
What Is the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition?
Last Updated April 15, 2024 | C.J. TragakisThe Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition is a special version of the beloved American 4x4, featuring a handful of cosmetic upgrades. The first visually-upgraded Freedom Edition was a 2003 Wrangler TJ. A second version, launched in 2012, ended when the Wrangler JK stopped production in 2018. However, in November 2020, Jeep announced that they were bringing back the popular kit once again, now for the Wrangler JL. The 2020 MSRP for the 2-door Freedom Edition Wrangler is $34,190, while the 4-door will set you back $37,690.
Though this Jeep is essentially just a dressed-up Wrangler Sport S that’s military-like in appearance only, a portion of each sale goes to the USO, a non-profit organization that supports those who serve in the U.S. armed forces.
Exterior of the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition
The Freedom Edition JK was offered in every traditional Wrangler color (though we have to say the military green “Tank” seems most appropriate), and also featured an exclusive “True Blue” when it was released in 2012. Though it skipped 2013, the Freedom Edition was brought back in 2014 due to popular demand and offered the unique color “Hydro Blue” during that model year.
The JK Freedom Edition added a premium soft top, a “mid gloss” granite crystal (gray) grille, and gray bumpers on the front and rear. For 2018, a heavy-duty winch-ready front bumper was added. Though not at the level of the Rubicon, you were able to get some off-road accoutrements on this special Wrangler, like the Jeep Trail Rated Kit, heavy-duty rock rails, and a Dana 44 heavy-duty rear axle. The 17” aluminum wheels were painted granite crystal to match, and this Wrangler rides on upgraded Goodyear Wrangler white letter tires.
The most obvious giveaways that indicate a Freedom Edition Wrangler are the military-style decals on the exterior, including a prominent star on the hood. There are also body-color fender flares, a black fuel filler door, black taillamp guards, an “Oscar Mike” fender badge, and a Pantone “Trail Rated” badge.
For 2020, there aren’t any unique Freedom Edition colors, and you also can’t select “Mojito!” as a choice; apparently the glow-in-the-dark green shade is a little too exotic for a military-inspired vehicle. To keep with the patriotic theme, the only three colors available to start will be Firecracker Red, Bright White, and Ocean Blue. You won’t get as many visual extras compared to the JK Freedom Edition: Just the military star decal on the hood, American flag fender graphics, and split-spoke wheels similar to the Rubicon’s (except that they are painted Satin Carbon gray instead of black).
Although the 2020 Wrangler Freedom Edition adds $2,695 to the price of a regular Wrangler Sport S, some of that is because of the $975 rock slider side steps and $595 premium black Sunrider soft top that are included with the kit. The included all-terrain tires are a no-cost addition. These features, plus Jeep’s $250 donation to the USO, might be enough to sway buyers towards this patriotic package.
Interior of the Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition
There’s not a ton that differentiates the cabin of this special edition Jeep versus the rest of its Wrangler brethren. For the JK version, the seats are the most distinguishable feature, using a unique pattern on the fabric in the center. Both the JK and JL Freedom Editions use some nice silver accent contrast stitching, plus leather-trimmed seat bolsters for a more upmarket feel.
Perhaps the most notable addition is the embroidered “Oscar Mike” logo on the front seats. This is a military phrase that stands for “On the Move," fitting for this go-anywhere, do-anything vehicle.
The Wrangler JK Freedom Edition also gave you Jeep’s all-weather slush mats and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. There are some subtle iron gray accents, contrasted by Quicksilver painted accents on the door grab handles, vent rings, and instrument panel. The Connectivity Group and Power & Convenience packages were included with this special edition.
Honoring American Troops
As the Freedom Edition is designed to pay tribute to U.S. service members, a portion of each sale is donated to the USO, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping members of the military as they come home from assignments and deployments. They also offer USO tours that bring entertainment to service members that are stationed far from home.
The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Freedom Edition gives owners a military-inspired hood decal and American flag fender graphics, plus the knowledge that some of their purchase price goes to a good cause
Even for those that are used to seeing Jeep’s eclectic special editions, the overt, pseudo-military badging and decals could be a little too over-the-top. For a civilian vehicle, many will regard the vibe as a little bit too “G.I. Joe.” For others, the “Oscar Mike” seat stitching and star hood decal will be just the right amount of visual flair.
The cosmetic add-ons aren’t enough to add much value to this vehicle as a collector’s item, so overall value is likely to remain about the same as similar Wranglers. However, the fact that this is still a trail-ready Jeep at the end of the day, plus the added bonus of knowing that some of the sales price went to a good cause, is enough for some to say that this 4x4 has earned its stripes.
Sources: Jeep Brand Vehicles: Freedom Edition, Jeep
Image Credit: Jeep