Jeep has unveiled a winter-themed Wrangler for Japan that leans hard into retro styling and subtle Easter eggs, while remaining firmly off-limits to buyers elsewhere.
Japan-Only Edition
Jeep has introduced the Wrangler Snow Trace, a Japan-exclusive special edition designed to capitalize on seasonal imagery rather than mechanical upgrades. Like other market-specific Wranglers, it follows a familiar formula: start with an existing trim, in this case, the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara, and layer on cosmetic changes tailored to local tastes.
Winter-Inspired Design
The Snow Trace was developed with input from Jeep’s U.S. design team and centers on what Jeep describes as a “snow activities” theme. The most noticeable change is a set of retro-style white 2-Way wheels, paired with silver center caps engraved with a Willys Jeep silhouette. These wheels immediately set the Snow Trace apart from standard Sahara models.
Graphics and Details
Blue and light-blue decals stretch across the hood, incorporating the classic seven-slot grille and Jeep logo. Similar graphics appear on the fenders, this time depicting skiers and snowboarders descending alpine terrain. White-painted mirror caps carry Jeep branding, while the spare tire cover shows a Wrangler parked against a mountainous backdrop.
Hidden Easter Eggs
Jeep also included small visual surprises. On the left rear window, two subtle Easter eggs appear: the outline of a Yeti and a nod to the original Willys Jeep. These details are easy to miss but reinforce the model’s playful, winter-focused identity.
Familiar Powertrain
Mechanically, the Snow Trace remains unchanged from the standard Japanese-market Sahara. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine producing 269 horsepower and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. It is paired with Jeep’s Select-Trac full-time 4×4 system, rather than the more hardcore Rock-Trac setup reserved for the Rubicon.
Limited Numbers and Pricing
Production is capped at 150 units for Japan. Pricing starts at ¥9,090,000—about $58,000 at current exchange rates—placing it roughly ¥500,000 higher than a standard Sahara and directly in line with the price of the Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon in Japan.
Buyer Incentives
Jeep is leaning into the lifestyle angle with themed extras. Anyone who test-drives a Snow Trace receives a Jeep-branded beanie or neck warmer, while buyers get a special blanket created in collaboration with American ski and snowboard brand K2. These additions underscore the edition’s seasonal focus, even if the hardware remains unchanged.
