Truck lovers, rejoice! Jeep just recently unveiled the brand new Wrangler-based pickup truck. And what could possibly be more American than that?
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The last time Jeep produced a truck was in 1992. The Jeep Comanche ran for seven years beginning in 1985, but Chrysler discontinued the truck to focus on the Dodge Dakota.
But Jeep's history with trucks runs much, much deeper. The Willys Jeep truck lasted nearly 20 years beginning in 1947, followed by the Jeep Gladiator and the Jeep J-Series.
Though rumors swirl around the new Jeep Truck, we know a few specific details. Some recently leaked spy photos help clear up a few questions, too. Let's take a look.
When It Comes Out
Most importantly, when can you get your hands on one? Fiat Chrysler Automobile says the truck should come out in late 2019. And that's probably the best bet.
Other reports listed the new Jeep truck for both a 2018 and even a late 2017 release, but nothing suggests the vehicle has that fast of a turnaround. FCA did announce a $1 billion investment into building the truck, along with a new Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer.
The company made the announcement in early 2017. As with other models, the new Jeep pickup will be made in Toledo, Ohio. The investment also puts aside money to upgrade the Warren, Michigan plant.
What It's Called
That's still TBD. Jeep head Mike Manley and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne are kicking around a few historic names for the new Jeep Wrangler pickup, but Cox Automotive analyst Rebecca Lindland told The Detroit News that these companies need to be careful.
Nowadays, a name like "Comanche" simply won't fly for a truck since the name is a cultural appropriation of Native American heritage. But names like the Willys also hold reverence for Jeep enthusiasts, so you can't just throw that name on it.
The company could realistically revive the Gladiator name, or just come up with something completely new.
What's Under The Hood
Also pretty early to tell, but we can look at similar mid-size pickup trucks to make an estimated guess. The most likely options include a 3.6-liter V-6, a 2.0-liter turbo four or possibly a diesel (increasingly popular options in mid-size vehicles).
Expect the new Jeep truck to be four-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive, with either a six-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission. Also expect it to be able to haul at least 7,000 pounds.
Though it falls in the mid-size range, the Jeep truck will be fairly large, with at least a six-and-a-half-foot truck bed (and a few cool storage tricks, supposedly).
What's It Gonna Cost?
Expect the entry line to live near similar models, starting around $30,000. The interior package likely mirrors Jeep Wrangler and Wrangler Unlimited options.
As with any vehicle, the more features, the more expensive it gets. If Jeep offers a diesel option along with some deluxe interior features similar to the new Grand Wagoneer, the new Jeep truck could easily top the $50,000 range.
READ MORE: Jeep is Bringing Back the Wagoneer in 2019, But it Will Cost You
Who Is It Competing With?
A whole bunch of other trucks. The mid-size world is completely booming right now: the Honda Ridgeline, the Chevy Colorado, the new Nissan Titan, the GMC Canyon, the new Ford Raptor and Ford Ranger, among others.
That being said, Jeep isn't too worried. Manley said at a Jeep Compass event in Texas that he expects the new truck to sell as many as 45,000 units annually, largely in the United States and Middle East.
Stay tuned for more info on the new Jeep pickup truck!
