Jeep Wrangler to Get EcoDiesel Engine

The Jeep Wrangler is coming back with a new model sporting the EcoDiesel engine. The EcoDiesel is already taking everything we know about diesel engines and giving us a new lesson in what they can do, and should be a good match for the Wrangler. It’s the current engine in the 2015 Grand Cherokee model, and is predicted to be placed in the new Wrangler as well.

This could finally be the Wrangler model that long-time Jeep enthusiasts will buy instead of looking for an older used Jeep Wrangler for sale to go off-roading with. The hype is big, and it looks like Wrangler fans are in for a real treat.

Does this mean the gas-powered days of the Jeep Wrangler will be over? How will the gas-powered engines stand up to this EcoDiesel engine being introduced to Wrangler? 

EcoDiesel

It’s predicted that the new Wrangler model will be using the same EcoDiesel in the current Grand Cherokee model. The EcoDiesel is a 3.0-liter V6 engine that combines powerful performance with Best-in-Class fuel economy. The EcoDiesel puts out a clean and quiet 240 horsepower with 420 pound-foot of torque, packing a big punch for a little engine.

The EcoDiesel engine is said to get up to 30 mpg highway and 22 city, and have a 730 mile range.

This makes off-roading in the new Wrangler sound very appealing. Especially when the engine is combined with the new light-weight frame the Wrangler will come with. The 730 mile range is already astounding in the Grand Cherokee, and the mpg should predictably go up when used with a lighter frame. The Wrangler probably won’t be able to tow as much as the Grand Cherokee, which is fine because you don’t need towing capacity for off-roading.

New Transmission

The eight-speed ZF automatic transmission is worth mentioning. It will also arrive with the new Wrangler, and is sure to have a big impact whether it’s paired with the EcoDiesel or gas-powered engine. Currently, the Wrangler is offered with a six-speed manual or five-speed automatic, and they factor heavily into the fuel economy and performance of the Wrangler.

Combining the eight-speed automatic with the EcoDiesel engine and new light-weight Wrangler frame is sure to increase fuel economy as well as performance, on and off the road. 

Pentastar

The Pentastar is the only engine currently offered in the Wrangler line-up, and it’s gas-powered. It’s a 3.6-liter V6 that offers 285 horsepower with 260 pound-foot of torque, which is a very good engine. However, torque and crawl time is what off-roaders look for, and the EcoDiesel will beat the Pentastar in both those areas. The Wrangler might take a minor hit in horsepower, but overall it should be better off paired with the EcoDiesel.

With the way this combination is panning out, it seems that the EcoDiesel will be giving the gas-powered engines a run for their money.

Arrival?

The bad news is we have a bit of a wait until we see the EcoDiesel integrated with the Wrangler. There are sources saying it will be in the 2017 model, and before it was speculated to be in the 2108. At this point, anything can change. Even though it’s a couple years away, the news is too good to keep from Wrangler fans.

The Wrangler will still remember its rugged off-roading roots, while also providing a fresh eco-friendly, efficient, and powerful diesel-driving experience. Which is sure to draw a lot of attention away from the gas-powered models, if they are offered.