In an effort to help the Wrangler better meet stricter government fuel efficiency standards, Fiat Chrysler has announced that the 2017 retool of it's most popular Jeep will be offered with a diesel engine and a hybrid power train. In addition, Chrysler says the next-generation Wrangler will also feature aluminum body construction to further improve it's mpg.
Jeeps have long been known for toughness, not for fuel economy. A hybrid Jeep is a far cry from the models powered by their famously reliable 4.0 liter straight-6. This engine was developed by American Motors Corp. (AMC), which previously owned Jeep. After Chrysler bought AMC in 1987, it kept the Jeep brand and continued to use the 4.0 liter through 2006 because of dependability. But while this engine was nearly bulletproof, it was also rather thirsty.
Fiat Chrysler has been trying to change Jeep's "gas guzzler" image, as evidenced by their roll out of the Renegade last year. This Jeep is so small, it shares a platform with the Fiat 500X and is offered with a 2.0 liter turbo diesel. So an all-aluminum, diesel-powered, part-hybrid version of their most popular model is the next logical step.
Car and Driver says that even though the updated Wrangler is set to launch next year, it won't be offered as a diesel right away. The four-door Wrangler Unlimited is expected to be only the only version offered with a diesel when it does become available, which the magazine says should be around 2022. The hybrid power train will come after that.
Jeep is expected to drop the same 240-hp 3.0 liter V-6 turbo diesel currently offered in it's Grand Cherokee and the Ram 1500 pickup into the Wrangler. Fiat Chrysler says that the hybrid power train will be a "mild hybrid," meaning that the system will not be able to drive the Wrangler solely on battery power. The automaker is also expected to implement this system in the Ram 1500 in the near future.