Jeep Wranglers aren’t known for being very fuel efficient and though the JL’s new optional 8-speed automatic transmission does make an improvement, it won’t be enough to satisfy the fuel conscious. For those who plans to purchase the new Wrangler JL either way, the Environmental Protection Agency has recently rated the gas V-6-powered Wrangler Unlimited for fuel economy.
The EPA is still lacking on information for the other Wranglers in the new JL lineup, but we do know that a JL Unlimited with a six-speed manual gearbox is rated at 19 mpg combined, 17 city and 23 highway. A slight increase compared to the 2017 model’s rating of 18/16/21. Similarly, the five-speed auto transmission’s rating will increase from 18/16/20 to 18/17/21 depending on the specs.
For those who want to optimize fuel economy, the new 8-speed automatic transmission is what you’d want to aim for. Compared to its predecessor’s five-speed automatic, this new gearbox is expected to return 20 mpg combined, 18 city and 23 on the highway. Though it may not look like much, this specification’s annual fuel cost is estimated to be $1,850.
Sure, some enthusiasts may proclaim that their not buying a Jeep for fuel economy, but a few hundred dollars in fuel savings could go towards a winch or trailer fund.
