[Wrangler JL News]

Jeep fans are all excited to finally see the Wrangler JL debut at the ongoing 2017 LA Auto Show and now we have word from Mike Manley, the head honcho of Jeep himself, that a plug-in hybrid variant of the new Wrangler will be offered in 2020.

There were rumors of a hybridized variant before and it was even said to be under development, but no release date was provided at the time and we didn’t know if it would be a plug-in or not. Now we have confirmation that the Wrangler JL hybrid id indeed going the plug-in route. Other than that, not much was said of its future powertrain.

Jeep currently does not have any plug-in hybrids for us to use as a benchmark and the closest one we have from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles is the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid van. An unlikely pairing of a 16 kWh battery and a JL engine, though its combined fuel economy rating of 84 mpg does sound tempting in something like a Wrangler.

It’s definitely an improvement compared to the 3.0-liter V6 diesel’s estimated highway rating of around 30 mpg. Perhaps a journalist will be able to weasel a bit more information from Manley, but for now we have CarScoops’s speculation.

 

[Gina]

Not sure if a plug in hybrid is the way to go, but it can only be a positive. From what I understand, and electric motor provides instant torque and increase fuel economy, which should please both Wrangler fans and potential new owners.

 

[Solo]

As I know, the new Wrangler 2.0T already has a 48-volt electrical system, which should be interesting for the aftermarket scene. Also, 2.0T has more torque than the 3.6, but I assume that the 3.0 turbo diesel will offer even more.

 

[Solo]

It seems they could only find room for a battery on the already very expensive Unlimited model. So I expect this will be near $50K.

 

[JeepFan]

It seems they could only find room for a battery on the already very expensive Unlimited model. So I expect this will be near $50K.

Considering how much the Rubicon can start off in price, I really can't imagine a hybrid version of the Wrangler justifying anything more than low $40k's to start. Out the door mid $45k will be ideal for most people shopping for a hybrid SUV that's not from a luxury car maker.