2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel Review

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler is available with a new 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel, which you'll see as an Ecodiesel option when purchasing or configuring a 2020 Wrangler. This is a big deal as it marks the return of a diesel option to the Wrangler for the first time since the CJ.

Although it's a new option for the Wrangler this year, we've seen the ecodiesel in the RAM 1500, and that particular engine is also featured in the 2020 RAM 1500 Ecodiesel. You can only choose the Ecodiesel on the four-door Wrangler, and it's a $4,000 upgrade over the Rubicon trim level we tested. You can add this to any of the 4-door trim levels.

With the new diesel engine under the hood, you can expect a combined 25mpg, 22mpg city and 29mpg on the highway. That's close to what we saw testing the new 2020 Wrangler Ecodiesel, and even with the smaller fuel tank (compared to the gas-powered 3.6-liter V6) you can keep going between fill-ups.

You don't have to trade a loud diesel sound for improved fuel economy. Inside the Wrangler, with the windows open, you only hear a typical engine noise when idling or when accelerating. On the outside, there's a slight difference to the 2020 Jeep Wrangler eTorque, but it's not overwhelming.

The Ecodiesel is more efficient, doesn't produce the typical diesel noise and offers a lot of torque.

There's considerable low-end torque, but you still have the power you need on the freeway when you want to overtake. While I haven't been able to take this particular model on a full off-road course, the low-end torque is something off-roaders will likely appreciate. The Rubicon features the 4:1 Rock-Trac Heavy Duty Part-Time 4WD system. If you opt for a lower trim level, you get the standard 2.72:1 option.

The diesel is mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission that shifts well through the gears to optimize torque and power. There is no manual option with the Ecodiesel. The ecodiesel adds 500 pounds to the Wrangler's curb weight, but the on-road driving experience on the Rubicon remained good. Jeep has significantly upgraded this aspect of the Wrangler from the JK to the JL body style, and it remains solid on the 2020 Wrangler with Ecodiesel. This model featured adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring, which are great for highway driving

I've become a fan of the 2020 Wrangler Ecodiesel, and it adds a very enticing option to the Wrangler lineup, which expands further with a Jeep Wrangler 4XE plug-in hybrid. The Ecodiesel is a great option, and after spending a week with it, Wrangler buyers should seriously consider the $4,000 upgrade even if gas prices return to more reasonable levels.

The 2020 Jeep Wrangler Ecodiesel is a great addition to the Wrangler powertrain options.

With the traditional hard top, you can easily remove the front part of the roof for an open-top driving experience and, with a little help, remove the top completely. This is a popular Jeep feature and something that's great for the summer. If you want to open and close your roof on the go, check out the Sky One-Touch Power Top option, which opens the top with the touch of a button.

Connectivity and technology options are excellent, with Uconnect supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto while keeping part of the screen visible for quick switching to Uconnect controls and off-road pages. I like that Jeep has a variety of charging ports, including USB, USB-C, 12V, and a standard outlet.

For more on the interior, technology, safety and convenience features, read our full 2020 Jeep Wrangler review.

By: 2020 Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel Review