Grand Wagoneer will boost Jeep lineup; Wrangler decision will direct pickup

The three-row Grand Wagoneer will bolster Jeep's lineup as Fiat Chrysler's highest-volume brand continues vigorous sales growth.

A Wrangler-based pickup is in the works, but a final production decision has not been made.

The brand will celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2016 with a series of special anniversary models.

Renegade: The Italian-built subcompact cross-over arrived in North America in 2015 and will receive a minor freshening in mid-2017 for the 2018 model year.

Patriot: The Patriot will cease production in mid-2016. Customers will be steered to the redesigned Compass.

Compass: A redesigned Compass will appear in the first half of 2016 as a 2017 model and will share a platform with the 2015 Renegade and Fiat 500X. It also will share many features with the Renegade, including a trail-rated Trailhawk version, disconnecting all-wheel drive and nine-speed automatic transmission. It will offer more engine choices than the Renegade.

Cherokee: Jeep's midsize SUV will be freshened in the second half of 2016 for the brand's 75th anniversary to improve its fuel economy and aerodynamics.

Wrangler: The next-generation Wrangler, due in late 2017, will keep its solid axles and steel body but will be fitted with aluminum doors, hood and rear gate to reduce weight. Its design largely will remain but with a fixed, raked windscreen to improve aerodynamics. 

Other fuel economy improvements will be achieved with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a revised Pentastar engine. A diesel option for domestic Wranglers will be available in 2018. 

Midsize pickup: A long-sought addition to the Jeep lineup, a midsize pickup, could begin production in 2018, pending a decision by FCA US whether to expand Wrangler production in Toledo, Ohio. The vehicle will use many Wrangler suspension and powertrain components but will have a shorter bed than other midsize pickups.

Grand Cherokee: A re-engineering of the Grand Cherokee has been delayed by at least a year to 2018 to allow for joint development of the platform with the Grand Wagoneer.

Grand Wagoneer: The three-row luxury Grand Wagoneer with seating for eight is now scheduled for showrooms in early 2019. It will share a platform and suspension components with the two-row Grand Cherokee and will have many upscale interior features.