The spy shots give us the best look yet at the truck’s bed and tailgate
It's no secret Jeep will have a pickup truck once again in its lineup, and it's equally known that it will be based on the latest Wrangler JL and will be called the Scrambler.
While many artists have tried to render it (including our own), nothing beats the real thing, and this latest set of spy shots prove it. They also provide the clearest look yet at the tailgate and dismiss rumors about a Honda Ridgeline-like design. The photos reveal that the Jeep pickup will go with a traditional layout as far as the tailgate is concerned.
The Jeep Scrambler is expected to be based on the latest long-wheelbase Wrangler Unlimited, making it similar in size to midsize trucks like the Chevrolet Colorado, Ford Ranger, and Toyota Tacoma.
As with the mechanically-related Wrangler, the Scrambler will adopt aluminum panels to save weight and keep fuel consumption as low as possible. Being a Jeep, the Scrambler is also expected to have class-leading off-road capabilities without compromising on the hauling part — the truck bed looks quite big in the photos, by the way.
Styling-wise, expect the Scrambler to look very similar to the latest Wrangler Unlimited up to the C-pillar, with the truck bed completing the picture. Most models will feature the standard 285-hp 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 gasoline engine, but buyers will be able to upgrade to a 270-hp 2.0-liter turbo-four as well. Both engines will offer six-speed manual and eight-speed auto transmissions. A hybrid might be added later, and there's also talk of the Wrangler-based pickup getting a 3.0-liter V6 turbo diesel engine option.
The Jeep Scrambler is expected to have an official debut later this year, likely at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November. Sales are likely to follow in April 2019.
READ MORE: The Ford Ranger Raptor will be among the Scrambler's toughest competitors