Jeep won’t rule out smaller pick-up

Small lifestyle-oriented utes are making a comeback and Jeep is not ruling out jumping on the bandwagon.

As the Ford Maverick and Hyundai Santa Cruz small passenger car-based utes generate significant interest ahead of their respective launch overseas later in 2021, Jeep’s global boss Christian Meunier has told carsales he wouldn’t categorically rule out such a vehicle from the US off-road brand.

“Everything is possible,” he said, but cautioned “we don’t see a huge market for that”.

Jeep Australia is still holding out for a mid-size one-tonne ute to slot in under the $75K Jeep Gladiator, potentially based on the RAM 1000 (or RAM Dakota, as it may be called).

A smaller recreational ute from Jeep could be based on the RAM 700 sold in Mexico, offering car-like driving dynamics, seating for five and a small utility tray at the rear.

Jeep has a range of engines, drivetrains and platforms to draw upon within the newly-formed Stellantis conglomerate, which includes RAM, Chrysler, Dodge, Alfa Romeo, Fiat, Opel, Peugeot and Citroen.

The Ford Maverick, for example, is based on the same C2 platform as the Ford Focus.

Car-based two-door utes such as the Subaru Brumby (aka Brat) and Proton Jumbuck had cult followings in Australia from the early 1980s and into the 1990s, but it remains to be seen if local buyers are today prepared to head back into the category.

Australians are increasingly moving towards larger, full-size pick-up trucks, such as the RAM 1500, Chevrolet Silverado, Toyota Tundra and Ford F-150.