Jeep Wrangler half-door revealed testing in plain sight
A new batch of spy photos shows the upcoming Wrangler wearing half doors, the first time we’ve seen this variation of a production JL-generation Jeep. Sort of, anyway: Jeep teased half doors when the JL Wrangler launched in 2017 and also with the 2018 Jeepster concept.
The Wrangler 392, the V-8 powered Jeep that was supposed to debut at the canceled 2020 Easter Jeep Safari, was the latest concept to highlight half doors, four of them in fact, that appear to be identical to these newest versions. However, these photos of a two-door Wrangler are our first look at what appears to be production-ready half doors complete with fabric uppers and flexible plastic windows.
When we drove the Jeep 392 the half doors seemed remarkably light, which is to be expected when the window frame, window glass, window regulator, and power window motor are all removed. It took some thought to remember not to close them with the same force needed for normal doors. The half doors offer Jeep owners another level of open-air driving while still providing some wind protection, as well as an armrest and a bit more security for cargo when on the trail.
Like the full doors, these half doors are home for the Wrangler’s side mirrors. These photos seem to point out that the side windows are divided into a triangular fixed portion and a rectangular section that will literally roll down. The position of the fabric dividing the two window sections may inhibit side mirror visibility a bit, but the half doors are likely a temporary solution to adverse weather, as they are on a Morgan. We wouldn’t expect half doors to be a wintertime choice.
The half doors will drastically improve the silhouette of the Wrangler when the top is off and is a natural match for the soft top. This mid-cycle enhancement proves that Jeep is continuing to offer Wrangler buyers lots of options and shows dedication to remaining competitive with the highly customizable Bronco on the horizon.
