Updated 3/2/2023 to reflect new year model for 2023. EPA gas mileage remained unchanged between 2022 and 2023 models. Read below to find your specific model and what can be done to improve your gas mileage
Responsible car buyers always pay attention to the gas mileage. No matter what vehicle you consider, you must think about how much you will spend to keep it running. Responsible car buyers will also pick the one with the best gas mileage. If you are looking for Jeep Wrangler gas mileage read on to find out more about this historic vehicle and what has been done to improve its efficiency in 2023.
One of the issues that people have with jeeps is the gas mileage. It is easy to assume that it has terrible gas mileage because it is a big car. Most people consider the cars gas guzzlers.
However, you need to take a closer look at the gas mileage properties of the wrangler before making that decision. The information below will give you the answer to whether a wrangler is indeed a gas guzzler.
It will also outline the generational changes of jeep wranglers in gas mileage. You will also learn how to improve your gas mileage if you are an owner. But first, find out what the average gas mileage of jeep wranglers is.
Average Gas Mileage Of Jeep Wranglers
The average gas mileage of a jeep wrangler is 17 to 29 miles per gallon of fuel. The 2021 model gets 22 miles per gallon in cities and 29 miles per gallon on highways. You may be wondering, is this good gas mileage?’ Keep reading to find out.
What Is Good Gas Mileage?
Good gas mileage means that your vehicle consumes less gas for a longer distance per mile. Gas mileage is measured in MPG (miles per gallon). For example, if your car gets 17 mpg, it means that it travels 17 miles per one gallon of gas.
Gas mileage differs due to serval factors, such as the type of vehicle. The type of fuel used driving conditions and even how you drive also cause differences in gas mileage.
Passenger cars can get as high as 136 mpg. SUVs, trucks, and vans often have a low mpg, barely going above 20 overall and 30 on the highway. Some people make this comparison and conclude that the jeep wrangler has poor gas mileage.
But as mentioned, mileage differs depending on the type of car. SUVs have a low mpg, but the jeep wrangler does not perform baldy considering this fact. Therefore, if you don’t mind the low mpg of SUVs, then the wrangler would be an ideal choice for you.
Most jeep owners are aware of this fact and don’t seem to mind. We agree with them because an average of 17 to 29 mpg is not a bad score for such a vehicle.
Why Do Wranglers Have Bad Gas Mileage?
The Jeep Wranglers fuel economy has left many indecisive about the vehicle. But this inconsistency is linked to the wrangler’s boxy body. Some have described it as a brick on wheels. The angular shape of the wrangler is excellent for the outdoors but bad for gas mileage.
The shape of the wrangler makes it more susceptible to wind resistance. And the reduced airflow around the vehicle’s body makes it burn more gas. This is more gas than what a more aerodynamic car would at the same speed.
Similarly, the weight of the vehicle makes it less fuel-efficient. While the sturdy build of the car makes it ideal for off-road purposes, it also makes the wrangler burn fuel less efficiently.
And finally, the wrangler has an automatic transmission. 
Studies have shown automatic transmission vehicles have worse mileage than those with a manual transmission. Any jeep with an automatic transmission is likely getting worse mileage than one with manual transmission.
We will discuss some of the factors that affect the mileage of jeep wranglers in depth below.
Jeep Wrangler Models And Gas Mileage
Below is a short outline of models and years plus their gas mileage.
- The 2015 to 2013 Jeep Wrangler 4WD got 17 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with an average of 18 mpg.
- The 2015 to 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD got 16 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway with an average of 18 mpg.
- The 3.6 Liter Automatic 8 Speed Transmission 2018 – 2019 Jeep New Wrangler 4WD got 23 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with an average of 24 mpg.
- The 2.0 Liter/ 4 Cylinder Automatic 8 Speed Transmission Turbo 2018- 2020 Jeep New Wrangler Unlimited 4WD got 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with an average of 19 mpg.
- The 3.6 Liter / 6 cylinder Manual 6 Speed Regular Gas 2020 Jeep Wrangler 4WD got 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with an average of 23 mpg.
- The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4WD got 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with an average of 25 mpg.
- The 3.0 Liter Automatic 8 Speed Transmission Turbo 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel 4WD got 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with an average of 25 mpg.
2021 and 2022 and 2023 vehicles scored fuel economy ratings as follows:
- The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD 3.0 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Turbo, Diesel got 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway with an average of 25 mpg.
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD 3.0 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Turbo, Diesel got 22 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with an average of 23 mpg.
- The 2022 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4dr EcoDiesel 4WD 3.0 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Turbo, Diesel got 21 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway with an average of 23 mpg.
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 2.0 L, 4 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Turbo, Regular Gasoline got 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with an average of 22 mpg.
- The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 2dr 4WD 3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular Gasoline got 20 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with an average of 21 mpg.
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular Gasoline got 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway with an average of 21 mpg.
- The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 2dr 4WD 3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular Gasoline got 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with an average of 20 mpg.
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 3.6 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Regular Gasoline got 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway with an average of 20 mpg.
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 2dr 4WD 3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular Gasoline got 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway with an average of 20 mpg.
- The 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 3.6 L, 6 cyl, Manual 6-spd, Regular Gasoline got 17 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway with an average of 19 mpg.
- The 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4WD 6.4 L, 8 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Premium Gasoline got 13 mpg in the city and 17 mpg on the highway with an average of 14 mpg.
- 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4dr 4xe 2.0 L 4 cyl, Automatic 8-spd, Turbo Hybrid returns the best gas mileage when used in electric and gas mode for a combined EPA estimate of 49 MPGe
- 2023 models remain unchanged from 2022 models. The 4xe continues to deliver the best fuel mileage while the 6.4L V8 delivers the worst at 14 MPG combined
Jeep Wrangler Generational Changes In Gas Mileage
The jeep wrangler comes in four commercially made generations: JL, JK, TJ, and YJ. Like all good manufacturers, jeeps improved the gas mileage of the vehicles with every generation. The models in each year also saw gas mileage changes.
- First Generation YJ
The first generation YJ had two engine options: a 4.2L AMC inline-six and a four-cylinder. Neither provided drivers with impressive gas mileage. Neither engine got 18 mpg on the highway, with the four-cylinder 17 mpg in the city and six-cylinder scoring 14 mpg in town. Additionally, neither of the engines got over 180 horsepower, but customers did not seem to mind.
- Second Generation TJ
Unfortunately, the second-gen TJ did not do better. It also came with two options: four-cylinder and 4.0L inline-six. The four-cylinder got 16 to19 mpg while the inline-six got 14 to 17 mpg. However, manufacturers were impressed with improved horsepower on the six cylinder. It reached 190 thanks to engine tweaks. The four-cylinder never got over 120 horsepower.
- Third Generation JK
The third generation saw a drastic change in bulk. It sported an increase of over 1000 pounds, and if the manufacturers had not included a more powerful engine, fuel economy would have been a nightmare.
The manufacturers added a sixth gear and provided two options: a four-cylinder and a 3.8L V6. The four-cylinder got 16 to 19 mpg while the V6 got 15 to 18 mpg.
The manufacturer discontinued the four-cylinder and modified the 3.6L V6 engine with time. The standard six-speed manual option got 16 to 21 mpg while the automatic was down a mile on the highway.
- Fourth Generation JL
And finally, the newest generation came in 2018, and all models performed better than ever. All variants have a highway gas mileage of 23 or 24 mpg.
Most JL models get 17 to 18 mpg in the city. But new wranglers with the mild-hybrid eTorque system get 17 to 25 mpg, which is the best city gas mileage of the four-generation wranglers. It is safe to say that Jeep wranglers are improving, and we can expect even better for future vehicles.
Which Jeep Wrangler Has The Best Gas Mileage?
So, which jeep wrangler has the best fuel efficiency? Obviously, it is one of the newer ones. Since fuel economy is a hot topic among car owners, manufacturers are always trying to improve the fuel economy of their vehicles.
The most fuel efficient Jeep Wrangler is the 2022 Jeep Wrangler 4xe. This is a hybrid wrangler with a 2.0L 4 cylinder engine combined with electric motors. It can run fully on electric mode.
The Wrangler 4xe has a 40 mpg when driving in hybrid combination mode. It has 21 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. This is more than average for models with either a 3.6L V6 or the 6.4L V8.
Jeep manufacturers have begun manufacturing Hybrid motor and diesel engines. Both these get better fuel efficiency than standard gasoline engines. They also produce more power.
What Affects Jeep Wangler Fuel Efficiency?
The two main factors that affect a Jeep Wrangler’s fuel economy are the vehicle’s overall weight and poor aerodynamics. The car is shaped like a box and weighs about 3970 pounds alone. These factors give it a low mpg.
Aerodynamics
The goal of vehicle aerodynamics is to reduce drag, wind noise, and unwanted lift forces that come from driving at a higher speed, such as highway driving. The jeep wrangler is a heavy vehicle shaped like a box. This shape does nothing for aerodynamics.
The box shape makes it harder to cut through the air at faster speeds which are seen with today’s elevated speed limits. This makes the vehicle drag, and as a result, you burn more fuel when you drive at this rate.
Another factor that affects the aerodynamics of the wrangler is the hood. Wranglers are notorious for fluttering the hood. The air gets inside and does not come out. And since the stoke latches are made from malleable rubber, the hood flutters.
When the air gets trapped in the hood, the wrangler moves slower, and the engine works harder to move against the wind making you burn fuel quicker.
A lifted body also affects the wrangler’s aerodynamics. The higher the jeep’s body sits, the lower an air vortex is created. This will make your engine work harder to move the vehicle, causing you to burn more fuel.
Similarly, any added features that prevent the vehicle from cutting through the air smoother will affect fuel economy. Features such as big bumpers, lift bars, large tires, and large fender flares will lower the mpg of your jeep.
Weight
The average weight of a wrangler lies between 3910 and 4449 pounds. The manufacturers build the vehicle entirely out of steel and high-strength aluminum, which is why the vehicle is so heavy. But it also improves longevity and makes it ideal for going off-road. The weight drags the vehicle, and you will end up burning more to maintain highway speeds.
Other Factors
- Tire size. Jeep wrangler tires weigh about 36-73 lbs, which gives the vehicle a lot of extra weight. As you increase tire size, you increase the weight and rolling resistance of the tires. Rolling resistance is the energy your jeep needs to push tires and maintain a steady speed. Extra weight makes the engine work harder to move the tires.
- Overload. Every pound you add to your jeep wrangler will affect fuel economy. People often use wranglers to transport gear and store tools. This affects gas mileage.
- Driving habits. How you drive in real world conditions impact you mpg city and mpg highway. Using options like cruise control can help minimize fuel burn.
Does Driving Style Affect Jeep Wrangler Gas Mileage?
While there are no clear statistics for Jeep wranglers, studies have shown that your driving style can affect your vehicle’s gas mileage. EPA estimates show that driving aggressively can reduce gas mileage by 33%. Driving aggressively features rapidly stopping and starting, plus weaving in and out of traffic.
We cannot say for sure that driving your wrangler like this will affect gas mileage. However, aggressive driving is never a good idea, so you should avoid it. If not for fuel economy, then for safety.
How To Improve Jeep Wrangler Fuel Economy
You can do a few things for better gas mileage of your jeep wrangler. And don’t worry, it has nothing to do with premium gasoline.
- Maintain Your Engine. Ensure that you schedule regular engine check-ups—this includes cleaning, changing the oil, and installing new spark plugs.
- Install A Throttle Response Controller. Installing a throttle body controller eliminates the delay in jeep wrangler throttle systems. This will make your engine cool faster.
- Maintain Air Filters. Air filer maintenance will also help your car burn less fuel when moving at high speeds.
- Keep A Close Eye On Weight. And finally, remember that every added pound makes your car heavier and affects fuel economy. Therefore, ensure your vehicle is as light as it can be.
