simple off-road character and more expressive styling. In the new model, that role is played by 35-inch tires, bronze accents, a beige roof and a Sahara interior. For buyers, this is primarily a factory-built retro Wrangler, not a new technical modification.
