The return of the iconic Willys nameplate in Jeep’s
lineup, although as a special edition of the new-gen Wrangler, isn’t the only
big news concerning the popular SUV, which will also get a diesel variant set
to launch before the end of 2019.
According to Car&Driver, the 3.0-liter
turbocharged V6 will launch in the four-door Sport, Rubicon and Sahara,
producing 260 hp and 599 Nm of
torque. The mill is shared with the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and Euro-spec Gladiator
diesel, which will go on sale next year. Like its pickup truck sibling,
the Wrangler EcoDiesel will get an eight-speed automatic transmission that’s
been reinforced to cope with the extra torque.
Fuel economy numbers will be announced in due
course, but the model will be more frugal than the ones powered by the
2.0-liter, inline-four and 3.6-liter V6. The former returns 21 mpg (11.2 l/100
km / 25.2 mpg UK) and the latter 20 mpg (11.8 l/100 km / 24 mpg UK), combined.
The engine will feature a stop/start system that will further improve the fuel
economy and carbon dioxide emissions. In order to identify the 2020
Wrangler EcoDiesel, you’ll have to take a peek at the tailgate’s left side and
look for the ‘3.0 D’ badge, located right under the grab handle.
Expect to pay extra for the diesel-powered Wrangler
compared to its gasoline counterparts. The Sport and Rubicon currently start at US$ 28,045 and US$ 38,045, whereas the Sahara costs US$ 38,395.
