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2020 Wrangler EcoDiesel
Jeep took a great idea from their corporate sister company, Ram, by adding a refined diesel engine to one of its vehicles. The 2020 Wrangler is available with a 3.0-liter Ecodiesel engine, which is mechanically the same as the one we see in the Ram, but it has been altered to help the off-roader maintain its hardcore abilities.
The upgrade to diesel is a significant improvement for the Wrangler, and should be on anyone’s shopping list that is considering buying a Jeep. Here are five things to know about the 2020 Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel:
2020 Wrangler
It Has Torque To Spare
Off-roading is much more about precision, torque, and low-end power than it is about speed and handling, so the addition of a torque-heavy diesel engine to the Wrangler line makes perfect sense. The power plant’s 442 lb-ft comes on at just 1,400 RPM, which gives the low-down grunt a vehicle needs to be a competent off-road ride. Unfortunately, the extra torque from the diesel didn’t add anything to the Wrangler’s towing rating, as it remains at 3,500 pounds.
It’s More Refined Than Ever Before
It’s a diesel, but it’s not the clunky, rough engine many of us probably remember from decades past. The Wrangler accelerates smoothly and gives little indication that there’s anything other than a gas engine under the hood. Shifts from the eight-speed automatic gearbox are timely and keep the diesel where it needs to be to produce the most power.
2020 Wrangler
It Comes With Big Diesel Sound
In motion, the Ecodiesel-equipped Wrangler is as quiet and compliant as anyone can expect from a rugged Jeep, but cold starts are another story. The sound isn’t all that different than a big diesel truck as the Wrangler is warming up, but the idle calms down once the vehicle is warmed up. Under acceleration, the engine produces a pleasant diesel turbo whine that is just loud enough to make itself known.
It’s Comfortable
This has less to do with the engine and more to do with the fact that Jeep has been hard at work for years to make the Wrangler as comfortable and usable as possible on a daily basis. We tested both the Sahara and Rubicon models, both of which bring several creature comforts, such as a leather upholstery, heated seats, power windows and door locks, and a premium stereo. It’s not a Lincoln, but the Wrangler is more comfortable now than ever before.
2020 Wrangler
Technology
The Wrangler doesn’t suffer in the tech and safety departments just because it’s a hardcore off-roader. Jeep, as part of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, gets FCA’s crazy-good Uconnect infotainment system. In our Rubicon tester, that system ran on an optional 8.4-inch touchscreen that is both colorful and bright. The system also runs Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Though they’re locked away in added-cost options packages, the Wrangler is available with all of the latest safety tech. The $995 Safety Group brings blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alerts, and a rear parking sensor system, while the $795 Advanced Safety Group brings advanced braking assist, full speed forward collision warnings, adaptive cruise control, automatic high-beam headlights, and enhanced adaptive cruise control.
Overall, the diesel engine is just what the doctor ordered for the Wrangler. It’s well-suited for the tasks that makes it a special vehicle and the Jeep’s refinement, comfort, and technology make it one of the most advanced off-roader the company has produced yet.