Is a Jeep Wrangler a gas guzzler?

Zveřejnění: Můžeme získat provize za nákupy uskutečněné prostřednictvím odkazů v tomto příspěvku.

Fuel efficiency is perhaps the Jeep Wrangler’s most glaring problem. Consumers find the gas mileage disappointing given its price point and mild-hybrid configuration. While its manual versions perform slightly better than the automatic ones, it still seems unreliable when driving under real-world conditions. So, are Jeep Wranglers good on gas?

Across all trims, the Jeep Wrangler provides good gas mileage. However, rating its fuel efficiency can be subjective, as this aspect depends on the vehicle’s model year, engine, and other numerous variables.

Several things impact a vehicle’s gas mileage – among them driving habits and a bit of physics. Understanding these is essential in deeming the Jeep fuel-efficient and improving its fuel economy should you find it lacking. Learn about these factors and more as you read through this article.

Black Jeep Wrangler Driving on Paved Road

Co je to ujetý plyn?

In determining how Jeep Wranglers are on gas, it’s important to understand what gas mileage is.

Gas mileage (or fuel economy) is a gauge of how far a vehicle will travel with one gallon of fuel. This measure is expressed in miles per gallon or MPG, and U.S. consumers, along with car manufacturers/regulators, have used it for a long time. Some people often confuse it with fuel consumption, measured in gallons/100 miles in the U.S. and liters/100 kilometers in Europe and elsewhere. To further simplify the difference between the two, the fuel economy translates to how far your vehicle can go using a gallon of fuel. Whereas fuel consumption refers to how much fuel you need to use to cover a specific distance and the savings you can get from it.

For the Jeep Wrangler, here are the EPA MPG figures for model years 2015-2020:

Jeep Wrangler MPG for Sport, Sahara & Rubicon Trims (2015 – 2020)

Model rok	EPA MPG	Přenos
2015-2018 Jeep Wrangler 4WD	18 MPG (combined) 17 MPG (city) 21 MPG (highway) 5.6 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 5-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2015-2018 Jeep Wrangler 4WD	18 MPG (combined) 17 MPG (city) 21 MPG (highway) 5.6 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2015-2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD	18 MPG (combined) 16 MPG (city) 20 MPG (highway) 5.6 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 5-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2015-2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD	18 MPG (combined) 16 MPG (city) 21 MPG (highway) 5.6 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2018-2019 Jeep New Wrangler 4WD	20 MPG (combined) 18 MPG (city) 23 MPG (highway) 5.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2018-2019 Jeep New Wrangler 4WD	20 MPG (combined) 17 MPG (city) 25 MPG (highway) 5.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2018-2019 Jeep New Wrangler 4WD	24 MPG (combined) 23 MPG (city) 25 MPG (highway) 4.2 USgal/ 100 miles	2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (Premium Gasoline)
2018-2019 Jeep New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD	20 MPG (combined) 18 MPG (city) 23 MPG (highway) 5.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2018-2020 Jeep New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD	19 MPG (combined) 17 MPG (city) 23 MPG (highway) 5.3 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2018-2019 Jeep New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD	22 MPG (combined) 22 MPG (city) 24 MPG (highway) 4.5 USgal/ 100 miles	2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (Premium Gasoline)
Jeep Wrangler 2020WD z roku 4	23 MPG (combined) 22 MPG (city) 24 MPG (highway) 4.3 USgal/ 100 miles	2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (Premium Gasoline)
Jeep Wrangler 2020WD z roku 4	21 MPG (combined) 21 MPG (city) 22 MPG (highway) 4.8 USgal/ 100 miles	2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (Premium Gasoline)
Jeep Wrangler 2020WD z roku 4	20 MPG (combined) 18 MPG (city) 23 MPG (highway) 5.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-speed (Regular Gasoline)
Jeep Wrangler 2020WD z roku 4	20 MPG (combined) 17 MPG (city) 25 MPG (highway) 5.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-speed (Regular Gasoline)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2020WD z roku 4	25 MPG (combined) 22 MPG (city) 29 MPG (highway) 4.0 USgal/ 100 miles	2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (Diesel)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2020WD z roku 4	21 MPG (combined) 21 MPG (city) 22 MPG (highway) 4.8 USgal/ 100 miles	2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (Premium Gasoline)
Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2020WD z roku 4	20 MPG (combined) 19 MPG (city) 22 MPG (highway) 5.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-speed (Regular Gasoline)
2021 Jeep Wrangler 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD	25 MPG (combined) 22 MPG (city) 29 MPG (highway) 4.0 USgal/ 100 miles	3.0 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (EcoDiesel)
2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubic 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD	23 MPG (combined) 21 MPG (city) 26 MPG (highway) 4.3 USgal/ 100 miles	3.0 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-speed, Turbo (EcoDiesel)

ČTĚTE VÍCE

Jaká generace je Ford F-2020 150?

If we were to combine all Wrangler models’ fuel economy from 2015-2020, it would average to only 19 MPG and fuel consumption of 5.3 USgal/ 100 miles.

White Jeep Wrangler Rubicon on Rock

Faktory, které ovlivňují spotřebu plynu Jeep Wrangler

A gas mileage below 20 MPG may not seem to fit the Jeep Wrangler at all. This section should help you understand the reasons behind this seemingly low number, as well as consumer-driven factors adversely affecting how the vehicle burns fuel:

Aerodynamika. Unfortunately, the Wrangler’s iconic angular build that makes it distinct and adds to its rugged appeal is a huge drawback. Its brick-like build reduces airflow around its body, making it more predisposed to wind resistance, resulting in the vehicle burning more fuel.
Klimatizace. Who would have thought that this simple creature comfort could be such a power guzzler? It may be surprising, but it’s true. People’s tolerance for humid or dry weather partly determines how Jeep Wranglers are on gas. And if you’re not a fan of sweat trickling down your forehead, then expect to have more trips to the gas station.
Péče a údržba. Reduced fuel economy is not something to be blamed entirely on the build of your Jeep. If you off-road a lot but don’t clean your ride afterward, then chances are dirt will accumulate in areas where the air is supposed to flow into the engine. When this happens, your Wrangler is bound to burn more gas, along with poor acceleration. The current state of your air filter is proof of how well you clean up your wheeler.
Defective Parts. Faulty vehicle components can cause a drop in fuel economy. For instance, an old unmaintained gas tank can lead to a fuel leak and a potential fire hazard. Similarly, sluggish brakes tend to put more stress on the engine, forcing it to use more gas. Other things like a cracked intake hose, loose fittings, and worn-out gaskets lead to vacuum leaks that contribute to poor gas mileage. And don’t forget faulty oxygen sensors and worn spark plugs that upset your vehicle’s air-fuel mixture.
Driver Behavior. Revving your engine too often, driving aggressively, doing jackrabbit starts, excessive idling (more than 30 seconds), and speeding burn fuel fast and should be avoided. Other things we may or may not be deliberately doing that affect gas mileage are frequent or excessive short trips, cold-weather travel, and heavy braking or acceleration.
Motorový olej. Between spending more dollars on synthetic friction-reducing motor oil that meets manufacturer specifications and increasing your annual fuel costs by close to $1,000, the former is undoubtedly the lesser evil. The type of engine oil you use can reduce or improve your gas mileage by up to 12%. Therefore, it is not wise to be miserly on your motor oil expenses.
Převodovka. People don’t realize that the thing they love most about their Jeep Wrangler is what makes it a gas gobbler. This off-roading king has more weight and drag to move from the front axle simply because it is a 4WD vehicle. It was built to run on higher revs and a heavier chassis.
Modifikace. Mods may be the second biggest contributor to the Wrangler’s fuel inefficiency. Jeep owners cannot stop themselves from personalizing their Jeeps – adding steel wheels, 35-inch tires, and a heavy-duty winch, to name a few – but still expect advertised stock MPG to remain unchanged. While it is fun to customize the vehicle, remember that heavier tires and an increased airflow room under a lifted Jeep dramatically reduce fuel economy.
Octane Rating. The Octane rating signifies the rate your engine burns fuel based on the fuel reduction-to-additive ratio. A higher fuel Octane rating means less burning of fuel and more mileage.
Huštění pneumatik. Mud bogs, rocks, deep snow, and sand dunes require airing down your tires. Once you do, your tires’ rolling resistance creates the need for more energy (and gas) to move your vehicle forward. So the more frequent you go snow-driving or riding off-pavement, the more fuel your Wrangler burns. While airing down your tires cannot be avoided, make sure to do it according to spec and topography, and only on a need basis. NAPA recommends releasing 5 psi on dirt or sand and up to 10 psi on rocky terrain per tire.
Hmotnosti. Your vehicle’s sturdy construction, gigantic all-terrain tires, and Dana front axle make its fuel consumption less efficient. Although it is not the same size as a Land Rover Defender or a Ford Expedition, it is still heftier than a pure streetcar. And we’re only talking about the vehicle in stock form. Gas mileage only gets worse as you do more mods on your Wrangler.

ČTĚTE VÍCE

Proč mi řinčí levá strana auta?

Can You Stretch Your Fuel Further?

You certainly can! Here are 12 practical things that you can do:

Adhere to speed limits (your Cruise Control helps keep your Jeep legal).
Avoid heavy acceleration (the “Goldilocks” zone for optimal fuel efficiency is 40-55 mph).
Be an early bird and refuel when the gas is dense.
Control the urge to upgrade unless required.
Do not overload nor keep those ski racks on your roof year-round.
Do periodic checks and repair/replace failing parts.
Give your A/C a break (roll down your windows when not on the freeway).
Go for the higher gear that covers the speed you’re traveling (only for manual-trannies)
Inflate your tires to spec and schedule your off-road trips.
Keep the state of your brakes in check, and don’t tailgate.
Say no to prolonged idling, donuts, and traffic jams.
Stick to the recommended motor oil and fuel type.

Zlatý standard

There is no universal standard for fuel economy. The U.S. has the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or NHTSA to establish and enforce CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards. Based on historical data from 1978 to 2010, CAFÉ standards were 27.5 MPG for passenger cars alone. The Japanese government has its Ministry of Transportation setting fuel economy targets based on vehicle weight class and engine type. So if you take your Jeep Wrangler to Japan, it will be well above the fuel economy target of 15-20.9 MPG for vehicles weighing 3,894-4,997 lbs and above.

Both the U.S. and Japan have the same fleet fuel economy projection of 35.5 MPG, which they set a decade ago for this current year. EU’s projections are different, which is partly attributed to the use of empirical units of measurement. The rest of the world has either their governments or car companies to regulate and enforce fuel economy standards. Some countries – like China, New Zealand, and Canada – have much more stringent standards than others.

ČTĚTE VÍCE

Proč můj startér pouze kliká?

Frequently Asked Questions – How are Jeep Wranglers On Gas?

Co je považováno za špatný ujetý benzín? Based on recent auto magazines and Consumer Reports, 14 MPG is considered poor gas mileage. However, this is not standard. Depending on your Wrangler year and whether it is stock or not, it may give you lower gas mileage.
Má plná nádrž lepší kilometrový výkon? Not necessarily. However, a full tank is much better than riding with little fuel to spare. Although the weight of a full fuel tank is not significant to gas mileage, your wheeler may be less efficient when your tank is almost empty, as more air in the gas tank increases fuel evaporation.
How much does it cost to fill up a Jeep Wrangler? A full tank would cost you between $47 and $52, depending on the trim and model year of your stock Wrangler. For modified Jeeps, it may cost a few dollars more.
Do Jeeps need premium gas? Wranglers with older 3.6-L, 6-cylinder engines only need regular gas or petrol. But all other models with 2.0-L, turbocharged inline 4-cylinder engines require premium gasoline. You can use either 91- or 93-Octane fuels if you happen to own one. Otherwise, stick with the 87-Octane gasoline.
Are Jeep Wranglers fuel-efficient? Given their built, overall weight, and intended purpose, I’d say they are. This is especially evident with the recent release of the Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel 4WD, returning a massive 29 MPG on the highway.

The Verdict – Are Jeep Wranglers Good on Gas?

If you compare it to a sub-compact Prius, it will fall behind. If you apply all the physics laws in assessing what it can do, the Wrangler does return a pretty good gas mileage. The trick to maximizing fuel efficiency is a matter of controlling personal whims, correcting driving behaviors, and being realistic with your vehicle’s expectations. Do these things right, and you’ll enjoy better gas mileage on your Jeep Wrangler.

Kris je zanícený off-road a outdoorový nadšenec, který miluje vzdorovat živlům a pustit se do náročného terénu. Také rád sdílí svou vášeň a znalosti s ostatními, aby i oni mohli ocenit jízdu.
O Krisu

ČTĚTE VÍCE

Jak se používá tempomat na Mitsubishi Eclipse?

Andrew Martonik

I just bought a 2022 Jeep Wrangler. It weighs well over 5,000 pounds without passengers or cargo, is shaped like a filing cabinet, and as a result of the first two attributes gets opravdu terrible gas mileage. On the freeway, I’m lucky to return 20 mpg — well under the 2021 new car average of 25.7. But it’s fantastic, and I love it — particularly because the federal government gave me $7,500 to buy it.

A matter of politics
A broken policy

You may recognize that $7,500 figure is the same as the federal EV tax credit — it sure is. That’s because this Wrangler is a “4xe” model with a plug-in hybrid powertrain, though the fact that this truck qualifies for the same $7,500 credit as an all-battery EV is downright laughable. Frankly, the government should be ashamed of this situation.

Jeep Wrangler 4XE.

A matter of politics

Though it somehow qualifies for the full EV credit, the Wrangler 4xe is not a full battery EV — and even worse, it’s possibly the worst-performing plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) available. It can drive just 20 míle on battery (in ideal conditions) before the gas engine kicks in, which is … well, not great. Most PHEVs nowadays return 30 to 40 miles of EV range, and even large SUVs like the BMW X5 offer more than 25.

But at least it has some EV-only range. So that’s good, right? Well, here’s the best part: Thanks to a heavy battery and motor, the 4xe actually gets horší Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-rated fuel economy than the standard gasoline-only Wrangler. The PHEV is EPA rated for just 20 mpg, while the gas-only Wrangler is rated for 22.

Trápil jsem se kvůli EV, ale místo toho jsem si koupil auto na plyn. Tady je důvod, proč jsem nemohl být šťastnější
BMW i4 přináší ultimátní řidičský stroj na území EV
Maryland gas station becomes first in U.S. to ditch oil for 100% EV charging

Ano, tam is a benefit to having a plug-in Jeep. Just like any other PHEV, if you charge at home and make (very) short trips purely on battery, you can increase your average fuel economy substantially. But in this case the gains are so small it’s almost insulting. Most people are making trips longer than 20 miles roundtrip, and don’t have a Level 2 charger at home to fill back up quickly enough to make multiple battery-only trips a day. So, you’re likely going to be burning more gas in this hybrid than the already-inefficient gas-only Wrangler.

The battery-only range of this truck is so low it’s almost insulting.

Though the federal Gas Guzzler Tax is only levied on cars, not SUVs or trucks, the government’s own threshold for a “gas guzzler” is 22.5 mpg. My green-hued Jeep with a charge port on the fender is, indeed, a gas guzzler. So, why is the government providing an exorbitant “EV” rebate to buy one?

Well, politics is a great starting point. The Biden administration has been pushing incredibly hard to promote EVs and related infrastructure as part of its green initiatives, and that includes tax incentives. Stellantis (parent company of Jeep, Dodge, Chrysler and many others), in turn, is also incredibly motivated to sell PHEVs for (at the very least) the political capital it provides them. Having made-in-America brands like Jeep producing cars with batteries just sweetens the deal for everyone. So, with those factors in play, the government has no reason to pull the plug on such a program. Even if it’s doing little-to-nothing to help the environment.

ČTĚTE VÍCE

Co se stane, když vaše auto vydává cvakání?

Jeep Wrangler 4XE PHEV plugged in.

A broken policy

The worst effect of this bone-headed policy is that the government has helped the Wrangler 4xe become the bestselling PHEV in the U.S. — and I suspect it will continue to be for some time. It’s not bestselling because of its hybrid powertrain or efficiency; it’s best-selling because the government is giving folks $7,500 off what is již a super-desirable vehicle (and an expensive one at that). All for a truck that is one of the least efficient in its size class.

This is what really irks me. I honestly wouldn’t even consider buying a Jeep Wrangler without this EV credit. (Which is so weird to say, as someone who took advantage of this system). Wranglers are quite expensive for what they are — the MSRP of my truck is north of $60,000 — and as I’ve made incredibly clear here, they’re terribly inefficient.

But even with gas at $4 per gallon, that $7,500 rebate is enough to cover 110 full tanks of gas. Or, put another way, enough fuel for me to drive some 37,000 miles, even if I never use the truck’s battery. All on the government’s dime. That works out great for me! But it is decidedly not a great deal for the environment, or U.S. taxpayers.

When I can get a government incentive to buy a 5,500-pound 4WD truck that gets 20 mpg, but not an all-electric Tesla Model 3, your tax policy is utterly broken.

Layer in another silly fact: Not even all EVs qualify for this $7,500 EV credit, as some brands have sold beyond the maximum number of cars eligible. So in this completely backwards world, if I want to go buy a Tesla Model 3 or Chevy Bolt EUV — modestly sized all-electric vehicles — I won’t get a dime of support from the government. But I do get a $7,500 handout for buying a 5,500-pound 4WD truck that struggles to get 20 mpg on the freeway.

Now I’m far from a proponent of tax credits to incentivize vehicle purchases. If anything, we should have vice taxes on vehicles, provided the money is being used to improve our road infrastructure and public transit systems.

Ale jestli vy musí offer EV tax credits, they should be limited to pure EVs and možná PHEVs so long as they offer a considerable EV-only driving range. Having this simple “does it have a battery and a plug? OK, full tax credit!” checkbox system isn’t just useless, it’s actively detrimental to the goal of increasing overall vehicle efficiency and reducing emissions.

Despite this blatantly counterproductive tax rebate system, chances are the government isn’t going to change its tune. It’s actually actively working to expand these exact kinds of tax credits. So, if you want your own gas guzzler, I’d guess you still have a good amount of time to go order a new Jeep with Uncle Sam’s wallet.