One of the most long-awaited additions to the Jeep® Wrangler, has been a diesel powertrain option. For the 2020 model year, Jeep enthusiasts in North America are finally getting what they have been asking for with the introduction of the third-generation 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 in the Wrangler Unlimited lineup (yup, sorry two-door fans).
With an output of 260 horsepower and 442 lb.-ft. of torque, there is no doubt that off-road enthusiasts will love the massive amounts of torque for their next rock crawling, trail tackling adventure. But some people are looking at the EcoDiesel’s introduction, as a way to get better fuel economy efficiency out of their Wrangler,
Recently, we took an in-depth first look at the new 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel, however, one thing that was missing was the official fuel economy numbers. Now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released their official numbers for the new EcoDiesel-powered Wrangler and they aren’t too far off the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel.
According to the results, the Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel is rated at 22 MPG City / 29 MPG Highway / 25 MPG Combined. While all Wrangler models come standard with four-wheel-drive (4×4) and that all EcoDiesel models come standard with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic transmission, which means that these numbers are the only numbers on all EcoDiesel Wrangler Unlimited models.
When comparing the 2020 Ram 1500 EcoDiesel Crew Cab 4×4, the Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel actually outperforms the full-size pickup by 1 mpg for its city and its combined ratings. Now if you compare the Wrangler Unlimited EcoDiesel to its next most efficient Wrangler sibling (the two-door Wrangler with the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 8-speed automatic transmission), it matches it in city driving, but best it with a 5 MPG improvement on the highway, while adding a 2 MPG better rating combined. That’s very impressive.
While the EcoDiesel makes a lot of sense on paper, the truth is, it may not be the easiest option for your wallet. Unless you plan on spending a lot of driving time on the highway, the additional cost of diesel, the EPA is estimating that your annual fuel cost for the diesel will be somewhere around $1,850 USD (that number is based on 15,000 annual miles, current fuel prices, and driving 45% highway and 55% city). Also, remember that the EcoDiesel is a $4,000 option in the new Wrangler Unlimited. So it is something to take into mind if you are looking at an EcoDiesel as a more budget-friendly option.
But if it was our money and after driving the EcoDiesel off-road earlier this year, we would opt for the new 3.0-liter EcoDiesel. The new EcoDiesel is just an amazing all-around good performer. It might not be the fastest or the most budget-friendly option, but it has the torque you are looking for throughout the power range, is quiet, and can give you an estimated 540 miles of driving range. Call us sold.
