Jeep always seems to be rolling out a new special-edition Wrangler that honors its military heritage, but it’s been decades (think way back to the first-generation “YJ” model) since it last offered a Wrangler with the Southwest-/Texas-themed Laredo trim level. The wait is finally over because the ninth release in Jeep’s Twelve 4 Twelve series is the 2027 Wrangler Laredo.
This shouldn’t come as a complete surprise. Laredo trim is a part of Jeep history (specifically, the end of the CJ era and the following first-gen Wrangler), which the brand is fond of referencing in its current vehicles. Jeep also created a concept version of the reborn Wrangler Laredo for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari.
Unfortunately, during the transition from one-off to production-ready, the Wrangler Laredo lost its distinctive wheels, 37-inch tires, and colorful Southwestern seat inserts. The good news is that it still has useful hardware and an attractive (albeit less distinctive) cabin. The ’27 model is based on the Wrangler Willys and available in two- and four-door configurations. Top options for both models include a tan soft top and a black hardtop; only the four-door is available with the Sky One-touch power top. “Gobi” grille accents, bronze tow hooks and coordinating badging, and special hood and body decals set the Laredo apart from its siblings, but the biggest visual giveaway is the one-inch lift and 35-inch BFGoodrich KO2 tires with bronze beadlock-capable wheels that come as part of the standard Xtreme 35 Package.
There are more earth tones in the cabin, where the seats are covered in Bison Brown Nappa leather, contrasting with the Global Black instrument panel surround, grab handle, door armrests, and center console; Mayan Gold accent stitching adds small touches of brightness. The Laredo badge in front of the shifter isn’t the only nod to this model’s heritage — when the HVAC vents are closed, they display a cowboy hat graphic, and the coordinates for Laredo, Texas are shown on a plaque on the inner panel of the swing gate.
If you’ve been waiting patiently (for the past few decades) to buy a new Wrangler Laredo, you’ll need to hold out just a little longer: later this month, Jeep will open the order banks for the 2027 model, which will add $1,995 to the price of a Wrangler Willys with the Xtreme 35 Tire Package.
