For 2026, Jeep has given the Gladiator lineup a heritage-rich throwback that’s already turning heads in the overlanding and off-road worlds: the Gladiator Willys ‘41 Edition. Dressed in a military-inspired Olive Drab (OD) Green, this trim isn’t just a paint option — it’s a design statement that leans hard into Jeep’s roots while staying fully modern where it counts.
It’s not a radical mechanical overhaul. It’s not a new generation. What the Willys ‘41 is—is a vibe. And honestly? It’s about time Jeep leaned into this look.
A Modern Nod to Jeep’s Wartime DNA
The original Willys MB rolled off the line in 1941, and Jeep nods to that heritage with the Willys ‘41 Edition. OD green panels, blackout trim, vintage-style hood decals, and a matching wheel package give the truck an unmistakable “heritage service vehicle” aesthetic.*
But it’s not cosplay. It’s a Gladiator.
That means open-air freedom, a steel bed, body-on-frame toughness, and legitimate Trail Rated chops.
The Willys ‘41 interior gets special touches too: tan/olive accents, Willys embroidery, unique dash trim, and a clean cabin layout built around Jeep’s updated 12.3″ touchscreen. It’s the most polished Willys-themed trim Jeep has released to date.
(*As off the time of this article the hood decal, special dash trim, tan seats and OD green painted wheels aren’t available in the online Build & Price tool.)
Under the Hood: Familiar Power, Proven Reliability
Jeep stuck with what works: the 3.6L Pentastar V6 (285 hp, 260 lb-ft) paired with the 8-speed automatic. No 4xe hybrid, no diesel return — at least not yet.
Some hoped the Willys ‘41 would preview future electrification in the Gladiator lineup, but for now Jeep is banking on the longevity and trail-repairability of the Pentastar. For long-distance overlanders, that’s not a bad thing.
Jeep also bundles in off-road essentials:
- Tru-Lok rear locker
- Heavy-duty shocks
- Rock rails
- 32-inch mud terrains
- Steel bumpers with optional Mopar grille guard
It’s essentially a more styled, heritage-rich take on the Gladiator Willys platform — with capability that sits comfortably between the Sport S and Rubicon.
(Bad Note: The troublesome Stop/Start feature in all Wrangler / Gladiator models remains.)
Is OD Green the New Must-Have?
Maybe. The reaction online and in Jeep communities is overwhelmingly positive. OD green just fits the Gladiator — the lines, the proportions, the stance. It makes the truck feel more intentional, more tied to Jeep’s origin story.
It also separates the Willys ‘41 visually from the vibrant colors Jeep typically pushes (Hydro Blue, Firecracker Red, etc.). This is rugged minimalism. A purpose-built look for a purpose-built truck.
And for overlanders? OD green blends into forests, campsites, and backcountry settings far better than any high-gloss colorway.
Price, Positioning & Who This Trim Is For
Jeep hasn’t made the Willys ‘41 a halo model, nor is it a budget choice. It’s aimed squarely at:
- buyers who want heritage styling
- weekend warriors who want a capable, modestly priced Gladiator
- overlanders who love the aesthetic but don’t need Rubicon-level hardware
- collectors and Jeep purists
- Starting MSRP $45,230
If Jeep brings the Willys ‘41 in at a slightly premium price over the standard Willys, it’ll hit a sweet spot in the lineup — capable, unique, and more affordable than a Rubicon X or Mojave X.
Final Thoughts: A Heritage Hit for the JT Lineup
The 2026 Jeep Gladiator Willys ‘41 isn’t a revolution — and it doesn’t need to be. It’s Jeep doing what Jeep does best: honoring the past while building a truck ready for the next trail.
OD green. Chunky tires. Steel bumpers. Simplified capability. Vintage cues without vintage compromises.
For overlanders, Jeep fans, and anyone who loves the old-school military aesthetic… this is the trim we’ve been waiting for.
Here’s to the road unpaved! – Doug
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