The Jeep Wrangler->ke425 isn’t changing much for the 2016 model year, but the iconic off-roader is getting a new themed appearance package. Called the Black Bear Edition after the famous Black Bear Pass in Telluride, Colorado, so-equipped Wranglers come with a bespoke graphics package, blacked-out trim pieces, and several interior upgrades. All this is in hopes to attract even more interest in the ever-popular SUV->ke145.

The Black Bear Edition is available for both the two-door Wrangler and four-door Wrangler Unlimited. The special edition also groups other optional packages into a bundle that is offered as standard equipment. The list includes air conditioning (yep, that’s an option on lower-level Wranglers), the Connectivity Group, and the Power Convenience Group. All of this is built on the Wrangler’s base Sport trim level.

Of course, the Wrangler still comes powered by the now venerable 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 and is backed by a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. A two-speed transfer case comes standard, giving every Wrangler 4WD.

So let’s jump into what separates the Black Bear Edition from a standard Wrangler.

Continue reading to learn more about the Jeep Wrangler Black Bear Edition.

Exterior

The most prevalent visual upgrade brought by the Black Bear Edition is the topographical map of Black Bear Pass, with the trail outlined in red. Decals on the hood’s sides spell out Wrangler as a ode to Jeeps of the past. In addition to the graphics, the grille is treated to a matte black finish while the bumper’s center section is treated to a gloss black appearance.

Upgraded 17-inch wheels are added, coming wrapped in Goodyear Silent Armor all-terrain tires. Rock sliders protect the rocker panels while the taillights are fitted with black guards. A matching fuel door is added as well. The basic soft top is upgraded to the premium Sunrider soft top while the optional hard top is available in body color.

The Black Bear Edition comes with nine color options that include Billet Silver, Black, Bright White, Firecracker Red, Granite Crystal, Hydro Blue, Hypergreen, Rhino, and Tank.

Interior

While the overall design of the Wrangler’s interior hasn’t changed, the Black Bear Edition adds sport bar grab handles and all-weather floor mats. Like the standard Wrangler Sport, the seats are the black cloth Sedoso units and the dash is still accented by the iron Gray bezels and vent rings. A leather-wrapped steering wheel with black stitching is included.

As mentioned before, the Connectivity Group and Power Convenience Group come as standard equipment with the Black Bear Package. The Connectivity Group includes the Tire Pressure Monitoring Display that shows individual tire pressure, Uconnect Voice Command with Bluetooth, and the Electronic Vehicle Information Center located in the gauge cluster. The Power Convenience Group offers power door locks, power windows, remote keyless entry, and a security alarm.

Drivetrain

Since 2012, the same 3.36-liter Pentastar V-6 has powered both the two- and four-door Wranglers. The all aluminum engine offers 290 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque in this application, along with relatively impressive fuel economy. The four-door Sport model is rated by the EPA at 16 mpg city and 21 mpg highway.

Every Wrangler comes standard with a part-time 4WD system that offers both high- and low-ranges. The Jeep’s two solid axles are both from Dana, with the front axle being a Dana 30 and the rear a Dana 44. The standard gears are 3.21 with 3.73 offered as an option.

Prices

Jeep has yet to announce official pricing for the 2016 Black Bear Edition, but expect the package to cost in the neighborhood of $1,200. That’s on top of the Wrangler Sport’s base price of $22,995 for the two-door and $26,795 for the four-door.

Competition

2014 Toyota 4Runner

The Wrangler’s true competition is getting thinner over the years thanks to emissions and safety standards. One of the last to hold true to its body-on-frame design and honest 4WD system is the Toyota 4Runner->ke1844. Offered with a 4.0-liter V-6 and an automatic transmission, the 4Runner offers solid off-road capabilities in a more traditional, closed-cab SUV design.

Unlike the Wrangler, the 4Runner doesn’t offer any swanky special packaged like the Black Bear Edition, but it does offer two hard-core trim levels. Those include the Trail Edition and TRD Pro edition. Both offer more robust suspension systems, but the TRD Pro is the one that takes the cake in terms of all-out off-road performance.

You can read more about the 4Runner here.

Conclusion

The Black Bear Edition is yet another example of how Jeep is keeping the Wrangler fresh until its expected 2018 replacement is ready. This special edition is only one of several available, including the Willys Wheeler, Altitude, X, and Rubicon Hard Rock. These help attract attention and bring curious buyers to the brand with minimal development costs.