CAUGHT: 2019 Jeep Wrangler “Scrambler” Pickup:

One of the highly most anticipated vehicles from FCA has to be the 2019 Jeep Wrangler Pickup (codenamed JT). The new Wrangler-based pickup truck will be the first pickup in the brand’s lineup since the mid-size Jeep Comanche left the lineup after the 1992 model year. This also marks the first time since the 2011, that FCA US will offer a pickup smaller than the full-size Ram 1500 after the slightly bigger mid-sized Dodge Dakota ended production.

The new JT will share most of its body with the all-new 2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL). From the windshield forward will be almost identical. Although, we have seen some prototypes that look like the JT might be wearing a different hood styling than the Wrangler JL. In these spy photos provided to us from our friends at Real Fast Fotography, you can clearly see that the JT will share the same grille, front bumper design and optional LED headlamps as the Wrangler JL.

An aftermarket parts company (ARTEC Industries) happened upon a JT body partially assembled at the FCA Toledo Suppliers Park a couple of months ago, showing that the front fenders and door shapes will be identical to the Wrangler Unlimited JL. It also shows the roll bar and how it will mate to the back of the cab.

Unlike the Wrangler JL, the JT will have a rear suspension similar in design to the 2019 Ram 1500 pickups. It looks that the JT might sacrifice articulation for offroading for more towing capability and payload capacity. Following the design of the Ram 1500, there is a panhard rod with a stabilizer bar and sizeable control arms. JT also looks to be using a coil over springs in the rear end, just like the Ram 1500 for a more comfortable on road ride.

We do know because of leaked documents posted online by Jalopnik, that the JT will be powered by the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine which delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque and now features Engine Stop-Start (ESS) as standard equipment. It is engineered to provide a broad torque band with a focus on low-end torque – an essential trait needed for extreme off-roading. Their will be an optional 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 engine, rated at 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, with Engine Stop-Start (ESS) standard. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard and is designed to handle the increased torque output.

Payload will be 1,400lbs on the base trim level JT pickup. Going to the “Premium” trim level (we think it’s the Rubicon variant), payload drops to 1,100lbs. Those numbers are for both powertrains. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 will have a towing capacity of around 6,500lbs in the base trim configuration.

While many people are calling the new pickup the “Scrambler”, which herkons back to the Jeep CJ-8 Scrambler from the 1980s. Nothing has been confirmed yet by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) about a name for the JT. However, some sources are saying it will just be called Wrangler Truck.

The JT pickup is scheduled to be showing up in dealers in April of next year.