Jeep Wrangler Switchback is a Ford Bronco RTR copycat
The first rule of car production is to not copy your competitor’s homework, and it seems Jeep has been looking right over Ford’s shoulder.
Jeep has revealed the last of 12 special-edition models to celebrate its 85th anniversary, but some are criticising it for being a bit too close to a new Ford.
Overnight, the Jeep Wrangler Switchback was revealed as a Rubicon X-based, off-road focused variant of the 4x4, highlighted by its unique appearance.
Finished in Black and Sting-Grey paint, the Wrangler Switchback draws the eye’s attention with its copious amount of Gecko green accents, featuring around the grille surround, beadlock wheel rings, bonnet graphics and on the swing-gate decal.
The bonnet is available in black or grey, as is the three-piece hard top for both two- and four-door versions of the Wrangler.
The Gecko green highlights also carry inside, teaming with Lime contrast stitching and both Global Black and Sea Salt Nappa leather upholstery to make certain interior pieces stand out.
While it’s a unique colour combination for the Wrangler – which is based on the design of one of the world’s most iconic 4x4s – it has raised eyebrows, due to just how close it is to the look of a new Ford Bronco.
Ford Bronco RTR
In January, Ford unveiled the Bronco RTR, its first in-house collaboration with the Vaughn Gittin Jr-led brand, most famous for its drifting machines and tuned Mustangs.
The Bronco RTR sports a unique grille, exclusive wheels, and ‘heritage-inspired’ wheel-arches, with its optional Hyper Lime accent package contrasted with Avalanche Gray paintwork becoming its signature look.
Visual similarities between the Wrangler Switchback and Bronco RTR have been picked up by some online commenters, with even Gittin Jr himself weighing into the debate.
“They say imitation is the greatest form of flattery, but really?” he said, in a video comparing the two 4x4s.
While the Ford Bronco RTR starts from US$50,790 (A$72,785), pricing for the Wrangler Switchback opens from US$66,695 (A$95,580) for the two-door model and US$69,995 (A$100,310) for the four-door.
It's unlikely to come to Australia, where the Wrangler lineup has been trimmed in recent years, now consisting of just two full-time variants, plus the limited-edition Rewind.
Jordan Mulach
