What Jeep’s UK Boss Said About The Defender Might Hint At Wrangler’s Future

European buyers might soon get another shot at the Jeep Wrangler, after the model was recently discontinued across the continent. You’ll still find it at dealerships through the first half of 2026, but only what’s left in stock. After that, buyers will have to wait for Jeep to introduce the next-generation model.

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Jeep recently stopped taking new orders the current Wrangler in Europe, including the UK, because it no longer complies with updated GSR2 safety regulations. These require modern driver-assistance and monitoring systems, which the Wrangler lacks, along with updated cybersecurity protections.

On top of that, emissions played a role in its departure. The turbocharged 2.0-liter GME-T4 inline-four used in European models emits up to 269 grams of CO₂ per kilometer, putting it in the same category as some high-performance V8 SUVs. The fact that Jeep discontinued all hybrid variants in the US, probably didn’t help either.

It may be gone for now, but it won’t be gone forever.

Next Chapter in Sight

According to Jeep UK managing director Kris Cholmondeley, the current model has been “a victim of regulation” and he is confident there will be “another incarnation down the line.”

“I’ve had chats with the head of Europe and the head of the global team,” Cholmondeley told Auto Express. “I think we’re all aligned that we’d like to see it back – that’s what I would say. What and when? I don’t know. I honestly don’t know if it could come back as plug-in hybrid or full-electric. I just know the brand; it’s got such heritage, it seems silly to lose that.”

Lessons from the Defender

Although limited details are known about the next-generation Wrangler, it will almost certainly lean heavily on electrification with plug-in hybrid versions, and perhaps even an EV. Cholmondeley is hopeful that Jeep can replicate what Land Rover has done with the new Defender, making a future generation of the Wrangler more refined, while still retaining the off-roading abilities that have made it so iconic.

“Look at [the Land Rover] Defender,” he said. “If you can take something like a Wrangler and have a little bit of refinement, but still keep its personality, you see the hundreds [of sales] going to thousands, don’t you?”

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While the Wrangler is one of Jeep’s most iconic models, the British director said the brand can retain an important presence in Europe, even without it in its range.

“Wrangler has been an enduring icon, but it has always been niche. That’s lovely for the heart – [but] in terms of the ongoing viability, a good brand can die by being too niche and not having a broader commercial appeal,” he told Autocar.

“Our job is to protect the core and the spirit and broaden the appeal. So I love Wrangler and everything it stands for, but I also love Avenger and Compass. They’ve got all that Jeep DNA running through them, but they’ve got much broader appeal.”