[Wrangler JL News]

Those who still haven’t pulled the trigger on a new 2018 Jeep Wrangler now has one more powertrain option to choose from, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.

Some may hesitate to go for the four-cylinder because of its price, which by itself only costs an additional $1,000 but it’s only available with the eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s a $2,000 option, meaning the total price for the 2.0-liter is $3,000.

In MotorTrend’s experience, “the turbocharged four-cylinder pairs well with the auto. Turbo lag isn’t an issue, and it can rock crawl so well, few people will miss the naturally aspirated V-6.” Perhaps these are enough reasons to sway the hesitant buyer.

Anther perk is the eTorque system, which is essentially a mild hybrid system that replaces the standard alternator. It’ll provide electric power assist and come with a fuel shut-off system. Thanks to this, we should see an improvement in fuel economy.

But what the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 does have is more horsepower at 285 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. That’s 15 more ponies compared to the inline-four’s 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque.

Those waiting for the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 will have to wait a while longer as it isn’t expected ot arrive until next year.

 

[Gina]

I suppose this is a good option if what you're after is fuel efficiency in a Wrangler and it has more torque, but for an additional $3,000... I suppose it's not too bad if you were originally getting the automatic transmission anyways. Maybe I'll look into the 2.0-liter turbo as an option when my current car's lease ends.

 

[Mudrunner]

Imo it makes no sense to offer a turbo without a manual transmission, especially when pairing it with an automatic increases the price significantly. Especially for those who have plans for aftermarket modifications such an exhausts/intakes..it just doesn't sound the same on an automatic tranny. Jeep missed the mark a bit on this I think.

 

[gladiator]

Imo it makes no sense to offer a turbo without a manual transmission, especially when pairing it with an automatic increases the price significantly. Especially for those who have plans for aftermarket modifications such an exhausts/intakes..it just doesn't sound the same on an automatic tranny. Jeep missed the mark a bit on this I think.

I agree for the sole reason car makers aren't including turbos just so we can have a lot of fun with these vehicles, what they're really after is fuel economy first before anything else. With that comes the need for other powertrain related things to support the improved range, hence automatic transmissions.

 

[ibgpin]

I don't know if this is a version of the Fiat 4 cylinder turbo used in the Alfa Romeo, but if it is the reliability is questionable. Fiat is the lowest rated car company in Consumer Report for reliability. I will stick with the engine I know and let the more adventurous get the turbo. I hope it works out for them but I just don't feel comfortable with the unknown.

 

[JeepFan]

I don't know if this is a version of the Fiat 4 cylinder turbo used in the Alfa Romeo, but if it is the reliability is questionable. Fiat is the lowest rated car company in Consumer Report for reliability. I will stick with the engine I know and let the more adventurous get the turbo. I hope it works out for them but I just don't feel comfortable with the unknown.

Sometimes reliability comes down to different specs of an engine which when used across multiple models give you different results. So if we happen to get a powerplant without much changes then the same problems are likely to follow.