The Jeep Wrangler hardtop has been redesigned to fit inside an SUV
Jeep is developing a modular hard-top system that allows removable hard-top pieces to be stowed in vehicles.This could be big news for wranglers.
Current jeep wranglers require owners to leave their hard tops. However, the patent application published by the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Oct. 2024-4-31 after being submitted by Jeep. 27, 2023 shows that automakers are working to solve their design problems.
This is achieved by dividing the hard top into multiple roof panels and vertical supports. These will be attached to each to enclose the roof and the side of the vehicle, but leave a small enough piece to stow in the cabin.
This will be a bigger improvement than the current Wrangler, although most of the hard top can not be disassembled to fit inside the vehicle One large jeep has not previously seen the need to change this but the Bronco's more convenient hard top design will cause the automaker to take a second look It is possible that it has become. This is not the first Jeep patent affected by the Bronco; the automaker has also patented its own version of Ford's Donut door.
Not all patented ideas come into production, but we know that the next generation of wranglers is in development, giving the jeep the opportunity to roll out this feature. Known as the J70 series, it will be built exclusively as an EV or plug-in hybrid, according to a 2023 UAW document outlining the union's latest agreement with Jeep's parent company Stellantis. Production is expected to begin in 2028 at Wrangler's current plant in Toledo, Ohio.
Current generation JK Wrangler received an update of the model 70 to stay competitive until the arrival of the 2024, adding more features and a full float Danaria axle for several grades. In the 2025 model, smaller changes were made.