Jeep is preparing a major comeback with six new models for Europeans
In short:
The American brand aims to significantly revamp its European model lineup by 2030
The company plans to introduce as many as six new cars in Europe by 2030
The Renegade will return, along with an electric Recon and another larger SUV
It’s not ruled out that the manufacturer might also turn to its history, specifically the Willys model
The vehicle is expected to be simple, compact, and relatively inexpensive
Will Jeep rely on its history?
Jeep faces a challenge similar to many European and American brands. Chinese manufacturers are putting increasing pressure on Europe with their prices, features, and pace of introducing new models. However, Jeep’s response shouldn’t be just another screen, a larger battery, or more power.
The brand wants to leverage something that new competitors can’t copy—its own history.
Xavier Peugeot, the new head of Jeep, mentioned Willys at the Paris auto show as one of the concepts the brand is considering for the future. This refers, of course, to the military Willys MB, the vehicle from which Jeep’s entire subsequent history originated.
For now, this does not mean a confirmed model with an official release date. The project is still in its very early stages, with decisions expected only toward the end of the decade.
Willys Could Return as a Budget Electric Vehicle
If Jeep decides to move forward with this idea, the new Willys is likely to be a small electric car.
Peugeot talked about “BEV affordability,” or the cost-effectiveness of electric vehicles, as well as compact size. Interestingly, when asked about Jeep’s future in the B-segment, where the Avenger currently sits, he pointed to the Willys concept.
The concept would therefore be completely different from that of large and expensive electric vehicles like the Wagoneer S.
The Willys is supposed to be simple, small, and relatively inexpensive. Stylistically, it should also not resemble yet another bulky crossover. Jeep has already released renderings of the mysterious model positioned behind a classic MB vehicle. They show a short, boxy body, nearly vertical ends, and a spare tire on the rear hatch.
New EU regulations may help
This concept also aligns with what other Stellantis brands are developing. Citroen is working on a modern interpretation of the 2CV, while Fiat is creating another small model from the Panda family. All these vehicles could benefit from a new architecture designed for the small, inexpensive electric vehicle category planned by the European Union.
If the regulations are implemented as expected, manufacturers will have greater freedom in designing compact urban electric vehicles, which should help reduce their prices.
Jeep could use the same platform but give it its own distinct character. Peugeot emphasizes that every future model from the brand should be prepared for 4×4 drive.
This could be the most significant difference between the hypothetical Willys and smaller Citroens or Fiat vehicles.
The Renegade returns first
Willys is a project for the distant future. The return of the Renegade is much more concrete. The first generation appeared in 2014 and proved to be a huge success for Jeep, with around 610,000 units sold before it was removed from the European lineup in 2025. Now the brand is preparing its successor.
“We’d have to be crazy not to consider it. And we’re not that kind of people,” commented Xavier Peugeot.
The new Renegade is expected to hit the roads by 2030 at the latest. The Avenger is about 4.1 meters long, while the Compass has grown to around 4.5 meters. There’s space between them for a model approximately 4.3 meters long — that’s where the next Renegade will fit.
The new Renegade will use the STLA One platform
Technically, the car will be a completely different design from its predecessor. The Renegade is set to be built on the STLA One platform, which Stellantis is developing for the next generation of smaller vehicles. The future Peugeot 208, Opel Corsa, and DS N°3 will also use this same architecture family.
This is important because the platform was designed as a flexible base for various types of powertrains. Jeep has not yet confirmed the full range of the Renegade, but the overall direction of the company suggests it won’t necessarily be available only as an electric vehicle.
Jeepe has clearly moved away from its earlier plan to quickly transition to full electrification in recent years. It now talks more often about offering various powertrains simultaneously, depending on the market and demand. The Renegade could be one of the key models in this strategy.
Recon will arrive in Europe by 2027
A more off-road-oriented model will appear first, however. Jeepe confirmed that the electric Recon will reach Europe in 2027. This vehicle is intended to serve as an electric alternative to the Wrangler in terms of character, though it won’t officially replace it.
Recon was designed as a full-fledged off-road vehicle. It features removable doors, a boxy body, and all-wheel drive, with Jeepe emphasizing from the start that it doesn’t want to turn it into just an SUV that looks off-road.
Europe will get this model, though not all markets. Jeep has already confirmed that the Recon will not be adapted for left-hand traffic, so it will be unavailable in places like the United Kingdom.
There will also be a second large SUV
That’s not all the plans entail. Jeep is also developing another D-segment SUV, with its European debut scheduled for 2027. The brand has not yet revealed its name, but one of the most likely options is a new generation Cherokee or a vehicle positioned very closely to it.
This is important because Jeep currently has relatively few models in this market segment compared to its competitors.
By 2030, the company aims to introduce as many as six new vehicles in Europe. According to Xavier Peugeot, this will help increase Jeep’s coverage of the European SUV market from around 50% to roughly 90%.
In other words: Jeep wants to be present almost everywhere — from the compact Avenger and upcoming Renegade, through the Compass, to larger vehicles and more specialized off-road models.
Jeep wants to compete on history as well as specs
The Renegade, Compass, or Recon can compete with Chinese rivals in terms of range, performance, features, and price. Willys, however, could sell something else — the brand’s history.
“One of our main advantages in fighting back against this offensive is our DNA. People want the original,” says Xavier Peugeot. Jeep indeed has an exceptionally strong hand here. The distinctive seven-slot grille, Wrangler, and the military-style Willys remain highly recognizable.
That’s why the new Willys doesn’t need to be super fast or have a huge battery. If the project does go into production, its greatest strengths will likely be simplicity, compact size, reasonable pricing, and a look that clearly evokes Jeep.
For now, however, the order is clear. First, Jeep must refresh its core lineup, bring back the Renegade, and introduce more SUVs. Only later will it be time for bolder projects.
The Willys could be one of them – and if it indeed emerges as a simple, compact electric vehicle with 4×4 capability, it will be something much more interesting than just another urban crossover.
Piotr Sobczyk