2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup: Everything We Know
2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup: Everything We Know
We can’t wait for this truck.
Jeep hasn’t sold a pickup truck since 1992, when the XJ Cherokee-based Comanche went out of production, tho’ Jeep has made many concept pickup trucks to taunt us. Now, we know that a Wrangler pickup is on its way, and it’s high on our list of cars we can’t wait to drive. To say we’re excited for the Wrangler pickup would be an understatement, so let’s round up everything we think we know about it.
It’s Actually, Eventually, Indeed, Gravely Happening
Jeep commenced the Wrangler pickup fever in two thousand five with the Gladiator Concept (shown above), but it never reached production. A handful of concepts since only served to whet our collective appetite further.
Ultimately, Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed in early two thousand sixteen that Jeep would ultimately suggest a production pickup version of the next-generation Wrangler.
It’s Hitting Production in Late 2019
In a two thousand sixteen interview with The Detroit News at the Detroit Auto Demonstrate, Jeep CEO Mike Manley said that the Wrangler pickup would arrive in late 2017, following the debut of the next-generation JL Wrangler.
Unluckily, Jeep has since delayed pickup production until late 2019, almost two years after the next-generation Wrangler is set to arrive. Manley says that he wants to make sure there are no issues with Wrangler SUV production before Jeep starts building the pickup. Both Wrangler models will be built at Jeep’s Toledo, Ohio plant, which is undergoing a $700 million upgrade to prepare for the fresh vehicles.
We should see the Wrangler debut in SUV form later in 2017, but Jeep hasn’t announced when the pickup will make its debut.
It’ll Look Like This (Very likely)
Since the Wrangler pickup was announced, we’ve received spy photos and detailed renderings providing us a pretty clear picture of what to expect. Unsurprisingly, it looks like a Wrangler with a truck bed. The next-generation Wrangler gets a fresh front face with more prominently angled grille slats, and headlights with LED running lamps.
We’ve only seen spy shots of four-door Wrangler Unlimited pickup prototypes, but according to the latest renderings, the truck will likely be available as a two-door as well.
It’s Been Rumored for Production for a While Now
We very first heard rumblings of a pickup based on the next-generation Wrangler in September of 2015. Of course, people have been clamoring for it for a much longer time.
It’ll Be Based on the Fresh Wrangler Platform
Jeep will proceed building the current-generation Wrangler until March 2018, meaning old and fresh generations will be sold side-by-side for several months. Jeep hasn’t exposed too many specifics on the next Wrangler, but we have a decent idea of what it’ll be like.
The JL Wrangler is supposed to retain its classic body-on-frame construction, but it might get a fresh aluminum-intensive assets. Like Ford with the current F-150, switching to lightweight aluminum construction could help fuel economy, never a strong suit with the Wrangler. Diesel and hybrid Wranglers are also rumored, but yet to be confirmed.
We do know the Wrangler is set to get a serious interior upgrade, finish with FCA’s latest UConnect infotainment system. Gratefully, a manual transmission will remain on the options list, and the Wrangler is likely to retain its iconic removable doors.
It’ll be Built in Toledo, Ohio
Like the current Wrangler, the next-gen Wrangler pickup will be built in Toledo, Ohio alongside the non-pickup truck version.
It Most likely Won’t Have a Hellcat Engine
Yes, Jeep made a Wrangler with the 707-hp supercharged V8 from the Hellcat last year, but it’s just a one-off fever desire. Don’t fret tho’, because if you want a Hellcat motor and a seven-slat grille, there’s always the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
It Might Get a 300-HP Turbo Four-Cylinder, However
In an effort to improve fuel economy in the notoriously inefficient Wrangler, Jeep is said to be developing a fresh 300-horsepower turbocharged inline-four cylinder codenamed “Hurricane,” perhaps as an optional upgrade over the Trio.8-liter, 285-hp Pentastar V6 used in the current Wrangler. Spy photos obtained by The Truth About Cars show up to display a four-cylinder under the rubber hood of a Wrangler prototype.
And It’ll Likely Have a Diesel
According to screenshots of Jeep’s dealer system on the Jeep Scrambler Forums, the JT Wrangler Pickup will have a Three.0 turbo diesel V6 with auto begin/stop as an engine choice. No word on the transmissions it could/would be linked to.
It’ll Sell Like Crazy
Americans love pickup trucks, and Americans love Jeeps. Sergio Marchionne knows this, so building a Wrangler pickup is a accomplish and total no brainer. It’ll also be frantically different from every other pickup presently on sale, which should help it further.
