Well, this is something we haven’t expected to see here. The camouflaged vehicle you are looking at might be only the 2019 Jeep Yuntu. For those that haven’t heard about it, it’s actually the production version of the recently introduced concept. It is important to say that everyone (including the carmaker) claimed that the SUV won’t be available in North America at all. Instead, the plug-in hybrid mid-size three-row crossover was reportedly intended for China only. The main question is what’s it doing near FCA’s headquarters in Auburn Hills, Michigan if it’s not made for the U.S. market? Well, some sources claim that this might be the expected Jeep Wagoneer, but we are sure it’s the U.S.-specs 2019 Yuntu, and here is why:
The prototype is camouflage, but some details point out what’s beneath. The SUV features pretty much the same footprint as its compact sibling. The body matches with Dodge’s Durango, which means that there is a third row of seats inside for sure. In addition, the windows and lights, both headlights and taillights are identical to concept’s, which is a reason more to believe that this is the 2019 Jeep Yuntu. Speaking of the headlights, we have to mention their attractive, narrow design and LED treatment of course. The camo seems to hide concept’s grille as well. In contrast to the rest of Jeep’s lineup, this grille is positioned right below the hood and features somehow narrower design. These exhaust tips are actually hiding two significantly smaller pipes, which is rather logical because the 2019 Yuntu isn’t going to be some thirsty SUV, but an efficient plug-in hybrid crossover.
The carmaker hasn’t said anything about the Yuntu’s powertrain back at 2017 Shanghai auto show debut, so we don’t know what’s actually happening beneath the hood. As far as we think, the SUV might use something similar to the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The minivan is getting its power from a drivetrain that combines an Atkinson cycle V6 with two electric motors for the total output of 260 horsepower. The vehicle is also featuring a 16-kWh battery pack, which enables an amazing fuel economy rating of 84 MPGe. The battery is fully charged in two hours on a 240-volt charger.
Stay tuned for updates.
