Ever since the FCA Group bought Chrysler, the company has been left without a compact truck offering on the US market. This is about to change though. Not that long ago a camouflaged test mule of the upcoming 2018 Jeep Scrambler has been seen on an enclosed track. The truck was definitely based on the Wrangler and it did had some interesting features. For starters, it seems it shares its wheelbase with the four-door Wrangler. Even though Jeep hasn’t said much about it, the truck could in fact offer the same running gear and engines as the Wrangler. This would allow them to offer a really aggressive pricing scheme which would pose a problem for most of their rivals.
2018 Jeep Scrambler Detail
Despite what the early rumors suggested, the Scrambler is in fact going to be a body on frame truck. Also, while it will share its wheelbase with the four-door Wrangler, it will be both longer and wider. This became quite clear from the early spy shots which showcased a wider set of fenders and a full-size bed in the back of the four-door cab.
source:youtube.com
This setup would make the Scrambler one of the largest trucks in its class which will definitely help Jeep get on top of their rivals. The price is still unknown but considering the development of the truck has been done alongside that of the Wrangler, we can expect it to cost less than $30,000.
The design
So far all the camouflaged prototypes of the 2018 Jeep Scrambler were identical to the Wrangler in the front. These shared the same grille, headlights, bumpers and even hood. This will more than likely hold true for the production model as well. In the back the truck will get a bespoke bed which won’t be similar to that of the prototype.
source:youtube.com
This had a placeholder bed taken straight out of the Ram 1500. Also, even though so far the truck has been spied with just a four-door cab, it is safe to assume a regular two-door cabin will be offered at some point in the future.
Inside the cabin
Just like with the Wrangler, the Scrambler is set to offer an interior aimed at those going in off-road with their vehicles. The dashboard will likely boast a less-vertical design than before with more flat surfaces.
source:youtube.com
Also, more storage spaces are to be expected which was a real problem before. Unlike the Wrangler, the truck is set to receive more durable materials and possibly unique features such as a 3 degree camera system or an automatic trailer-steering system.
Jeep Scrambler 2018 Engine
The FCA Group developed a new 2.0 liter turbocharged inline 4 specifically for the 2018 Jeep Scrambler. So far the details about this engine haven’t been made available to the general public. Despite that there have been quite a few internal sources saying the engine is capable of over 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque. On top of that most of these sources said the engine will be the base offering on the Scrambler. This would basically give it more power than most of its much more expensive rivals. On top of the small turbocharged engine the truck is also set to receive a naturally aspirated V6 with over 300 horsepower and close to 300 lb-ft of torque. Both of these are expected with rear or all wheel drive and a 6 speed manual or an 8 speed automatic. A diesel will definitely be an option. This will likely be FCA’s 3.0 liter turbo-V6 which is known to make over 240 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. Unlike the gas-powered engines, an 8 speed automatic will be the sole transmission of choice.
