The next-gen Jeep Wrangler is bound to arrive in 2018 and things are going to be very different with the future vehicle.
Following the introduction of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standard, Jeep will have to make many changes from the existing Wrangler to ensure that the future model is able to comply with the new ruling.
Rumours are indicating that the first major change is going to be with the Wrangler’s transmission. Instead of the usual 6-speed automatic, the Wrangler will wear an 8-speed automatic gearbox. The extra shifts are expected to aid in reducing fuel consumption by as much as 9%.
This is evident with the 2014 RAM 1500 and the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Both vehicles are able to offer great fuel mileage with the 8-speed transmission and so will the next-gen Wrangler.
Also, the rumours are tipping Jeep to build the Wrangler with aluminium. The metal will ensure that the next-gen Wrangler is light and this can only mean well for the fuel consumption.
Of course rumours are still rumours and they are best taken with a pinch of salt. For us, we are expecting Jeep to replace the 3.5L V6 with a smaller displacement motor. Doing so will surely improve on the average 19mpg rating that the existing Wrangler offers.
