Jeep has unveiled a new take on the JL Wrangler off-roader that launched in 2018, packing a third row of seats into the Overlook concept unveiled this week at the 2021 SEMA show in Las Vegas.
The seven-seat Overlook debuted alongside a host of other out-there concepts, including one based on the Wrangler 4xe, an upmarket take on the Grand Cherokee and wild 1967 M725 restomod.
The Wrangler Overlook concept packs seven seats into the hallowed off-roader package.
The Overlook concept is based on the normal Wrangler, but with a 300mm (12-inch) longer body, taller rear roofline and an extra set of seats for the whole family to head deep into the wilderness.
While the Wrangler Overlook is purely a concept, if it were to reach development then it would straddle genres competing against both the Toyota Land Cruiser 300 Series and ute-based SUVs like the Ford Everest and Isuzu MU-X.
Just how big is the Wrangler Overlook?
On the surface, it may appear that Jeep has simply added a canopy on top of the Gladiator ute and called it a day – but that isn’t the case.
It’s hard to miss the Land Rover Discovery in the Overlook’s rear-three-quarter angle.
Rather, the Overlook is based on a four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited stretched to 5190mm in length (from 4882mm), which keeps it significantly shorter than the 5591mm Gladiator.
Jeep has not confirmed further information about whether the standard Wrangler’s 3008mm wheelbase and 1894mm apply for the Overlook, though it seems likely.
To accommodate third-row passengers, Jeep has added 127mm (5.0-inches) extra height to the rear roofline. Along with extra headroom, the grafted-on panel with its extra slices of glass evokes the silhouette of the original Land Rover Discovery.
The Overlook is longer, but Jeep has not confirmed changes to any other dimensions as yet.
Regardless of your opinion on the extended roofline, Jeep’s choice of fetching Sahara Bronze paintwork is not a controversial one for the concept, and suits the tough aesthetic to a tee.
Is the Overlook concept any more capable off-road?
Jeep’s other physical changes come courtesy of its Performance Parts catalog and include the black 20-inch ‘Rhino York’ alloy wheels shod in 32-inch BF Goodrich KM3 rubber, a 50mm suspension lift, Fox dampers and tubular steel side protection.
Additionally, Jeep has added bespoke LED head and taillights for the Overlook concept while redesigning the rear bumper and spare tyre holder to accommodate the larger spare wheel.
Jeep has raided its Performance Parts catalog for the Overlook’s upgrades.
Given the Overlook is based on the regular Wrangler, we expect it employs the same 3.6-litre petrol V6 that develops 209kW/347Nm mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive.
Though, naturally, Jeep may choose to drop its 350kW 6.4-litre (392 cubic inch) V8 from the Wrangler Rubicon 392 under the Overlook’s bonnet, which would make it quite a beast.
How is the interior of the Wrangler Overlook?
Sumptuous is not a word usually employed to describe a Wrangler’s interior, however the Overlook concept’s ‘Katzkin’ brown leather upholstery with contrast Sahara Bronze stitching and leather-appointed dashboard certainly look the part.
Jeep hasn’t overlooked the cabin for the Overlook concept adding brown leather upholstery and contrast stitching.
Set into the dashboard is Jeep’s 8.4-inch touchscreen running uConnect software and a set of analogue dials.
The real interest comes in the (new) third row, where passengers benefit from a grandstand view out through three central small windows. Jeep has also managed to retain the Wrangler’s signature ‘Freedom Top’ removable roof, though for the Overland it becomes a simpler single-piece item.
Jeep’s opulent choice of interior appointments aren’t likely to make production, and while it looks pretty polished, if the Wrangler Overlook does prove feasible for production it will likely be some time before it takes final shape.
That said, the Overlook proves Jeep is willing to investigate new horizons for the Wrangler, and if there’s enough interest you may be able to buy one in the future.
