A Wrangler-based pickup truck that has been rumored to be called Scrambler appeared to be a “done deal” so far, but that might not be the case after all. Don’t worry, the workhorse is definitely coming, yet it’s not going to be named Scrambler. Instead, we are looking forward to meeting the 2020 Jeep Gladiator. This turnover has been announced by Jeep Scrambler Forum, and they are pretty sure in the information. Moreover, the site that has been named exactly the same as the rumored truck released the name-change a few days ago, and the information went up on FCA’s media site, so it has to be the truth this time.
If you want our opinion regarding the naming strategy, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator definitely sounds better: it somehow makes the truck more powerful and rough. Regarding the Gladiator name, well, this is not the first time the automaker used the nameplate. In case you’ve forgotten, they’ve made a concept pickup truck back in 2005 which was a Wrangler-based as well.
The JL-based pickup truck has been spied countless times so far, but every single testing model was wearing heavy camouflage, so we still haven’t seen the final design. However, judging by the spy shots, the 2020 Gladiator is going to feature pretty much the same front-end shape as the new Wrangler. On the other hand, in the back, the vehicle seems to have a relatively short rear bed, as well as a rear bumper that mirrors the Wrangler’s bumper too. In contrast to the SUV sibling that hosts a spare tire at its tailgate, the pickup truck hides the tire underneath the bed.
According to our trusted sources, the 2020 Jeep Gladiator will not use the same rear suspension as the Wrangler. Instead, the part will be borrowed from the Ram 1500. If you want our opinion, we think that it’s better that way. Thanks to the pickup-derived suspension, the Wrangler-based workhorse will definitely get a bigger towing capacity and payload than the Wrangler.
Under the hood, the Gladiator pickup truck will offer pretty much the same options as the new Wrangler. More precisely, buyers will be able to choose between an entry-level 3.6-liter V6 with 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque and an optional 2.0-liter turbo that develops 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of twist. The automaker will not skip the occasion to offer its amazing oil-burner mill as well. The 2020 Jeep Gladiator Diesel will use a 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 with 260 hp and 442 pound-feet of torque.
If everything goes according to plan, we should see the all-new pickup truck later this month at the 2018 Los Angeles Auto Show, so stay tuned for updates.