The snow is melting and for many parts of the country, it’s getting a bit warmer. While summer is still a few months away, that didn’t stop Jeep from revealing its newest crop of special edition models the 2021 Renegade and Wrangler Islander models. Like other special edition models, this island-themed duo aims to bring younger buyers to showrooms while also adding some spice to the lineup at the same time.
Renegade Islander Catches Some Rays With Islander Package
Before we get into the Wrangler, we might as well start things off with the tiny Renegade crossover which receives the Islander treatment for the first time ever in 2021. The styling treatment brings a number of goodies to the Renegade including a Tiki Bob decal on the hood, sleek black cloth seats with Surf Blue contrast stitching, and embroidered Islander logos on the seatbacks
The exterior also gets in on the act too with buyers being able to choose from four different colors (Bikini, Jetset Blue, Glacier, and Omaha Orange.) All four can be paired with an optional Alpine White hued roof to help add some contrast while also invoking rolling waves when paired with any of the blue body colors.
As a bonus, the Renegade Islander also comes with more standard equipment with keyless entry, 19-inch wheels remote start, and a sunroof all coming along for the ride. Front-wheel drive is standard, but buyers can add it as an optional extra with Renegade Islander prices starting at $29,025 which includes the mandatory $1,495 destination fee.
Wrangler Islander Ends 11-Year Retirement, Brings Island Vibes To The Trail
As for the Wrangler Islander, it has been brushed off after an 11-year slumber. When we last saw the Wrangler Islander, Stellantis wasn’t even a thought in the minds of many, and Chrysler was going through a death spiral as it was wading through the waters of bankruptcy. The Wrangler Islander from this period reflected the times and only came with the minimal essentials.
This time around 2021 models benefit from the improved health of the firm which included the extra finances Jeep put into updating the Wrangler as a whole. Like before, the model is based on the Wrangler Sport S trim and can be equipped with either two or four doors. A Tiki Bob decal is also present but the Wrangler can be equipped with an optional three-piece white hardtop. The interior is a bit flashier than the Renegade’s with the black seats featuring a secondary white color in the bolsters to go along with the blue stitching.
Rubicon 17-inch wheels and rock rails are standard equipment while an Islander Plus package adds a cargo tub liner, Mopar grab handles, solid sunbonnet top, and a Tiki Bob adorned spare tire cover. The Wrangler’s color library is also much more extensive with buyers being able to choose from ten different colors (Sting-Gray, Billet Silver, Chief, Black, Bright White, Granite Crystal, Firecracker Red, Hellayella, Sarge Green, and Snazzberry.)
When Can I Buy One?
Like other special edition Jeep offerings, both the Wrangler and the Renegade Islander editions are available to buy now. Renegade pricing was already listed earlier, but the Wrangler version starts at $34,865 for the two-door, while four-door Unlimited models have a slightly higher sticker of $38,365.
The re-emergence of the Islander suggests that Jeep is zeroing in on younger buyers especially those that might be drawn in by the Islander’s combination of good looks, standard equipment, and the enhanced value that’s created as a result. While we suspect that the Islander trim will not expand beyond these two models we will not be surprised if Jeep eventually brings the Cherokee into the fold to try and further expand the Islander’s curb appeal.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.