Jeep Wrangler 85th Special And 2026 Rubicon Lineup Now
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If you imagine a vehicle that can be driven through mud, across a river, and into your living room without apologising, then the 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator might just be the automotive equivalent of a rude, capable uncle. Jeep Australia has given both machines a sensible shot of polish, stuck on a few useful bits, and then produced a limited‑run 85th Anniversary Wrangler because some rituals must be celebrated with excess.
What’s New For 2026
The headline changes are not revolutions. They are proper, useful tweaks that make these already formidable off-roaders slightly less awkward to live with. Both models get quick-release door hinges, which means removing doors is faster and less fiddly. That is important because part of the appeal is being able to remove doors without starting a small war. Inside, the previous red steering-wheel stitching has been swapped for Tungsten-coloured stitching, which looks far more grown up.
Wrangler Rubicon Enhancements
The Wrangler Rubicon now comes with a heavy-duty steel front bumper as standard. In other words, the bit that used to be a costly optional extra is now included. It was typically a $3,374 accessory; now it is part of the package, which is the kind of sensible decision that deserves a nod. Jeep has also resurrected a selection of cult colours for 2026. Mojito, Reign, Anvil, Tuscadero, Earl, Joose and new Goldilocks return for a limited production run, alongside staples such as Bright White, Black, Granite Crystal, Firecracker Red, Hydro Blue and the ’41 shade. If you like your car loud, you will love this.
Gladiator Rubicon Enhancements
The Gladiator Rubicon gains remote start as standard, which is the small luxury that makes daily life marginally less irritating. The tool and storage kit has been reworked too. The previous plastic trays have been replaced with a zippered bolt-storage pouch, which is less disposable and more sensible when you are removing roofs, doors and windscreens. The Gladiator also sees the return of Mojito, Reign, Joose and introduces Goldilocks for limited production.
Capability And Tech
Don’t panic; Jeep has not suddenly become dainty. The Wrangler runs a 2.0L turbo petrol with an 8-speed auto and the Gladiator keeps its 3.6L V6 petrol and 8-speed auto. Both retain Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, Dana solid axles where applicable, full-float rear axle on the Wrangler, comprehensive skid plates and a front-facing TrailCam on the Wrangler for negotiating trails without ramming your face into a tree. The cabins include a 12.3 inch Uconnect 5 screen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, because even men who wear mud as an accessory like their music and maps.
Range, Pricing And Options
If you are wondering about numbers, here they are, plain and unvarnished. The Wrangler Rubicon 2‑door starts at $81,990 MSRP. The Wrangler Rubicon 4‑door starts at $84,990 MSRP. The Gladiator Rubicon comes in at $84,990 MSRP. The special Wrangler 85th Anniversary edition is pitched at $88,490 MSRP. Optional extras include a Sky-One-Touch power top for the Wrangler 4-door at $6,450, and a body-colour three-piece hard top for the Gladiator at $1,950. Paint is Bright White as standard; most other colours carry a charge – $1,490 on Wranglers and $1,145 on Gladiators – except for the no-cost options on the 85th model where Black and Granite Crystal are offered without extra charge.
The 85th Anniversary Special Edition
This is the one for collectors and people who like things that wink at history while being annoyingly practical. The 85th Anniversary Wrangler gets plaid fabric seats with black leather-accented bolsters, a plaid dashboard insert, bronze 85th Anniversary badges and medallions, bronze cupholder plaques and a bronze swing gate plaque. On the outside there are complimentary body-coloured fender flares, a complimentary body-coloured three-piece hard top, bronze tow hooks, blue agave WRANGLER side hood decals, 17 inch steel oxide alloy wheels with 85th logo caps and a special blue agave swing gate decal. Bright White is standard on this model; Black and Granite Crystal are available at no cost.
If you want a vehicle that will happily cross a bog, look dramatic parked outside a café, and still function as a useful everyday tool, the 2026 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator lineups remain excellent choices. The 85th Anniversary edition adds a slice of theatre and some tasteful bling, which is exactly what a celebration should be.
Zachary Skinner is the editor of TechDrivePlay.com, where tech, cars and adventure share the fast lane.
A former snowboarding pro and programmer, he brings both creative flair and technical know-how to his reviews. From high-performance cars to clever gadgets, he explores how innovation shapes the way we move, connect and live.
