Rumors, spy photos and now renderings, the energy surrounding a new Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup is growing. With its possible debut on the horizon, here is what to expect.
The first question is when we will get a chance to see the new Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup. With the current rotation of auto shows and the importance of this product, it is very likely Jeep will debut it in November at the 2018 L.A. Auto Show.
This show is the last on the calendar year and while Jeep might want until January for the larger North American International Auto Show in Detroit, the L.A. Show makes more sense to us.
Why? Several reasons including timing and the fact California is one of the largest off-road vehicle markets in the country. Launching it in November also means, the pickup might be ready to hit dealer lots in early February (if the Ram 1500 launch is any guide) and FCA could get a great boost in sales during a typical slow time for automakers.
This would also mean, the new pickup would likely be a 2019 model.
The exterior renderings from the folks over at JeepScramblerForum.com give us what appears to be a pretty accurate look at what the exterior will look like with the new JL featuring a bed. It will have a strong, squared-off look with styling hints back to its heritage.
On the inside, you could expect to see an almost carbon copy of the current JL interior used on the new Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup. Copying this new interior with a few slight modifications for the pickup market would be the fastest way to bring the new pickup to production without a lot of expense. It just makes the most sense.
Again, Jeep engineers will likely pull powertrains from the current Wrangler to use in the new Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup. This means, there will be a 8-speed automatic transmission and, not really likely, 6-speed manual.
For engines, Jeep would utilize the 3.6L Pentastar V6 as well as the 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder. Also, the 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel is likely to make an appearance here.
The question will remain as to whether Jeep engineers will bring in the new eTorque V6 engine used in the 2019 Ram 1500 and/or a Hemi V8. The Hemi V8 is a long shot since the pickup likely won’t have the towing capacity to really use the Hemi. However, a mild-hybrid V6 would make some sense providing more torque with better fuel economy.
It almost goes without saying the new Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup will share much of the off-road capability of the JL except with different entry and exit departure angles due to the longer wheelbase. It will also have a different break-over angle thanks to that longer wheelbase as well.
However, we suspect all trim levels will have some variation of theCommand-Trac and Rock-Trac 4×4 systems, Dana axles, two-speed transfer case, electronic front and rear lockers, limited-slip differential and beefy off-road tires.
While we are still guessing here, it is very likely Jeep will offer the same collection of trim levels it currently does on the JL Wrangler with the new Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup. This means base trim levels all the way up to a Rubicon.
The current Jeep Wrangler starts from under $30k and goes all the way up into the mid 40s and higher depending on add-on accessories. For the pickup, we would expect it to start in the low 30s and climb into the late 40s due to the additional price of the bed and longer frame.
If the Jeep Wrangler Scrambler pickup debut holds true to being in L.A. or Detroit, expect the pickup on dealer lots in the spring of 2019.
If it become available with that 3.0L V6 EcoDiesel I keep hearing about … I’m likely going to be highly motivated to upgrade. How long do you think that “Bed” will be?
I would guess 5’6″ bed. I very much doubt an 8′ bed or anything in between. The frame would just stretch to long.
-Tim