SPY PICS: Jeep Wrangler ute

Expected to roll into Australian showrooms in early 2019 - after a global reveal in 2018 - the new-generation Jeep Wrangler ute has been spotted testing in the public for the first time.

Wearing daggy camouflage aprons, the all-new pickup looks noticeably similar to the current generation Wrangler SUV, although LED headlights can be seen and, hidden beneath the camo material, is a redesigned front grille.

Iconic design features, such as the flared wheel arches, boxy cabin and upright windscreen carry through to the ute.

An image believed to be the final production version of the 2018 Wrangler SUV was leaked recently, and correlates with these latest spy photos of the pickup.

While the exterior design might appear traditional and staid, Jeep is working hard to make the Wrangler more contemporary. Aluminium components will increase rigidity and reduce weight - as well as making it more affordable to own and run.

Updates to the interior and technology will be crucial. Inclusions are autonomous emergency braking and updated infotainment systems as well as an intuitive mode-based (and more advanced) off-road system.

There's even talk of additional cameras to assist navigation in tight off-road spots.

The Jeep Wrangler ute boasts an elevated ride height, giving a similar ground clearance to its SUV sibling.

A range of new engines can be expected, including replacements/updates for the current 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 petrol (209kW/347Nm) and 2.8-litre turbo-diesel (147kW/460Nm) which are offered in Aussie Wranglers.

There is even speculation Jeep could ditch the V6 engine altogether in favour of a compact four-cylinder alternative in the form of parent company FCA's new 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine (220kW+).

Either way, the current five-speed automatic will be put out to pasture, giving way to a more advanced eight-speed auto transmission which will help the vehicle achieve its fuel economy goals.

Jeep Australia has gone on record to confirm the Wrangler pick-up will not be a direct rival for local top-selling models like the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger and Mitsubishi Triton. The Wrangler ute will eschew the usual workhorse marketing of many cab-chassis models and instead head in a lifestyle direction.

Expected to be based on a stretched version of the new Wrangler's platform and offered exclusively as a five-seat, dual-cab ute, the Jeep pickup won't have the load lugging capacity of the HiLux, but it will provide a vibrant alternative to current rivals, many of which look very similar.

Pricing for the Wrangler SUV range currently sits between $39,000 and $54,000 but it remains to be seen what premium will be placed on the ute variant.