The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is flying off dealer lots and
that trend will likely continue thanks to the model’s all-new turbocharged
2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The EPA has quietly revealed its fuel economy
numbers. In the two-door model, the turbocharged engine will enable the
Wrangler to have a fuel economy rating of 23 mpg city, 25 mpg highway and 24
mpg combined.
For comparison, the 3.6-liter V6 with the eight-speed
automatic transmission – which is required on the turbo four-cylinder – is
rated at 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined. The four-door
Wrangler isn’t quite as efficient as it is rated at 22 mpg city, 24 mpg highway
and 22 mpg combined. However, that’s still an improvement over the V6 which
returns 18 mpg city, 23 mpg highway and 20 mpg combined.
In terms of performance, the four-cylinder engine
produces 270 hp and 400 Nm of torque. It’s less
powerful than the V6, which develops 285 hp and 352 Nm of torque, but it’s equipped with an eTorque system. Thanks to the
feature, the turbocharged Wrangler has an engine stop/start system, electric
power assist and an extended fuel shut-off. The model also has intelligent
battery charging and a regenerative braking system.
The four-cylinder’s technology helps to
significantly improve fuel efficiency as the two-door model is rated 5 mpg
city, 2 mpg highway and 4 mpg combined higher than the V6. Likewise, the
four-door model has improvements of 4 mpg city, 1 mpg highway and 2 mpg
combined.
Unfortunately, the fuel savings comes at a cost as
the four-cylinder engine is a US$ 1,000 option and it requires the aforementioned
eight-speed automatic transmission which costs an additional US$ 2,000. The EPA
listing also seems to suggest the new engine requires premium fuel.
