What Is the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition?

Produced in limited quantities for the 2012 model year, the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition was the second special version tied into the video game series, following the previous year’s Black Ops Edition.

It’s no secret, even to those that have never owned a PC or console video game, that the Call of Duty franchise is one of the most wildly popular video game series of all time. According to Activision, sales for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 totaled over 6.5 million copies and $400 million within just the first 24 hours, making it the biggest ever entertainment launch to date when it debuted in November of 2011.

A promo video showed the MW3 Edition Wrangler dodging RPG's and tanks through the war-torn streets of Paris.

In an era when Jeep seemed constantly eager to release new special editions of the JK Wrangler, the popularity of the first-person shooter game seemed a perfect tie-in for the military heritage of the Jeep line. This “buzz model” was used heavily at car shows and in various advertising campaigns.

Only 200 were made total, making this special line immensely more collectible than other, “run-of-the-mill” editions like the Islander or Arctic. Unlike some of these other editions, the Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition was based on the off-road-focused Rubicon, not the more street-oriented Sahara. Though there were some 2-door MW3 Wranglers, the vast majority seem to be 4-door Unlimited examples, as this was the variant featured in the game and for all promotions. Prices started at $40,070 for the 4-door and $37,295 for the 2-door (which included an $800 destination fee).

If you can’t find one of the few models that exist, you can always buy a copy of MW3; this specific edition was featured fairly prominently in both the single-player campaign and multiplayer maps.

Exterior of the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition

The Call of Duty: MW3 Wrangler was based on the Rubicon and available in Brilliant Silver or black.

Like other special versions, the Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition features a special hood, here called the “Power Dome.” Though unique at the time, this hood was later used in the Moab and Rubicon 10th Anniversary Editions as well. This term is now being used (lower-case) in literature for the new Lamborghini Urus crossover, so let’s hope there are no trademark suits to follow!

There are also unique Mopar heavy-duty front and rear bumpers, with the front being winch-ready. There were black rock rails, taillamp guards, winch cover, and fuel door, providing a further custom touch and sleek look. The Call of Duty: MW3 fender badges complete the look and make this Jeep immediately distinguishable.

There are unique 17-inch wheels in a really cool semi-gloss black, wrapped by 32-inch off-road tires. A spare is kept on the back, with a Call of Duty Elite badge on the tire cover.

The MW3 initially came only in Bright Silver with a black top, designed to evoke a modern and technological feel and also staying true to the model that is featured in-game. A black exterior was later available.

Some dealer accessories that could be added (but weren’t standard) included some Mopar performance parts like a Warn winch and 2-inch lift kit.

Interior of the Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition

The interior is immediately recognizable, due to a very liberal use of Call of Duty and MW3 logos. The “Black Sedosa” vinyl/leather seats have the MW3 logo embossed on the padding and a Call of Duty logo on the side of the headrests, plus a noticeable hexagonal pattern on the fabric. There’s “Silver French” accent contrast stitching on the seats and throughout the cabin, along with a silver plaque on the instrument panel grab handle that features yet another Call of Duty logo along with the serialized number of each individual vehicle.

You’ll get tire tread patterned Mopar slush mats with MW3 logos and another Call of Duty Elite logo on the trunk mat. And there’s also an MW3 logo on the speedometer gauge, giving you a constant reminder that you’ve got an ultra-limited edition vehicle.

Jeep Wrangler Call of Duty: MW3 Edition Engine and Off-Road Performance

All MW3 Wranglers featured the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, which was only a year old back in 2012, meaning that FCA and Jeep were heavily pushing the benefits of the new motor. There were automatic and manual transmission options for this powertrain.

Unlike the Arctic and Call of Duty: Black Ops Editions, the MW3 brings some additional off-road capability. Using the Rubicon as the foundation instead of the Sahara means that the MW3 is much more ready to take on difficult trails and harsh terrain. If you’re looking for a JK Wrangler special edition that is just as ready to get dirty as any other Rubicon, it’s hard to find a better choice than this Call of Duty variant that puts its money where its mouth is.

Maintain your MW3 Edition Wrangler with enough soap and loving care, and it might just fetch a good price if you decide to resell it.

Image Credits: Motor Authority | Motor 1 | Top Speed | Jeep Fan