Jeep’s Next Small Off-Roader Could Revive Its Willys Roots

The compact off-roader is in early development and isn't expected to arrive in Europe until after 2030.

Photo by: Motor1.com

By: Anthony Alaniz

Oct 13, at 9:00am ET

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Jeep is now one of Stellantis’ core global brands, and its lineup is expanding in Europe. The automaker is in the early stages of developing a compact off-road SUV inspired by the iconic Willys Jeep that helped liberate the continent 80 years ago.

Xavier Peugeot, the brand’s European boss, announced the Willys return at the Paris Motor Show but provided few details. The compact off-roader is not expected until after 2030, and Peugeot said the brand isn't ready to confirm “any concrete launch,” according to Autocar.

Peugeot added that it will confirm “ideas around Willys” by 2030, when the new Renegade is “on the road.” The model is one of “several new ideas,” the publication said.

What To Expect Of The Willys-Inspired Jeep?

Willys Jeep And 2025 Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys '41

Photo by: Jeep

The new SUV should live up to the Willys’ heritage. Peugeot said all new Jeeps would be available with four-wheel drive. The new SUV will likely ride on Stellantis’ new upcoming SLTA One architecture, which can accommodate a variety of powertrains.

Peugeot said the company’s “responsibility is to be able to translate Jeep’s original DNA into concrete and strong answers for European customers,” reported Auto Express, and it will reflect the brand’s positioning in the United States. He added:

'The key word for Jeep in Europe is, of course, freedom. It's also adventure, it’s authenticity, and it's passion. And when you evolve such an iconic brand, you feel the responsibility to continue.’

Customers should not expect another rebadged model. Earlier this year, Emanuele Cappellano, Stellantis’ European boss, said each model will have a distinct design that " features that are characteristic for each and every brand.”

Jeep’s Ambitious Plans

2026 Jeep Recon

Photo by: Jeff Glucker | Motor1

The new Willys Jeep is one of four new models the brand is preparing for the European market. Jeep is also developing a new Renegade, a large D-segment SUV, and the Recon, which is already on sale in the United States.

Peugeot said that Jeep wants to “strengthen our presence across the key SUV segments. That’s where our business is, and we will continue to do so.”

What do you think?

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We doubt Jeep will bring its Willys-inspired model to the United States. If the new Willys is similar in size to the original, it will be too small for American consumers. The original Willys measured 132 inches long, 10 inches shorter than the modern Fiat 500e.

When Jeep announced its US roadmap earlier this year, it listed only one new model joining the lineup: the Wrangler Scrambler. If the Willys ever arrives in the US, it will not happen until well into the next decade, if at all.