by Matt Konkle
Managing Editor
It is not quite the autonomous type of driving setup, but future Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator owners will soon have another ‘set’ of eyes helping out on the road or trail.
Jeep on Monday announced it is launching a predictive artificial intelligence monitoring system, called Trail Prophet, beginning with 2026 model-year vehicles that will far surpass existing intuitive technology.
This system will make driving on or off-road much safer, more effective and comfortable, and is designed to reduce the overall cost of ownership, the brand said in a statement.
"This is the technology that everyone has been waiting for,” Jeep said in its program release right after the annual Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. “Predictive AI with our Trail Prophet technology can do everything from helping drivers plan better routes on the road to avoid traffic, to offering pinpoint line suggestions when traversing difficult off-road obstacles, all the way to providing owners with up-to-the-second vehicle information so they can handle anything with confidence.”
Trail Prophet will use a series of sensors, LiDAR, radar and other cameras placed around the Jeep that can instantly diagnose problems and offer solutions, the brand said, long before a mechanical part actually fails — giving owners a chance to safely replace an aging or damaged product before it becomes a real issue.
It will also automatically adjust the vehicle’s tire pressure to pre-set levels depending on driving conditions, weather, and terrain to ensure maximum performance while helping reduce overall wear and tear.
Additionally, it can tune headlight and fog light intensity for optimal visibility, increase fuel efficiency through better route planning, assist with parking and collision avoidance, learn driving behavior to improve performance, detect driver drowsiness, adjust seat temperature for enhanced comfort, as well as share traffic data, road layouts, and other information with fellow drivers.
"We see a system that not only provides advice and offers solutions, but something that will make driving much safer and effective,” Jeep said. “It won’t be long before you’ll be able to receive a notification on the Uconnect 12.3-inch touchscreen that an engine part is failing, as well as contact information for companies that have the product in stock, while also giving you advice on how to safely perform the repair yourself.
"The only thing Trail Prophet can’t do is drive the vehicle by itself. Well, not yet, anyway.”
Trail Prophet will be an option for gasoline-powered Sport, Sport S and Sahara models, and come standard on Rubicon, Rubicon X and High Altitude editions, Jeep said. It will also come factory-equipped on all 4xe models regardless of trim level.
”The Wrangler 4xe is our best-selling model, so it only makes sense to incorporate this kit with every one of those vehicles,” Jeep said. “Imagine a system that can make the 4xe’s battery perform more efficiently and add extra life, while improving horsepower and torque. That’s the beauty of Trail Prophet.”
However, there really is only one major problem. None of this is real.
While Predictive AI technology may be implemented sometime in the future on Jeep vehicles, it is currently not on the menu for any upcoming Wrangler or Gladiator models. And certainly not something called Trail Prophet.
After all, it is April Fools Day.
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