Perhaps the biggest impact the rebirth of the Ford Bronco had on the off-road SUV scene was the ability to add coveted 35-inch tires on each and every trim level via the Sasquatch Package. Why are bigger tires so important? For starters, it’s the added ground clearance, which also naturally increases approach, departure and breakover angles. The other is that, normally the tires are wider, and can increase the contact patch with the terrain. A definite need when slowly navigating a cragged trail in the middle of nowhere. For Jeep customers, they’ve long had to upgrade to 35-inch tires through the aftermarket. But that’s changing with the new Xtreme Recon Package. And during the annual Detroit 4-Fest last week, the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon Package was announced. It’s the most affordable way to get a JL with 35-inch tires from the factory.
Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon VS Ford Bronco Sasquatch
On a base Ford Bronco 2-Door, customers have to pay $4,995 for the Sasquatch package, along with another $1,595 for the mandatory 10-speed automatic, as the manual transmission version of the package isn’t here yet. Add the destination fees and what have you, and the base Bronco 2-Door with the Sasquatch Package goes from sub-$30,000 USD to nearly $40,000 USD. That’s if the dealer doesn’t throw a “market adjustment” on top of things. And that’s also if you can find one.
The Xtreme Recon Package on the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys is priced from $3,995, putting the total MSRP at $40,930, which includes the destination fee. The Xtreme Recon Package adds:
- LT315/70R17C (35-inch) BF Goodrich KO2 All-Terrain Tires
- 17-inch Beadlock capable wheels
- Swing gate reinforcement
- 4.56 axle ratio
- 1.5-inch suspension lift with uniquely tuned shocks
- Anti-lock four-wheel-disc performance brakes
To compare, the 2021 Ford Bronco Sasquatch Package offers the following equipment:
- LT315/70R17XC (35-inch) BSW Mud-Terrain Tires
- 17-inch Beadlock capable wheels
- 4.7 axle ratio
- 1.2-inch suspension lift with Bilstein Shocks
- Front and Rear Locking Differentials
Image via Jeep## 2022 Jeep Wrangler Xtreme Recon Package: Approach, Departure, Breakover Angles
While the differences between the two are subtle, they make a huge difference and manage to bring the Wrangler back into the lead with best-in-class approach and departure angles along with better ground clearance.
Wrangler Willys Xtreme Recon Package:
Ground Clearance – 12.9 inches
Approach Angle – 47.4 degrees
Departure Angle – 40.4 degrees
Bronco Sasquatch Package:
Ground Clearance – 11.5 inches
Approach Angle – 43.2 degrees
Departure Angle – 37.2 degrees
There will also be an available 2022 Jeep Wrangler Willys 3.6L eTorque with the Xtreme Recon Package as well, with orders starting in October. The package has otherwise been announced for the range-topping Rubicon and Hemi-powered Rubicon 392. Other 2022 Jeep Wrangler updates include the introduction of the Gecko green and Tuscadero magenta, along with the introduction of the half-door package.
Image via Jeep.
