The name of the game in New Zealand is called “Ute”, and if you’re not in, you can’t win. So that’s probably the reasoning behind the announcement that Jeep is to introduce a utility version of the Jeep Wrangler into this country.
However, it’s not a factory vehicle as such – the Jeep Wrangler Brute Ute double cab is a conversion by American company American Expeditionary Vehicles (AEV), based on the four-door Wrangler Unlimited, but with a longer wheelbase to accommodate its 1,550mm x 1,530mm wellside.
It’s also got better ground clearance (273mm), and a remarkable approach and departure angle for extreme off-road work.
.A skid resistant coating protects the load bed's interior and four integrated tie-down anchors keep cargo securely in place. With 25 litres of integrated water storage, built in recovery points, and heavy-duty mandrel bent steel tubing, the versatile rear bumper offers superior load bed protection for the Brute both on and off road. The spare wheel is tucked underneath the vehicle.
The AEV DualSport Suspension Systems fitted to the Brute Ute manufacturer-level approach to suspension engineering, creating a true dual purpose suspension system that is extremely capable off-road, while also offering unparalleled performance and handling on the road.
The Jeep Wrangler Brute Ute is available in New Zealand based on the Sport and Rubicon specifications, both powered by the award-winning 20 kW Pentastar V6 engine matched to a five speed automatic gearbox. The Sport has the Command Trac four wheel drive system with shift on the fly low range part time four wheel drive with a 2.72:1 low range ratio. The Rubicon has the Rock-Trac four wheel drive system with a 4.0:1 low range ratio. Price $114,990.
Over the Sport, the Rubicon has a Dana 44 heavy duty front axle, the extra low range gearbox ratio, Tru-Lok front and rear electric locking differentials, body protecting Rock Rails, an electronically disconnectable front anti-roll bar for extra axle articulation, and automatic headlights. Price $124,990.
