This 2023 Wrangler Willys pays homage to Jeeps of old most obviously in name, but also in rugged capability inherited through decades of trail experience.

Our tester is powered by the Wrangler’s 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four, making 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired to an 8-speed automatic and four-wheel drive, though ours came with a Selec-Trac Full-time four-wheel drive system, an $895 option.

The Willys treks onward with a slew of upgrades: LED lights, Rubicon Shocks and Rock Rails, and Trac-Lock Limited Slip rear differentials. And kicking things up a notch is our optional Xtreme Recon package, mounting 35-inch off-road tires on 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels.

We suspect a regular Willys to be exceptional on the trail, but our configuration was not only competent, but just downright fun. Still, the Wrangler’s street smarts aren’t dumbed down; our model came with the optional Technology Group for a 7-inch driver’s display and passive entry, plus the Premium Audio Group for an 8.4-inch UConnect infotainment setup.

Our 2023 Jeep Wrangler Willys totals out to just under $60-grand, but they start near 44-thousand dollars and just shy of $40-grand for a two-door configuration. The less-optioned Willys Sport Unlimited starts near 40-thousand dollars and the mid-thirties for a two-door. 

In our eyes, they’re all worthy of a passing wave from any member of the Wrangler family.

And we’ll have more Quick Spins… soon!