Hybrid Powered Wrangler JL Will Be Offered

10167 Views 14 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Gina, Oct 15, 2017

Wrangler JL News

Discussion Starter · Sep 20, 2017

With the industry’s push towards electrification and hybridization, it’s really no surprise to hear that Jeep is jumping on the bandwagon with a hybrid version of the next-generation Jeep Wrangler. Though no release date has yet been provided, Autocar was told that an electric hybrid variant is already under development.

Why not go full electric you ask?

“A full battery-electric-vehicle Wrangler is not relevant. We can’t strand one of our vehicles on a remote mountain side,” said Jeep CEO Michael Manley.

So a fuel sipping electric hybrid it is, and the Wrangler JL will be Jeep’s first model fitted with a hybrid powertrain. Nothing specific has been mentioned beyond their plans to ultimately release the Wrangler hybrid, but rumor has it the small electric motor with battery pack may be paired with a four-cylinder soft turbo-petrol engine.

This isn’t the first time Jeep has forayed into the world of hybrids as they have revealed an electric-drive prototype model back in 2008. The model just never made it to production, perhaps because the market back then wasn’t ready for one.

Whatever the reason, fuel conscious Wrangler fans will be happy to know that a hybrid model is on the way.

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1 - 15 of 15 Posts

gladiator

· #2 · Sep 20, 2017

Same thing is playing out everywhere else in this segment and segments around it. For this decade and the next all we're going to see are diesels and hybrids, its closer to 2020 that the EV market will really start to heat up an a next generation Wrangler will be out

HighRider

· #3 · Sep 21, 2017

Diesels are more dependent on which country you live in, but hybrid powertrains are going to be widespread globally and every automaker will be clamoring to have their own line of them. Still surprised Jeep decided to go with a hybrid Wrangler instead of the more tarmac friendly models like Renegade.

Jeepernator

· #4 · Sep 22, 2017

Probably because the Wrangler just isn't as fuel efficient as its other models, so the JL would use the hybrid system. Also think the Wrangler eats up most of Jeep's CO2 credits.

gladiator

· #5 · Sep 22, 2017

Maybe its time we start to pick apart the hybrid powertrain that the Pacifica has because odds are if we will see a hybrid, it could do something with that van Chrysler is now pushing as the Caravan replacement.

HighRider

· #6 · Sep 28, 2017

The Pacifica hybrid is FWD, so they'll have to adapt its powertrain to the Wrangler JL's drive system.

JeepFan

· #7 · Sep 29, 2017

HighRider said:
The Pacifica hybrid is FWD, so they'll have to adapt its powertrain to the Wrangler JL's drive system.

That's the drivetrain, what the powertrain does isn't really dependent on that. In this case its just a matter of them just carrying on the tech. Sort of like what other car makers do by creating tech or line of powertrains to suit a specific purpose and then just uses it in different forms.

Gina

· #8 · Oct 1, 2017

Jeep will need to figure out where to put the extra battery pack and motors, also how to reduce weight to make up for the heavy additions or else the Wrangler hybrid will feel like a porker.

HighRider

· #9 · Oct 3, 2017

One thing Wrangler enthusiasts like about it is how easy to modify the model is, but a hybrid system may make it harder for them compared to a traditional power train, which could deter old fans from going in that direction. On the other hand, a hybrid Wrangler could bring in new buyers who are more fuel conscious.

Reactions: 1

gladiator

· #10 · Oct 3, 2017

HighRider said:
One thing Wrangler enthusiasts like about it is how easy to modify the model is, but a hybrid system may make it harder for them compared to a traditional power train, which could deter old fans from going in that direction. On the other hand, a hybrid Wrangler could bring in new buyers who are more fuel conscious.

I can attest to this because its the main reason I'm buying the Wrangler and the main reason why I have always been interested in them. Same goes for most cars I like. When I get tired of doing mods, then my car buying choices will change. So instead of a Wrangler it might be a Lexus LX.

HighRider

· #11 · Oct 5, 2017

I'm more of the latter group as mods aren't really my forte and the Wrangler was just a pure fun purchase with the added benefit of being a daily driver, more so if it's a hybrid model. But it also depends on when Jeep decides to release the hybrid version because people won't be willing to wait too long.

JeepFan

· #12 · Oct 11, 2017

No point waiting for the hybrid version because the way i see it have no concrete information on its on-sale date so its just better for anyone to buy the JL model as we know it. Jeep will want to milk the JL as we know it for all its worth before bringing in other trims especially when its going to be something highly sought after.

Gina

· #13 · Oct 12, 2017

There's a few good reasons to go hybrid; peak torque at zero RPM, less weight in the drivetrain, better throttle response, etc. I may want to test drive one before making a final decision.

Reactions: 1

HighRider

· #14 · Oct 13, 2017

The world market is heading towards greener options and the gov't is promoting it as well with green car perks. If the hybrid variant proves to be just as capable as gas, I don't see why it wouldn't do well.

Gina

· #15 · Oct 15, 2017

Repairs may be more costly with extra motors and battery packs, but I suppose that's what warranty is for. Though how popular it is will be dependent on the MSRP. Sometimes you just can't justify the cost compared to the gas you save.

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