[Jeepernator]

AutoBlog says the JL Wrangler will be getting a diesel option, but it won't be available until near the end of the 2019 model year, meaning some time late next year. In the meantime, the petrol options will debut at6 this year's Los Angeles Auto Show before arriving at dealerships this December. Anyone going to wait for the diesel model?

 

[JeepFan]

Towing capacity matters to me and in this case we might see a slightly lower towing cap with the diesel. The Diesel RAM 1500 took on a similar effect and for that reasons some people stuck with the V8.

But if other areas check out, like range and city/highway driving power then I might just use rentals for my towing needs.

 

[Principal Skinr]

Not me. I'm going with the 3.6 and a manual transmission.

I'm looking for the updated 3.6 with 4.10 axle ratio. With the JL reportedly shedding some weight, and the 3.6 being upgraded, the seat of the pants should feel a nice increase in power. Most important to me, especially out in the middle of nowhere, is the proven reliability of the 3.6.

If fuel prices were equal, and the diesel were only a couple grand more, it came with a manual, and I could order one sooner, then I'd consider it. However, I'm betting on a 5 to 6 thousand dollar premium on the diesel over the 3.6/manual. ($1000 of it is the auto tranny). I just don't see the cost/benefit being anywhere close to being reasonable. Oh, I forgot one thing...the DEF fluid. That's another cost that defeats the improved fuel economy of the diesel.

The cost of the JLUR is going to be sky high, as is. I certainly don't need to add unecessarily to it.

I ran my JKU Rubicon at Moab with 33.5" tires, 3.8, and manual transmission. It had no issues with lack of power, at all, in spite of being fully loaded with 5 people and gear. (4.10 stock axle ratio, too.) While the diesel's torque would be nice, the gearing on the Rubi will be properly matched to the 3.6/manual. I think it will do just fine.

 

[Gina]

Honestly don't care much for diesel cars even though there may be some performance benefits along with better fuel economy. As Principal Skinr said, there's the Def fluid we need to top up now and again, once you run empty the car won't start. Also don't know how reliable the def indicator is.

Petrol is the way to go for me, and if need be I'm sure there will be performance upgrades for the engines including tunes and such. I hear a lot about petrol turbos and superchargers but not for diesel.

 

[HighRider]

It'll be down to the engine's performance numbers, right now we only have ideas of what the petrol engines could include and the 300hp Hurricane option is mighty tempting compared to an unknown diesel.

 

[Johnson]

DEF fluid running out isn't something to worry about because it gets topped up whenever you go in for service, and the amount placed in there is meant to last you the extent until you go for service, or just a bit after. Haven't heard of anyone with a new vehicle that got stuck because of a lack of DEF.

Turbos on diesel is a lot more common of a modification and/or even oem depending on what you're looking at. Very common to see a turbocharged diesel.

 

[Gina]

A 3.0L turbo-diesel V-6 would be nice, but would the engine fit in the Wrangler?

 

[HighRider]

It probably could fit considering one of the rumored engines for the new Wrangler JL is a 3.6-liter Pentastar engine and I believe the current gen has a 3.6L Pentastar VVT V6 as an option.

 

[JeepFan]

If they are planning to fit a hybrid power plant under the hood of these JL Wrangler then odds are they made the engine bay a bit bigger. This is also a global product so even extending by a few engines goes a long way throughout the life of this generation.

 

[Principal Skinr]

DEF fluid running out isn't something to worry about because it gets topped up whenever you go in for service, and the amount placed in there is meant to last you the extent until you go for service, or just a bit after. Haven't heard of anyone with a new vehicle that got stuck because of a lack of DEF.

Turbos on diesel is a lot more common of a modification and/or even oem depending on what you're looking at. Very common to see a turbocharged diesel.

I'm not worried about the capacity for DEF fluid. The biggest think is having to pay for it. Then, after that, comes having to keep it topped off. Diesel fuel right now is significantly more $$ in my area than petrol. Add the DEF fluid, price for the diesel option, and the required automatic transmission, and the diesel becomes a terrible deal, financially, especially if the tow rating turns out lower than the 3.6.