It’s been a lengthy 25 years since the last Jeep pickup, the formidable Comanche based on the XJ Cherokee, was discontinued in the U.S. Since then, aside from a few custom conversions, a new Jeep pickup has been nonexistent. However, this is set to change with new information surfacing about the much-anticipated Wrangler-based pickup. Reports suggest the inclusion of at least one engine option, a removable roof, and the revival of a classic name: the Jeep Scrambler.
Sources within Fiat-Chrysler have confirmed the Scrambler name, and the team at JeepScramblerForum has accessed FCA dealer network screenshots revealing several intriguing details about the upcoming pickup. Notably, the vehicle will carry the “JT” model code, which aligns with the next-generation JL Jeep Wrangler expected to launch later this year.
Additionally, the Jeep Scrambler will utilize the Wrangler’s 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, equipped with the company’s start-stop technology. So far, it’s the only confirmed engine option, and while the transmission details are still unclear, there is a possibility that the existing 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 or the upcoming 2.0-liter “Hurricane” turbo inline-four might also be available.
Perhaps the most exciting information concerns the three available roof options highlighted in the leaked images. These include two multi-piece hardtop selections and a “Sunrider” soft top, all designed to be removable. This feature would make the Jeep Scrambler the only factory-produced convertible pickup truck available globally, providing it with a significant advantage in a competitive market.
When it comes to competition, the Jeep Scrambler appears to be adapting to American consumer preferences. CAD images obtained by JeepScramblerForum indicate that the frame measures approximately 205 inches in length, which is a full 33 inches longer than the current JK Jeep Wrangler four-door model. While this longer frame supports better stability and increased payload capacity, it may hinder off-road performance. Notably, there are no indications of a two-door version being offered.
Additional insights reveal that the Scrambler may feature stronger axles, potentially a Dana 12-bolt setup in place of the Dana 44 axle currently used in the JK Wrangler.
The Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler, launched in 1981, made a significant impact by combining pickup truck capabilities with the compactness of a small 4×4. While this new variant may be larger, Jeep seems committed to maintaining essential characteristics of the original. Production is rumored to commence in Toledo within the next two years..
