Since the late 1990s, Jeep has been including secret design elements throughout their vehicles.
These subtle details, or what’s more popularly known as Easter eggs, are a nod to Jeep’s history and off-road legacy. Tucked away in unexpected spots, they add a special touch to each model. Searching for them is quite a fun experience for owners.
It could be a classic grille imprint, a hidden animal, or a symbolic message; each Easter egg has a piece of Jeep’s identity.
How the Easter Egg Tradition Began
Jeep’s Easter egg tradition started back in 1997 when designer Michael Santoro wanted to make his mark on the Wrangler redesign. He introduced the seven-slot grille design onto the cowl. This brought function and heritage together.
The small touch inspired Jeep’s design teams to continue adding hidden elements to their vehicles. By 2011, the Grand Cherokee had a miniature Jeep grille inside the headlamp. The trend has continued ever since.
Now, Jeep vehicles (from the Wrangler to the Renegade) have a variety of creative Easter eggs for owners to find.
Where to Find Jeep Easter Eggs
Where and how you’ll find any of the Easter eggs depends on the model, but we list some popular hiding spots:
1. Rear Windows & Wheels: A small Willys Jeep can usually be found stamped onto the wheels or etched onto the rear window. This is a tribute to Jeep’s military origins.
2. Gear Shifters & Consoles: Some models feature a tiny topographical map of Utah’s Moab desert near the gear shift. It’s celebrating Jeep’s connection to off-road adventure.
3. Windshield & Molding: A tiny gecko is mostly found hidden under the windshield wipers. It’s suggestive of Jeep’s grip on the road.
4. Floor Mats: Some vehicles have a dinosaur fossil imprint on the floor mats. It’s a fun and unexpected find.
5. Headlights: Every Jeep model has a seven-slot grille that’s subtly etched into the headlights. This happens to be a signature feature of the brand.
6. Pedals & Footwells: The dead pedal in the driver’s footwell sometimes has Morse code spelling out “Sand, Snow, Rivers, Rocks.” It’s a reminder of Jeep’s off-road capabilities.
7. Roof Panels & Taillights: The Jeep Renegade adds an “X” design to its roof panels and taillights. This is inspired by the jerry cans carried on early Jeep models.
8. Rearview Mirrors & Speakers: Tiny grille imprints are frequently found around the rearview mirror or embedded into speaker covers.
9. Storage Compartments: The change cubby may have another Moab trail map. This is to pay homage to one of Jeep’s most famous off-roading locations.
Model-Specific Jeep Easter Eggs
While most Jeeps have Easter eggs scattered throughout the vehicle, some models have special designs that make them even more impressive:
● Jeep Liberty: The plastic molding under the logo has Morse code spelling out “JL.”
● Jeep Renegade: Many Renegades feature a hidden spider next to the fuel cap. It’s playfully saying, “Ciao Baby!”
● Jeep Gladiator: A pair of flip-flops can be found on the cowl, along with the number “419,” referencing Toledo, Ohio’s area code, where the vehicle is built.
● Jeep Compass: The Compass hides a gecko under the windshield molding and a depiction of the Loch Ness Monster in the rear windshield.
The Social Media Buzz Behind Jeep Easter Eggs
In 2020, Jeep owners took to social media to share their hidden Easter eggs. This became a viral trend.
Jeep enthusiasts proudly shared photos of their designs, sparking discussions on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The excitement around finding out these details has only grown. Jeep’s Easter eggs are now turned into an anticipated feature for every new owner.
Common Questions About Jeep Easter Eggs
Do All Jeeps Have Easter Eggs?
Most recent Jeep models have hidden Easter eggs. The Wrangler, Renegade, Cherokee, Grand Cherokee, Compass, and Gladiator, for example.
How Do I Uncover My Jeep’s Easter Eggs?
Some Easter eggs are easy to spot but others may need a more thorough search. Check areas like the steering wheel, taillights, floor mats, and even below the hood.
Which Jeep Models Feature Hidden Animals?
Several Jeep models add animal Easter eggs. The Compass has a gecko on the windshield molding and the Loch Ness Monster in the rear window. The Renegade contains a spider near the gas cap, while the Cherokee may have a hidden T-Rex or Bigfoot in its design.
When Did Jeep Start Adding Easter Eggs?
The tradition started with the 1997 Wrangler when Jeep placed a seven-slot grille imprint under the cowl. After that, Easter eggs have become a main feature across Jeep models.
Do 2020 Jeep Models Have Easter Eggs?
Yes. The 2020 lineup is filled with Easter eggs. This includes hidden spiders, paint splashes, map engravings, and so on.
Many Jeep Gladiators have the number “419,” a heart emblem, and a grille design inside the truck bed. Renegades from this year have a Moab map, seven-slot grille accents, and “X” designs in the taillights and cup holders.
Cherokee models mostly display “Since 1941” at the base of the steering wheel, while Compass vehicles have a gecko and the Loch Ness Monster. The Wrangler JL has flip-flops on the cowl and a Morse code imprint of “JL.”
Where Can I Find the Easter Egg on a Jeep Rubicon?
The Rubicon is filled with hidden surprises. Flip-flops can be found on the passenger side of the windshield cowl. The seven-slot grille appears under the hood, on the tailgate, and even inside the wheels.
Willys Jeep silhouettes are placed on the shifter, windows, and floor mats, along with a topographical map and a hidden dinosaur skull.
What Is Jeep Ducking?
Jeep ducking is a fun tradition. It’s where Jeep owners leave a small rubber duck on another Jeep as a friendly greeting. It started in 2020 in Ontario, Canada, and it’s now been taken up worldwide.
Why Is There a Gecko on My Jeep?
If you spot a tiny gecko on your Jeep’s plastic molding, it’s an Easter egg. It represents Jeep’s impressive grip and off-roading capability — much like the sticky feet of a gecko.
Do Jeep Cherokees Have Easter Eggs?
The Cherokee is packed with Easter eggs as hidden creatures that are symbolic nods to Jeep’s heritage.
Which Easter Eggs Are Visible On 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The Grand Cherokee L hides multiple Easter eggs throughout the vehicle. Under the hood, you’ll find a map of Detroit and the “313” area code.
A Willys Jeep is located beneath the fuel door, while the phrase “Since 1941” is signed on the dashboard. The passenger-side windshield has a seven-slot grille and headlights. Inside the third-row seat, there’s a Willys Jeep climbing the glass.
What Does the Star on a Jeep Mean?
The Freedom Star is to denote Jeep’s history as a military vehicle. While some assume it to mean a veteran’s symbol, it actually pays tribute to Jeep’s origins in World War II.
The Fun of Finding Jeep Easter Eggs
For Jeep owners, finding an Easter egg is a rite of passage. Each hidden design is an ode to Jeep’s adventurous spirit. It also gives all the vehicles a personal touch.
The next time you’re behind the wheel, take a closer look. You might just find a little surprise waiting for you.