Jeep Africa Wrangler
Jeep Wrangler Africa

Jeep Wrangler Africa
The Africa Jeep Wrangler has the look and feel of an overland explorer, but there’s more to this concept vehicle than meets the eye. This fixed-top vehicle is built on an Unlimited JK platform and features mounted faux gas tanks on each side of the front doors, a large storage rack on the roof, and Rubicon X front and rear bumpers, the former of which features two additional auxiliary lights for added trail visibility.

What may not be initially most noticeable is a much larger amount of storage space in the rear cargo area, thanks to a fixed-top roof that is four inches higher in the rear and a cargo area extended an additional 12 inches. Not only do these expansions provides additional space for storage, but the lengthened cab also provides plenty of space for stashing a full-size space underneath – an idea first explored on the J-12 concept a few years back. Keep in mind, though, that the JK Unlimited does retain its original 116-inch wheelbase – it’s just the cab that’s extended.

The Africa features a fixed roof that is 4 inches taller than a standard JK, and its rear cargo area is extended an additional 12 inches even though the Wrangler still retains its 116-inch wheelbase.
The Africa features a fixed roof that is 4 inches taller than a standard JK, and its rear cargo area is extended an additional 12 inches even though the Wrangler still retains its 116-inch wheelbase.

“We’ve been getting a lot of requests, ‘I need more space.’ We used to just have the two-door Wrangler, and then we added the Unlimited, the four-door Wrangler, for more space,” Allen said. “Great, now I can take the kids and the dog, and not just the kids or the dog and all my stuff. But then you see, just by observing out here, lots of racks and things, as these people take a lot of stuff with them, so they need more space.”

The Africa features steel wheels with 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires.
The Africa features steel wheels with 35-inch BFGoodrich mud-terrain tires.

So more space the Africa provides. The Desert Tan-colored Africa concept sports 17-inch steel wheels fitted with 35-inch BFGoodrich Mud Terrains. It also features the JPP 2-inch lift with Fox shocks. One of the most unique features on the Africa is the 2.8-liter diesel engine powering it, which is a motor only available overseas sadly, but it’s cool to hear the smooth rattle of the Wrangler when cruising around the trails … this also begs the question: Is Jeep just teasing us, or will we truly see a diesel in the next-gen Wrangler?

Aside from its subtle styling and overland-focused features, the Africa may be hiding a few secrets. As Allen noted during today’s event, the Africa is “asking a few questions” of customers. What questions exactly? We’ll explore that answer a little more in another story very soon, but the added space and thoughtful storage spot for a large spare tire are interesting ideas.