Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition Brings Plaid Heritage to a Trail-Ready Special

Tailored Driver doesn’t often venture into Jeep territory, but every so often a special-edition formula overlaps with the niche we do cover. The newly announced 2026 Jeep Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition is one of those cases, blending heritage design, limited-run intent, and an unexpectedly bold interior treatment—plaid—that places it squarely within the kind of enthusiast-driven storytelling we tend to follow.

Unveiled as the third release in Jeep’s yearlong “Twelve 4 Twelve” celebration marking 85 years of the brand, the Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition follows the Moab 392 and Whitecap editions. This one leans less on brute force or coastal imagery and more on Americana, using tartan-style plaid upholstery as its defining signature. Inside, the seats feature exclusive plaid inserts with an 85th Anniversary seat tag, echoed by matching plaid accents on the instrument panel and seat bolsters. It’s a deliberate, old-school design cue—one more commonly associated with European heritage performance cars—that gives the Wrangler a distinctly tailored feel.

The heritage theme continues through subtle commemorative details, including an 85th Anniversary shifter medallion, cupholder plaque, and durable Berber floor and cargo mats designed to handle real use. Outside, the package adds Steel Oxide-painted 17-inch wheels, bronze tow hooks, Blue Agave anniversary badges and decals, and body-color fender flares, striking a balance between refinement and unmistakable Wrangler toughness.

Importantly, this is more than a trim exercise. The 85th Anniversary Edition is based on the Wrangler Sport S and comes standard with the Convenience Group and Alpine premium audio, along with heated front seats, heated steering wheel, remote start, keyless passive entry, LED lighting, Gorilla Glass windshield, and a full suite of advanced safety features including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning. Buyers can opt for either a black or body-color hardtop and may upgrade to all-terrain tires at no additional cost.

The value proposition is part of the appeal. Jeep prices the Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition at just $710 over a comparably equipped Sport S, with MSRP starting at $46,300 before destination. A similarly specified Jeep Gladiator 85th Anniversary Edition—bringing the same plaid interior and commemorative details to the open-air pickup—joins it, starting at $45,820 and priced only $1,005 above its Sport S equivalent.

For a publication that often focuses on bespoke interiors, heritage cues, and thoughtful deviations from the mainstream, the Wrangler 85th Anniversary Edition stands out. It’s a reminder that tailoring isn’t limited to luxury marques or European performance icons—and that sometimes, a bit of plaid is all it takes to bridge worlds.