The Jeep Wrangler->ke425 is one of those few iconic vehicles that are instantly recognizable by nearly everyone. To some, the Jeep represents summer fun with the top off at the beach while to others, the Jeep is a trail-ready rig that can trudge up rocky hills and through deep mud pits. Still other imagine the Wrangler as the perfect winter time vehicle. For those, Jeep has this: the 2015 Jeep Wrangler X.

Along with its winter theme comes an X Games motif. The design theme pays homage to the extreme winter sports competition held in Aspen, Colorado. Jeep->ke40 helped sponsor the event as it has in the past, which includes skiing, snow boarding, and snowmobile snowcross races.

Based on the Sahara trim line, the 2015 Wrangler X Edition brings unique hood graphics, black grille slot accents, matching black headlight rings, gloss black badges, and a functional Power Dome hood. Under the bodywork lies familiar mechanical workings, like the Wrangler’s Command-Trac transfer case with 2.72:1 gears, Trac-Lok limited-slip rear axle with 3.21 gears, and the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. A six-speed manual transmission comes standard and a five-speed automatic is optional.

Jeep offers the X Edition in both the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited configurations.

Click past the jump to read more about the Jeep Wrangler X.

Exterior

Regardless of the number of doors, the Wrangler X comes with a bevy of exterior upgrades and options. Four choices of color are available and include Firecracker Red, Bright White, Black, and Baja Yellow. Every color gets the same gloss black accents and hood graphics. The black accents dress up the seven-slat grille and headlight rings, the center section of the front bumper, the 17-inch, five-spoke wheels, the rear bumper, and the gas cap cover.

The flat hood that is normally found on the Wrangler is replaced by a Power Dome unit with functional vents that assist in keeping the engine cool. The hood also keeps the rubber bump stops and metal cleat used when folding the windshield flat. Around the sides, the Rubicon-style rock rails are added for extra body protection while the tires are upgraded to Goodyear Wrangler Silent Armor all-terrains.

Jeep is selling the X Edition Wrangler globally, so European models come with the Euro-compliant pedestrian bumper that’s easily spotted by its outboard fog lights.

Interior

Standard Sahara Model Shown

Things on the inside have been upgraded as well. Coming standard is the Alpine audio system with nine speakers, all-weather floor mats, Black McKinley leather seats with black mesh fabric inserts and the “X” logo stitched on the seatback with Slate Gray accent stitching, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with Ceramic White accents on the spokes. The HVAC vent rings and grab handles also get the Ceramic White treatment.

Both the Wrangler and longer Wrangler Unlimited offer seating for five. The four-door Unlimited offers considerably more rear seat legroom and cargo room. The Wrangler X Edition comes with a body-colored hard top with the removable Freedom Top panels over the front seats. If desired, the entire hard top can be easily removed – along with the doors – for a true open-air experience.

Drivetrain

Under that Power Dome hood lies the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine. Making 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, the V-6 motivates the Wrangler more efficiently and more hastily than any engine in Jeep’s storied past. A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard equipment, but a five-speed automatic is optional.

Like all Jeep Wrangler JKs, the 2015 X Edition comes with a manually activated transfer case. Pull the lever back for 4WD high, further for neutral, and once more for 4WD low range. All Wranglers except the hard-core Rubicon come with Jeep’s Command-Trac transfer case. It offers a 2.72:1 gear ratio, sending power to all four wheels. A Dana 30 axle does duty up front while a more robust Dana 44 axle is found under the rear. The Dana 44 comes standard with a 3.21 axle ratio, but a 3.73 ratio is offered for those more serious about off-roading or towing.

Prices

Jeeps can get rather expensive these days when equipped with options, and the Wrangler X is no exception. It has a reasonable starting price of $33,295 for the two-door version, but can crest over $45,000 with all the option boxes checked on the Unlimited model.

Competition

Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner is another equally capable off-road machine, though it offers more interior comfort and cargo room. Powered by a 270-horsepower, 4.0-liter V-6, the 4Runner offers similar performance to the Jeep. Depending on trim level, the Toyota offers either a manual or electronic transfer case. For those looking to really tackle the rough stuff, Toyota offers the TRD Pro package which comes with upgraded shocks, skidplating, wheels, tires, and unique paint colors.

Pricing for the 4Runner starts just over $31,000 and crests near the $40,000 mark.

Nissan Xterra

The Xterra falls into the same category as the Toyota 4Runner. It’s a boxy, high-riding SUV that includes all the right off-road bits while still giving occupants more creature comforts and room than the Jeep Wrangler. Sadly, the Xterra is like the third mutt in a two-dog fight in terms of sales. In 2014, Nissan only moved 16,500 Xterras compared to Toyota’s 76,900 4Runners. However, both of those numbers pale in comparison to Jeep’s 175,300 Wrangler sales. Regardless of the number, The Xterra is still a tried-and-true SUV with real capabilities.

Power comes from a 4.0-liter V-6 making 261 horsepower and 281 pound-feet of torque. A five-speed automatic does the shifting for most models, though Nissan does offer a six-speed manual.

Prices start at $23,110 for 2WD base models and rise above the $30,000 mark for the range-topping PRO-4X edition.

Conclusion

Jeep is always offering some sort of special edition trim package that makes buying and owning a Wrangler more fun. For those looking to accent their active X Games-style lifestyle, the Wrangler X is the perfect choice. Though it’s only an exterior and interior appearance package, the X Edition brings a unique flare to the already capable Wrangler.

The 2015 Wrangler X and Wrangler X Unlimited are already at dealerships.