Jeep Wrangler Scrambler teased ... Uh Huh, we'll see

[Bandit’s Lair]

If the next gen was IFS, I’d still strongly consider it. When I lived in CO, I wheeled both hard and it’s not as big of a difference as it used to be. Modern IFS vehicles can be very capable. It’s not unlikely to happen with the Bronco on pace to outsell the Wrangler this year.

Im in the learning process with more modern IFS. I might have it figured out once I get the wife’s up on 35”s and see it rockin on the trail.

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[NC_Overland]

I would also consider (actually prefer) an IFS on the right application. Honestly, I don't think Jeep is going to abandon the SFA in the Wrangler Rubicon. My hope is that Jeep is expanding platforms to attract different buyers. There very well could be a mix of IFS and SFA vehicles. Jeep is showing the Wrangler, Wrangler Unlimited, Wrangler Gladiator, and Wrangler Scambler has 4 different vehicles. The Scambler will have its own unique chassis!

I love the idea of Wrangler as a sub brand. Obviously as long as it’s properly executed. I’d hate to dilute it more

 

[biodiesel]

I love the idea of Wrangler as a sub brand. Obviously as long as it’s properly executed. I’d hate to dilute it more

Jeep did a fantastic job with the JL. It's arguable the most capable Wrangler that Jeep has ever made. I don't think Jeep wants to take the Wrangler backwards in capability. Jeep has a difficult task in front of them. It's not easy to maintain the Wrangler's capability, architecture, and iconic look all while creating an all-new fresh generation.

I don't know how much is actually confirmed, but I've read that the new Scrambler will have two doors, but with rear seats that swivel. That makes me think it's an extended cab of sorts. It reminds me of the side facing jump seats in the old Ford Rangers and S10 pickups. I'm also reading that it will be an IFS.

I'm not in the market to buy a new vehicle for at least 4 more years, so I have plenty of time to sit back and watch what happens. I'm very interested in seeing how the Dakota and Scrambler compare. I'm not going to sell/trade my 2023 Gladiator Rubicon Diesel, but when its 8 - 10 years old, I might be ready to buy another midsize truck!

 

[SCJ Zach]

I’m old and old school, and I love my Gladiator….but there is something to be said for independent suspension when designed and built right. A lot of KOH rigs run it, and all side by sides run it front and rear. There’s no denying it has some advantages. Although I’ve replaced more CV axles in ifs Chevys than axle shafts in solid axles, I’m not totally opposed to a good, strong independent suspension set up. I’d say the better ride for the 97% of its use may be a fair trade for the better flex for the 3% of harder core trails where the flex is needed. Dedicated wheeler, solid axle all the way. Dual purpose/daily driven rig that sees trails on occasional weekends, IFS may be the way to go.

 

[BourbonRunner]

I’m old and old school, and I love my Gladiator….but there is something to be said for independent suspension when designed and built right. A lot of KOH rigs run it, and all side by sides run it front and rear. There’s no denying it has some advantages. Although I’ve replaced more CV axles in ifs Chevys than axle shafts in solid axles, I’m not totally opposed to a good, strong independent suspension set up. I’d say the better ride for the 97% of its use may be a fair trade for the better flex for the 3% of harder core trails where the flex is needed. Dedicated wheeler, solid axle all the way. Dual purpose/daily driven rig that sees trails on occasional weekends, IFS may be the way to go.

I think that's the major difference: trail rig vs daily driver.

Assuming they can deliver on two different platforms on the same frame, an IFS Sport or Sahara Wrangler would sell like hotcakes to the Jeep Parade people who never go off road with their color contrasting doodads, Bezosmart Chinesium traction boards mounted for all to see and dashes full of ducks vs the much harsher riding SFA Rubicons.

 

[NC_Overland]

I’m old and old school, and I love my Gladiator….but there is something to be said for independent suspension when designed and built right. A lot of KOH rigs run it, and all side by sides run it front and rear. There’s no denying it has some advantages. Although I’ve replaced more CV axles in ifs Chevys than axle shafts in solid axles, I’m not totally opposed to a good, strong independent suspension set up. I’d say the better ride for the 97% of its use may be a fair trade for the better flex for the 3% of harder core trails where the flex is needed. Dedicated wheeler, solid axle all the way. Dual purpose/daily driven rig that sees trails on occasional weekends, IFS may be the way to go.

It’s not so much the ride for me, it’s the steering and handling. My jeep rides great and handles fine, but my 2018 Colorado and my 2017 Canyon before it handle like sports cars in comparison. Night and day improvement. They handle better than a lot of cars. My Jeep does ride better though and it’s comfortable.

 

[Oilburner]

My wife asked me today would I be willing to give up sfa for a 5.7L in a factory Gladiator. I thought it was an intelligent question. I answered: Certainly would, as long as I get to keep my low range t-case.

 

[SCJ Zach]

It’s not so much the ride for me, it’s the steering and handling. My jeep rides great and handles fine, but my 2018 Colorado and my 2017 Canyon before it handle like sports cars in comparison. Night and day improvement. They handle better than a lot of cars. My Jeep does ride better though and it’s comfortable.

Yep. I have a 24 Colorado ZR2. It’s been on trails all over Moab and more. It’s very capable on 35’s. My Gladdy is on 40’s. I can drive both at 80 with the adaptive cruise on, but one is much better to drive lol. There are trails I can run in the JT that I’d be hesitant to take the ZR2 on, but not many.

 

[Rusty PW]

Yes, but it's a small price to pay. It's time for Jeep to branch out and compete with the Bronco. First Look: REGO Rex Jeep Wrangler IFS/IRS Conversion | DrivingLine

To make IFS work offroad. The suspension will have to look like sxs's with long arms.

 

[RougeShot12er]

Currently the Jeep SFA is really the only off road advantage it has over other brands. If the SFA goes away, I would just look at other brands. Most likely a Tacoma. If I have to buy a IFS vehicle I might as well buy a proven IFS system.

 

[Ding gus]

The plethora of aftermarket solutions for v8 swaps hints theres a market for a v8 JT....how many aftermarket ifs solutions are there?

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

People seem to forget how many Subaru owners will come to trails and do decent for a CAR.

They also seem to forget the Brat, with AWD and a Low range t-case, rear-facing seats in the bed, and people romp them on trails.
- IIRC someone took the t-case from a brat and swapped it into their STi (Driver Controlled Center Diff, LSD F/R (either clutched or gear base LSDs, a rally suspension, and 6 speed making over 400whp) for the ability to off-road and rally. Did pretty well.

 

[rubicon4wheeler]

The primary feature that makes the Wrangler and Gladiator stand out from all the wanna-be's is their solid front axle. I have zero interest in a Jeep with car suspension. IFS proponents immediately cite Ultra4 cars moving to IFS, and I might be willing to consider an IFS Jeep if the production vehicle actually had KOH-caliber IFS, but we all know that the production version would wind up being just like the Bronco, ZR2, and Toyotas. No thanks. Solid Axles 4 Life!

 

[BourbonRunner]

Currently the Jeep SFA is really the only off road advantage it has over other brands. If the SFA goes away, I would just look at other brands. Most likely a Tacoma. If I have to buy a IFS vehicle I might as well buy a proven IFS system.

I hear you but the grass isn't greener.

I was a Toyota guy for years. Before i bought the Jeep I test drove back to back the Land Cruiser, 4Runner and Tacoma TRD Off Road. They all had the same hybrid drivetrain and worse: The same annoying vibration from the drivetrain through the steering wheel. That hybrid system has not been as reliable as the old VZE/VZFE series 6cyl motors to say the least.

All three are built on the same basic architecture. The LC was comfortable and the suspension well set. The 4R and the Taco were somehow rougher than my Jeep and the seats the most uncomfortable things possible. My 1990 4R had great seats. My 2004 Taco did not. Somehow in 2025 they got worse.

 

[NC_Overland]

I hear you but the grass isn't greener.

I was a Toyota guy for years. Before i bought the Jeep I test drove back to back the Land Cruiser, 4Runner and Tacoma TRD Off Road. They all had the same hybrid drivetrain and worse: The same annoying vibration from the drivetrain through the steering wheel. That hybrid system has not been as reliable as the old VZE/VZFE series 6cyl motors to say the least.

All three are built on the same basic architecture. The LC was comfortable and the suspension well set. The 4R and the Taco were somehow rougher than my Jeep and the seats the most uncomfortable things possible. My 1990 4R had great seats. My 2004 Taco did not. Somehow in 2025 they got worse.

I’ve heard nothing but terrible things about that hybrid system, but the Tacoma is available without it.

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