Jeep’s upcoming Wrangler-based pickup is attracting plenty of attention. It combines the go-anywhere capability of the Wrangler with the utility of a mid-size pickup truck. It’s shaping up to be a favorite among Jeep’s loyal following. That’s clearly evident by JLWrangler Forum’s latest rendering of the pickup, codenamed JT. And like the renderings of the upcoming Wrangler JL, these latest artist impressions are based on insider information, spy shots, and even a leaked image from Jeep of the final product.

JLWrangler Forum created two versions of the Wrangler pickup – both a four-door JTU and two-door JT. While both versions look amazing, we have not seen a two-door version being tested in the wild or heard news regarding its availability. Modern two-door pickups are generally relegated to fleets, with only a tiny percentage finding homes with typical consumers. As such, it’s hard to imagine Jeep building a two-door JT. Still, anything is possible at this stage. Jeep is expected to launch the next-generation Wrangler JL in the coming months, before it goes on sale for 2018. The JT pickup is expected a year after that, hitting dealerships for 2019.

Continue reading for a closer look at these detailed renderings.

2019 Jeep Wrangler JTU

Like the JKU codename for the current Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, the next-generation Wrangler SUV will be called the JLU. The pickup version will likely use the JT codename, standing for Jeep Truck. Those with four doors (based on the Wrangler Unlimited) will be codenamed the JTU. Nomenclature out of the way, the rendering shows a familiar shape. The cab section, including the doors, windshield, and roofline, all remain close to the current Wrangler JK’s design. Slight changes will keep things fresh, though, while mirroring the updates to the Wrangler JL SUV. Up front, the grille, fenders, and hood are all new, while retaining the iconic seven-slot grille design. The headlights now protrude into the grille slots and the turn signals are moved from the grille to the front fenders.

The rendering shows the JTU’s doors without the kickout character line under the side windows, unlike the one seen on the JLU. This is were we disagree with JLWrangler Forum, as we suspect the pickup will use all the same components as the SUV, including the stylized doors. JLWrangler Forum does cite insider information from within Jeep saying the JTU will not feature the indented scoop behind the front fenders.

Out back is where the big changes are. The JTU rides on a longer frame giving more room for the cargo bed. The rear departure angle is compromised, but should be a worthy trade-off for the extra carrying capacity. The cargo box is very similar to that found on the aftermarket upfitter American Expedition Vehicles’ Brute pickup. The rendering also shows tie-down loops along the bed rail.

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Jeep has not confirmed whether it will release a two-door version of the JT pickup, but JLWrangler Forum rendered one anyway. As imagined, the two-door JT has a shorter frame, perhaps shared with the standard Wrangler JL SUV. Notice how short the rear overhang is compared to the JTU pickup. The shorter cab also makes room for a longer bed. Perhaps Jeep will find a market in the fleet and blue-collar sectors for a base-model, long bed Wrangler JT. It would make for a great go-anywhere hauler.

Everything ahead of the B-pillar is unchanged from the four-door Wrangler JTU. And not forgetting our speculation over the door design, the JT’s front end and first row seats should be unchanged from the JL Wrangler SUV. Where the biggest difference lies with the two-door JT is its fuel filler. Rather than locating it along the cargo bed wall, this rendering locates it behind the driver’s door. Not only does this look good, but also increases the possibilities for aftermarket bed applications like campers, dump beds, or even a flatbed.

The Wrangler JT’s top seems to be a three-piece system. The familiar Freedom Top panels over the driver and passenger can be removed, while the rear cab section can likely be removed as well – though it will probably require tools. This would make the Wrangler JT the first convertible pickup/SUV since the Chevy Blazer and Ford Bronco days of the 1980s and 90s.

2019 Jeep Wrangler JT

Being a Jeep, the upcoming Wrangler JT and JTU must be capable off-road. The pickup will likely utilize the same front and rear suspension and solid axles as the Wrangler SUV, but incorporate a stiffer coil springs and shocks in the rear. Jeep has made no hints as to payload and towing capacities, but we’d expect it to compete with the Chevrolet Colorado and Toyota Tacoma.

Powertrain options will be shared with the Wrangler SUV, too. This includes the rumored 2.0-liter “Hurricane” turbocharged four-cylinder and an updated 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. The 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V-6 is expected, too, that is, if FCA can prove it hasn’t been cheating emissions testing with the EPA. Transmission choices will include a six-speed manual and the ZF eight-speed automatic. A manual transfer case for the part-time 4WD system will also be included in every Wrangler. And as it currently does, Jeep will have at least two transfer case versions – one for the hard-core Rubicon and another for the lesser models.

Jeep is expected to fill the Wrangler will modern technology, too. Spy shots of the interior show the 8.4-inch Uconnect infotainment system, dual-zone climate controls, auxiliary switches, a 110-volt outlet, steering wheel controls, and heated seats. Like before, the power window and power door lock controls are mounted on the dash. This facilitates the doors being removed.

What do you think? Do you like the Wrangler JT and JTU? Let us know in the comments below.

JLWrangler Forum