The Biggest Change to the 2026 Jeep Wrangler is One You Can't See

The '26 Wrangler hides a useful upgrade for those who value open-air motoring.

On the surface, not much has changed for the Jeep Wrangler's 2026 model year. Few things ever really do with the off-roading icon. Yet right there in the yearly update press release was a noteworthy nugget: "enhanced door hinge system makes door removal quicker and easier than ever." Naturally we had to see for ourselves, and were lucky enough to poke around the new model (pictured above, on the right) while testing the 2025 Wrangler (left; full review on that one coming soon).

The new setup is simple: there are no longer Torx bolts connecting the doors to the frame. In their place within the door hinge is a U-clip connected to a sliding bolt. Pop the lower tab of the U-clip to flip it up, then simply pull the bolt out. The rest of the steps are the same as before: disconnect the power connections and unlock the canvas check strap. With the window rolled down, it's an easy lift up to remove the door using the recess below the armrest.

Additionally, the bolts on the exteriors of the doors are gone now too, saving even more time. And yes, in case you're wondering, closing the door with the U-clip up does not bend it in anyway. You know, in case you forget to pop it back down. Like I did. Whoops.

The Wrangler will have a busy year, as no fewer than 12 special editions will be launching, one every month. We've already seen the first in the 2026 Wrangler 392 Moab, which brings the rumbly V8-equipped model down to a (comparatively) more affordable price point. There will be a smattering of limited edition exterior colors too, with typical fun Jeep names like Joose and Goldilocks. Best of all, each and every one of them will now be easier to run in doors-off mode.

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