XPEL Protects Jeep Gladiator “Shadow Ops” for 2026 Safari
XPEL, a global leader in protective films and coatings, has strengthened its collaboration with Stellantis by delivering advanced vehicle protection solutions for a standout build at the 2026 Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, Utah. The partnership underscores XPEL’s growing presence in the automotive protection space and its continued alignment with the Jeep brand, known for rugged performance and adventure-ready vehicles.
For the 2026 edition of the iconic event, XPEL worked closely with the Jeep brand to protect the all-new, specially equipped 2026 Jeep Gladiator “Shadow Ops” Special Edition. Designed to showcase the legendary off-road capability of Jeep vehicles, the Gladiator Shadow Ops was built specifically for the demanding terrain of Moab, one of the most challenging and celebrated off-road destinations in the United States.
The Easter Jeep Safari serves as a high-profile stage for manufacturers and aftermarket innovators to present new concepts and demonstrate performance capabilities in real-world conditions. By choosing to integrate XPEL protection technologies into the Gladiator Shadow Ops, Jeep reinforces the importance of durability, appearance preservation, and occupant comfort—key elements for vehicles that are pushed to their limits in extreme environments.
At the core of the protection package applied to the Gladiator Shadow Ops is XPEL STEALTH™ Paint Protection Film. This advanced film is engineered to safeguard exterior surfaces from the types of damage commonly encountered during off-road driving, including rock chips, scratches, abrasions, and debris impacts. Unlike traditional clear protective films, XPEL STEALTH™ also delivers a unique satin finish, enhancing the vehicle’s visual appeal while maintaining a factory-quality look.
In an environment like Moab, where trails are known for their rocky terrain and unpredictable conditions, this level of protection is essential. The film acts as a durable barrier, helping to preserve the vehicle’s paintwork even under harsh use. This ensures that the Gladiator Shadow Ops not only performs well on the trails but also maintains its aesthetic integrity throughout and after the event.
In addition to exterior protection, XPEL also focused on improving interior comfort and occupant safety through the application of XPEL PRIME XR PLUS™ nano-ceramic window film. This premium window tint technology is designed to significantly reduce heat buildup inside the cabin by rejecting a high percentage of infrared heat. This is particularly valuable in desert environments like Moab, where intense sunlight and high temperatures can make vehicle interiors uncomfortable.
Beyond heat rejection, the PRIME XR PLUS™ film provides exceptional ultraviolet (UV) protection. By blocking harmful UV rays, the film helps protect passengers from prolonged sun exposure while also preventing interior materials—such as upholstery, dashboards, and trim—from fading or degrading over time. This dual benefit of comfort and preservation makes it a critical addition to a vehicle intended for both performance and durability.
The installation of both the paint protection film and window tint was carried out by New Layer Customs, located in Troy, Michigan. As a trusted XPEL installation partner, New Layer Customs is recognized for its precision, craftsmanship, and expertise in applying high-performance protective solutions. Their role in the project ensured that the XPEL products were installed to the highest standards, maximizing both effectiveness and visual appeal.
Speaking about the collaboration, Anthony Pecaski, Senior Global OEM Business Manager at XPEL, emphasized the significance of the partnership and the opportunity to showcase XPEL’s capabilities in a real-world, high-performance environment.
“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Jeep brand to help protect the new Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition at one of the off-road community’s most iconic events,” said Pecaski. “Moab’s rugged trails present the perfect proving ground for our products, and the Gladiator is the ideal platform to showcase how XPEL protection keeps vehicles looking their best no matter where the adventure leads.”
To further highlight the collaboration between XPEL and Stellantis, the Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition features a custom-designed Easter Jeep Safari vehicle livery. This unique graphic treatment not only celebrates the partnership but also enhances the vehicle’s visual presence throughout the event. The livery serves as a rolling showcase of the combined engineering, design, and innovation efforts behind the build.
Throughout the week-long 2026 Easter Jeep Safari—held from Saturday, March 28 through Sunday, April 5—attendees have the opportunity to view the XPEL-protected Gladiator Shadow Ops up close. The display allows enthusiasts, industry professionals, and potential customers to examine how advanced paint protection film and window tint technologies can be applied to vehicles designed for extreme use cases.
The Easter Jeep Safari itself remains one of the most anticipated annual events for Jeep enthusiasts and off-road communities worldwide. Each year, thousands of participants gather in Moab to take part in guided trail rides, experience new vehicle concepts, and engage with the latest innovations from automotive manufacturers and aftermarket suppliers. The event has become a benchmark for off-road performance and a key platform for showcasing cutting-edge vehicle technologies.
By participating in this event and protecting a high-profile Jeep concept, XPEL reinforces its position as a trusted partner in automotive surface protection. The collaboration also highlights the growing importance of protective technologies in modern vehicle design, particularly as manufacturers continue to push the limits of performance, durability, and customization.
For XPEL, the Gladiator Shadow Ops project represents more than just a product demonstration—it is a real-world validation of its solutions under some of the toughest conditions imaginable. Moab’s demanding trails provide a proving ground where durability, resilience, and performance are tested daily, offering a clear demonstration of how XPEL products perform in extreme environments.
Consumers and industry professionals interested in learning more about XPEL’s full range of products, including paint protection films, window films, and coatings, can visit the company’s official website at XPEL.com. Images of the XPEL-equipped Jeep Gladiator Shadow Ops Edition are also available upon request, providing further insight into the design and application of these advanced protective technologies.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, partnerships like the one between XPEL and Stellantis demonstrate how collaboration between OEMs and aftermarket innovators can deliver enhanced vehicle performance, protection, and customer experience. The 2026 Easter Jeep Safari serves as the perfect stage to showcase these advancements, bringing together enthusiasts and industry leaders in a celebration of off-road capability and innovation.
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