This isn't a new Jeep crossover; it's a Honda WR-V doing cosplay!A new body kit from Japanese tuner DAMD adds the look of a Cherokee XJ, albeit with modern underpinnings.The swap comes with a lift, but this kit is more about the look than actually off-roading.CORRECTION 9/13/24, 4:30 a.m.: This story has been updated to correctly identify the Honda model that underpins the DAMD body kit, which is actually a WR-V instead of a CR-V. The XJ-series Jeep Cherokee set the stage for the era of the modern SUV, becoming as much of an icon as its Wrangler cousin in the process. It's such a boxy, charismatic ute, but if you own a vintage example, you do have to put up with fairly chunky ride quality and thirsty fuel-economy figures. That's part of the charm of driving an old truck around–but what if you just wanted the look?Honda's Halloween Costume If you live in Japan, then tuner DAMD has you covered. Its latest creation, the Reverb WR-V, takes a humdrum Honda crossover and transforms it into a modern interpretation of what a modernized XJ might look like. You can still see the Honda underneath, but the overall effect is good enough that Jeep might want to start thinking about something more retro-inspired to replace the Compass.DAMD Cherokee front quarterBest known as a supplier of body kits and other cosmetic upgrades, the DAMD catalog is absolutely crammed with whimsy. The Suzuki Jimny, a tiny SUV once sold on this side of the Pacific as the Suzuki Samurai, can be dressed up as a kleiner Geländewagen called the Little G. Or you can have a tiny Bronco called, you guessed it, the Little B.The nameplate on the WR-V Honda that underpins the Reverb stands for Winsome Runabout Vehicle, which is at once both very Japanese and also entirely accurate, moreso now with the kit on it. The transformation includes a squared-off hood, front grille, and lower bumper. Note that the slots on the grille are one shy of Jeep's trademarked seven. DAMD Cherokee sideA set of 16-inch steelies wearing BFGoodrich T/A K03s rounds out the look. There's a mild, 1.4-inch lift, but don't expect this Jeep lookalike to be any better at off-roading than a CR-V TrailSport. Plus, that's not really the point here.A Cheap "Jeep"The cost for all this Jeepy cosplay seems entirely reasonable, at the equivalent of just over $2000 for the basic body kit. DAMD mostly deals with the Japanese market, but it does have suppliers in the United States. The Honda WR-V (a subcompact SUV that's even smaller than the HR-V sold in the U.S.) is a Japan-only car, but it appears like you can get DAMD parts for a variety of Mazdas and Subarus that are sold on both sides of the Pacific. Nothing quite as whimsical as the Reverb, though.DAMD Cherokee rear quarterIf imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then consider this dressed-up Honda as a proper tribute to the XJ. You don't need to have the full off-road capability to appreciate good design.
