Back in June, TFLtruck reader Kevin sent us some curious-looking images of this Ram-bodied prototypes roaming the streets in Los Angeles. At the time, we speculated it could, just maybe, be a Ram Dakota prototype. However, after further investigation, we concluded this could be a likely culprit for the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer. While there’s a Ram body on top, we’re confident Jeep’s forthcoming three-row SUV is lurking underneath.
SEE ALSO: Is This a 2021 Ram Dakota or Jeep Grand Wagoneer Prototype? (Spied in the Wild)
What’s interesting here is what Jose spotted in Las Vegas, Nevada. This 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer prototype is actually towing a large trailer. That is another hallmark that pegs this as a powertrain test mule. After all, a full-size Grand Wagoneer would need to tow in order to compete against the likes of the Chevrolet Suburban/GMC Yukon/Cadillac Escalade, the Lincoln Navigator, Infiniti QX80 and Lexus LX 570, among others.
Besides the fact that it’s towing a trailer, however, there’s not much more we can see at this point. This time around, we can point out the six-lug wheels. That implies more rugged capability than Jeep’s other SUVs, including what we’ve seen of the new Grand Cherokee, and something that’s meant for more arduous work. That said, exactly what is powering this test mule remains a mystery. Odds are, considering how much the Jeep Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer are likely to cost, we’ll see a Hemi V8 somewhere in the lineup. Since this test mule is around the same size as a Ram 1500, it makes sense for FCA to use Ram’s powertrain as well. A 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 may come in as a base engine, since it’s in virtually every larger Ram and Jeep vehicle.
When is the Jeep Grand Wagoneer Coming?
FCA will build the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer and Wagoneer at its Warren, Michigan plant. The company will build the SUVs alongside the Ram 1500. The company is investing heavily in the Detroit-area plants, and up to $1.5 billion into producing these new models.
As for pricing, it’s anyone’s guess right now. Although, rumors suggest the 2021 Jeep Grand Wagoneer could go well into the six-figure range. That’s an awful lot of money for a Jeep — remember your jaw hitting the floor when you first saw the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk’s $86,900-and-up price tag? Well, mine did anyway. As it stands, we’ll just have to wait and see exactly what Jeep has in store for the two Wagoneer siblings, and whether they are worth the wait.