Jeep Wrangler Easter Eggs: What Are They & How To Find Them
Source: Pixabay
Since their very beginning, Jeeps have all been about adventure, especially with the Wrangler, which traces its origins to World War II. And Wrangler owners can enjoy a bit of Jeep excitement without ever leaving the driveway thanks to Easter eggs hidden throughout the vehicle. An Easter egg is a hidden image or message that can appear in software, movies, or cars, among other places. Let’s explore the history of this vehicle and Jeep Wrangler Easter eggs. We’ll also take a look at some examples of these covert treasures.
A Brief History of the Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is the modern interpretation of the compact four-wheel-drive vehicle that transported U.S. and Allied troops during World War II. After the conflict, a CJ (Civilian Jeep) model began to gain favor with farmers and others who traveled off-road. The CJ-5 hit the scene in 1955 and helped popularize the Jeep name. Jeep launched the CJ-7 in 1976 with a longer wheelbase and more interior room.
The Jeep Wrangler (Jeep model code YJ) debuted for the 1987 model as a complete replacement for the CJ series. Although the design echoed the classic Jeep look (with some modern touches, like rectangular headlights), the Wrangler was re-engineered for a more comfortable and stable ride. A second generation (TJ) followed a decade later, and the third-generation Wrangler (JK) debuted for the 2007 model year. Jeep launched a fourth-gen Wrangler for 2018 under the JL model code. You’ll see later how the JL designation plays a role in a Jeep Wrangler Easter egg.
The Origin of Jeep Wrangler Easter Eggs
The idea for the first Jeep Wrangler Easter egg came from designer Michael Santoro, according to motorauthority.com. He was tasked with creating a new look for the Wrangler TJ and brought back round headlights to the iconic SUV.
Realizing that he was treading on a sacred territory for Jeep lovers and facing a limited development budget, Santoro had to get creative to preserve the Wrangler’s heritage. At the same time, the TJ needed to stand out from the previous Wrangler.
Cleverly, Santoro took inspiration from the seven-bar grille that is part of every Jeep (a legal trademark owned by the brand). He applied the grille pattern to the cabin air intake on the cowl (the space between the windshield and hood opening). Previously, this area comprised a few slots molded into metal. Thus, the first Jeep Wrangler Easter egg was born, which has led to an ongoing signature element for the brand.
Jeep owners’ passion and social media’s rise have created fertile ground for today’s Jeep designers. Jeeps are ripe with hidden design gems like spiders, maps, vehicle outlines, and more. “Egg” hunters will find these treasures in prominent places like windows and discrete spots such as headlight components.
Exploring Jeep Wrangler Easter Eggs
A social media review reveals numerous Jeep Wrangler owners showing off their Easter egg discoveries. Here are some noteworthy examples.
Spelling Out The Wrangler JL Code
Chris Jacobs is a well-known host of several car-themed television programs, including Overhaulin’ and Mecum auction shows. On Instagram (@chrisjacobs70), he’s highlighted many Easter eggs, such as one in the cargo area that reminds owners they’re driving the latest Wrangler (the JL). An even closer look reveals Morse Code for the letters, a tribute to the vehicle’s military beginnings.
Source: Instagram/ChrisJacobs70
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Giving Directions and Getting Smiles
While most Wrangler drivers have a good sense of direction, Jeep designers added some mischievous hints just in case there’s confusion. Chris Jacobs points out a pair of Easter eggs signaling which side of the vehicle is which. Louie, the stern bulldog, confirms the left side of the Wrangler, while a playful pooch (Ralf) indicates the right side.
Source: Instagram/ChrisJacobs70
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Getting a Wrangler in Gear
Some Jeep Wrangler Easter eggs are more obvious than others. A case in point is the silhouette of the original Jeep on top of the gear shift knob. It’s a design that gets used more than once (see below). Instagram user @awaymaison asks, “Have you found all the Easter Eggs in your Jeep?” It’s a question that undoubtedly has kept some Wrangler owners up at night.
Source: Instagram/awaymaison
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Outlining Off-Roading Adventures
Jeep designers repeat the use of the original Willys Jeep outline on the lower corner of the Wrangler’s windshield (on the passenger side). Instead of showing the Jeep on a level surface, the illustration is at a slight incline, signifying four-wheel-drive Wranglers are ready for off-road adventures.
Source: Instagram/rodgersdodge
Understanding a Jeep with Sole
Wrangler (and Gladiator) owners may be curious about the image of flip-flops on the cowl. Some may think this is an inspiration to go four-wheeling on a beach, but this Easter egg is a tribute to automotive journalist Rick Pewe, according to highcountryoffroad.com. Pewe is well-known for exploring in his Jeep while wearing this basic footwear.
Source: Pinterest/BuzzNick
Lighting the Way with a Jeep Wrangler Easter Egg
As mentioned, the seven-bar grille is an iconic element in the world of Jeeps. Recognizing this, designers came up with a creative way to extend the theme. On TikTok, user @satans_lil_demon walks viewers through several Wrangler Easter eggs, including a reproduction of the symbolic front grille onto the headlight bulb (except for models with LED lighting).
@satans_lil_demon Replying to @Roberta #jeep #jeepgirl #wranglereasteregg #eastereggs #fyp ♬ Ooh Ahh (My Life Be Like) \\\[feat. Tobymac] - Grits
Source: TikTok/satans_lil_demon
Keeping Up with Traditions
The Wrangler 4xe is Jeep’s newest model. It’s a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) capable of driving up to 21 miles without a drop of gas. Yet, all this technology hasn’t displaced the brand’s whimsical Easter eggs. YouTuber @BrandonHaneline highlights what appears on the 4xe, including the seven-bar grille on the gas gap and a high-climbing Jeep sitting next to the charging port.
Source: YouTube/BrandonHaneline
Look For More Jeep Wrangler Easter Eggs
Social media makes it easy to discover the abundance of Jeep Wrangler Easter eggs. A popular hashtag is #jeepeastereggs, but remember that these impish gems vary by Wrangler model year, and Easter eggs are used across the Jeep lineup.
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