The Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel has finally arrived with the promise of being the most fuel-efficient Wrangler ever.
It’s been a long time coming, but the long-awaited diesel Wrangler has finally arrived. Fiat Chrysler says that the new 3.0-L EcoDiesel V6 engine will give the 2020 Wrangler better range, fuel efficiency, and more torque than any previous year model.
We don’t have any numbers to attach to range or fuel efficiency quite yet as we’re still waiting to hear back from the EPA on official testing. We’ll just have to take FCA’s word for it for now. We do know that the engine will get 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque, which is far more grunt than you get from the usual 3.6-L Pentastar gas V6.
Along with the new diesel engine comes a brand new TorqueFlite 8HP75 eight-speed automatic transmission that’s been strengthened to handle the extra torque. It also comes with a new water-cooled turbocharger, redesigned cylinder head intake ports, and an optimized compression ratio and fuel injectors. As with all Wranglers, the EcoDiesel-equipped models will come Dana 44 solid axles with a 3.73 axle ratio.
You can get the EcoDiesel on the Sport, Sahara, or Rubicon trims, with a transfer case dependant on the particular model. The Rubicon gets a Rock-Trac 2-seed transfer case with a 4.0:1 low-range gear ratio, while the Sahara and Sport models get a Command-Trac part-time 2-speed transfer case with a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio.
“One of the most common questions consumers have asked us over the last few years has been, 'will you please offer a Jeep Wrangler diesel?’, and I’m pleased to answer that with a resounding, ‘Yes!'," said Jeep chief Jim Morrison. “I recently drove the new Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel on the Rubicon Trail and can unquestionably attest to its incredible off-road capability. Combining that unmatched off-road capability with the vehicle’s fun-to-drive on-road performance, best-ever Wrangler fuel economy and incredible driving range underwrite the fact that our customers knew exactly what they were asking for.”
There’s no word on just when the EcoDiesel will arrive at dealers, but Autoblog says to expect a $4,000 to $4,500 premium over the regular version.