SPY PICS: Jeep Scrambler ute

This is Jeep’s all-new Scrambler ute, due on sale in Australia in early 2019.

Based on the redesigned JL Wrangler off-roader that will go on sale Down Under by the end of this year, the four-door one-tonner will be Jeep’s first direct rival for popular 4x4 utes like the Toyota HiLux and Ford Ranger – Australia’s two best-selling vehicles.

As these close-up shots of the Scrambler testing on public roads in Michigan show, the ute’s front-end design will be similar if not identical to the Wrangler’s, although US leaks suggest it will be about 840mm longer overall.

They also indicate the all-new Jeep pick-up will be based on a modified version of the long-wheelbase four-door Wrangler Unlimited’s new steel ladder frame.

While a solid rear axle can clearly be seen in these shots, US reports say the Scrambler will come with different front and rear axles to the Wrangler to boost durability and allow a higher payload and tow capacity.

Like the Wrangler, the crew-cab pick-up could adopt more aluminum panels to save weight and improve performance and efficiency, while still allowing for good towing and off-road capabilities.

As we’ve reported, however, Australians won’t get all of the Wrangler’s new technologies, including a new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder and overhauled 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6, which could also apply to the Wrangler-based ute.

Instead, our Wrangler will come with an updated version of the current Pentastar 3.6-litre petrol V6 and a new 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel to replace the current 2.8-litre oil-burner.

The only Wrangler transmission choice expected here is Fiat Chrysler’s eight-speed automatic transmission and the only 4x4 drivetrain on offer will be the new Selec-Trac full-time system, which comes with low-range and automatic front axle disconnect for fuel savings during 2WD High running.

That means the Command-Trac and Rock-Trac part-time systems currently employed by the Wrangler will not be available in Australia.

It remains to be seen whether the new Wrangler – and therefore almost certainly the Scrambler – will be fitted with autonomous emergency braking (AEB), which is now all but a prerequisite for gaining a maximum five-star ANCAP independent crash-test rating.