While the auto industry is prone to hyperbole, it’s hard to overstate the Jeep Wrangler’s off-road ability. The midsize SUV has long been one of the best models in the adventure-ready segment, with the 2024 Wrangler packing its trophy case with awards from AutoTrader, Cars.com, and What Car? Jeep now looks to cement its reputation for off-road excellence with the release of a new optional equipment package for the 2025 Wrangler.
The new Xtreme 35 Package sees the Wrangler graced with a new set of factory-installed 35-inch tires, new beadlock-capable wheels, and a host of associated improvements. The Wrangler has long been designed to accommodate 35-inch tires, but until the arrival of the Xtreme 35 Package, two-door models had to make do with aftermarket options that lack that all-important Jeep seal of approval. The Xtreme 35 Package is pretty similar to the Xtreme Recon package that first hit the lineup in 2021, with one important distinction. While the Xtreme Recon package was reserved for the four-door Wranglers (known as the Wrangler Unlimited in Jeep-speak), the Xtreme 35 Package allows two-door models to get in on the fun. Available on the Rubicon and Willys trims, the Xtreme 35 Package gives the legendary adventure rig a shot in the arm thanks to a full suite of rugged upgrades. What surprises does the Xtreme 35 Package have in store, and how do they enhance the Wrangler’s off-road ability? Let’s see what the new package has to offer as we take a closer look at the 2025 Jeep Wrangler for sale.
35-Inch BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2 Tires
The upsized BFGoodrich tires don’t just provide a few extra inches of ground clearance when compared to the standard 32- and 33-inch tires found on the Willys and Rubicon trims. They also happen to be one of the best all-terrain tires on the modern market. The All-Terrain T/A KO2s were named as the best all-terrain tires for Jeeps and SUVs by Car and Driver, which singled out their traction and durability. Delivering twice as much tread life as BFGoodrich’s previous all-terrain offerings, the new tires will allow drivers to enjoy miles of worry-free driving no matter what sorts of conditions they might encounter. The tires employ a cut, chip, and tear-resistant compound that’s well equipped to handle the rigors of the road less traveled, making the All-Terrain T/A KO2s the perfect complement to the Wrangler’s storied off-road ability. Tire Rack echoes Car and Driver’s glowing review, tagging the BFGoodrich tires with an Excellent rating and lauding the tire’s off-road ability. With nearly 2,500 customer reviews logged on TireRack.com, the T/A KO2s are a clear standout in the all-terrain segment with a 9.0 off-road rating underscored by a 9.2 rating under dry conditions. The tires also received high marks for wet weather performance and treadwear for an overall rating of 8.7.
BFGoodrich has pulled out all the stops to craft the ultimate all-terrain tire, leveraging new technology to equip the T/A KO2s with an aggressive, high-void pattern featuring interlocking treadblocks and advanced siping. This tread excels at ejecting loose rocks, brush, and other debris that threaten to gum up the works and reduce traction, as well as upper shoulder sidewall armor that’s twice as thick as the T/A KO2’s predecessor. Twin steel belts, spirally wrapped nylon, and BFGoodrich’s TriGuard three-ply polyester cord sidewall ply construction provide heavy-duty protection against off-road obstacles.
If there’s one feature that really sets the tires apart, it would have to be their serrated shoulder design. Drivers tend to focus on the tread that runs along the bottom of the tires when upgrading their rubber, but the T/A KO2’s serrated shoulder design ups the traction by extending the tread all the way to the edge of the tire. This approach is sure to come in handy when encountering deep mud, loose rocks, or sand, giving the Wrangler the ability to claw its way out of a tight spot. This design can also make a difference when it comes time to air down your tires, a feature made possible thanks to…
17-Inch Beadlock-Capable Wheels
Proper tire pressure is key when you’re braving your morning commute, running errands around town, or hitting the highway for an extended road trip. In addition to improving performance and efficiency, a set of well-inflated tires also serves an important safety role, reducing the chances of a blowout and maximizing control behind the wheel. However, while perfect for on-road use, a set of well-inflated tires can actually present some problems when you enter the world of off-road driving. From locking differentials and all-terrain tires to upgraded suspensions and four-wheel drive systems, nearly every component on an off-road vehicle is primarily designed to improve traction.
Setting tire pressures to factory specs might help to achieve peak MPG, but it can be a real detriment when venturing into off-road environments. It all comes down to a matter of surface area. The less inflated a tire is, the more ground it can contact, improving off-road traction. The ability to air down your tires can greatly impact your chances of off-road success, spelling the difference between an afternoon spent speeding through the underbrush and one that involves some quality time with a shovel, recovery boards, and rescue straps. There’s just one problem with eschewing the manufacturer’s recommended PSI. The less air in your tires, the more likely you are to pull a tire off its rim.
That’s where the Xtreme 35 Package’s 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels come in. By clamping the tire’s bead directly to the rim, these wheels give drivers the opportunity to ride on as little as three to five psi. Lower pressure means a larger contact patch, which ups the traction and allows the Wrangler to virtually float over sand, deep snow, and other surfaces that might conspire to throw a wrench in your off-road excursion. In addition to their practical benefits, the Wrangler’s available beadlock-capable wheels also give the Jeep an aggressive, sporty look while immediately identifying it as a serious off-road contender.
Swing Gate Reinforcement
The Xtreme 35 Package’s 17-inch beadlock-capable wheels might offer unbeatable traction, but they also tip the scales at nearly 40 lbs. This extra heft makes the heavy-duty wheels a little weighty for the Wrangler’s swing gate. Fortunately, Jeep has engineered around this issue by outfitting the Xtreme 35 Package with a reinforced rear hatch that can handle the extra weight. The Wrangler’s rear-mounted spare tire is one of the SUV’s defining traits, and the new reinforced swing gate allows the Jeep to retain this iconic feature without having to worry about the long-term impact on the swing gate.
4.56:1 Rear Axle Ratio
Torque and traction are inexorably linked, and if you want to increase your Wrangler’s twisting force, the axle ratio is an important consideration. The shorter a vehicle’s axle ratio, the more torque gets delivered to each wheel, helping drivers escape from a tight spot and significantly upping their chances of off-road success. Increased torque is especially important when it comes to low-speed applications where a shorter axle ratio can help drivers to overcome steep inclines. While the Wrangler’s Willys and Rubicon trims come with a 4.10:1 axle ratio that’s well-suited to a wide range of driving scenarios, the Xtreme 35 Package replaces the standard axle ratio with an even lower 4.56:1 ratio on both the front and rear axles. Seamlessly blending on-road performance and efficiency with enhanced off-road ability, the 4.56:1 improves the Wrangler’s acceleration and crawling ability while allowing the Jeep to reach the engine’s prime powerband quickly. The shorter axle ratio also comes in handy when employing the engine braking technique, increasing control and safety while reducing wear and tear on the Wrangler’s brakes.
Suspension Lift and Unique Dampers
The 2025 Wrangler rounds out the Xtreme 35 Package with two important suspension-related upgrades. The first is a 1.5-inch suspension lift that increases the Jeep’s total ground clearance to 12.6 inches. That suspension lift and the extra height afforded by the 35-inch tires should be more than enough to avoid common off-road obstacles like rocks, logs, and other trailside barriers while also allowing the Wrangler to ford up to 34 inches of water.
The Xtreme 35 Package also adds a set of uniquely tuned off-road dampers specifically designed for the Willys and Rubicon trims. When you factor in the effect on comfort, control, and consistent ground contact, it’s hard to make an argument against the revised dampers. While the Xtreme 35 Package doesn’t impact the Jeep’s approach, breakover, or departure angles, drivers will still enjoy generous geometry and increased confidence when tackling steep hills, precipitous declines, or acute peaks. All told, the Wrangler boasts an approach angle of 47.2 degrees, a breakover angle of 32.4 degrees, and a departure angle of 40.4 degrees.
An Xtremely Satisfying Off-Road Experience
The Jeep Wrangler is already one of the most storied off-road SUVs on the market, but the new Xtreme 35 Package allows two-door models to maximize their potential while opening the door to a new era of off-the-grid experiences. That said, there are a few caveats drivers should be aware of before setting off for their local Jeep dealer. The Xtreme 35 Package is currently limited to Willys and Rubicon trims equipped with the 270-hp 2.0L I-4 engine. That means V6 drivers will miss out for the time being, but more importantly, it rules out the standard manual transmission in favor of the eight-speed automatic. This could be a dealbreaker for those who prefer the control, efficiency, and enhanced driver/vehicle connection that a manual can offer.
The mandatory automatic transmission side, the Xtreme 35 Package still represents a significant bargain compared to other off-road packages currently available, especially the Ford Bronco’s Sasquatch suite. While the Sasquatch Package rings in at an eye-watering $8,160, the Xtreme 35 Package can be had for just under $4,500. If you’re in the market for a highly capable two-door Jeep that can keep pace with some of the Wrangler’s more high-end offerings, the Xtreme 35 Package is certainly worth a closer look.
