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2020 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Ecodiesel. Photo: Courtesy of Jeep
When the ice and snow hit Michigan last weekend, I was fortunate to be testing a 2020 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara Ecodiesel.
Why it matters: If you're going to be tackling rough roads, any Jeep is handy, especially the capable 4x4 Wrangler. But with 442 pound-feet of torque from the new diesel power plant, you can drive over just about anything.
The big picture: This is the first diesel-powered Wrangler, joining the standard 3.6-liter V-6 and 2.0-liter hybrid turbo-4. It's as much about fuel economy as it is about extra torque and driving performance.
- The EPA rates the EcoDiesel Wrangler at 22/29/25 mpg city/highway/combined, making it the most fuel-efficient version of the World War II-inspired SUV.
- Next year, Jeep will begin electrifying its lineup with plug-in hybrid versions of the Compass, Renegade and yes, even the Wrangler.
My thought bubble: The raw and rough-riding Wrangler is not the SUV you want for a daily driver (even though it seems half the youth in my neighborhood are tooling around in one). It'll rattle your teeth and toss you around.
- The growling diesel engine (a $4,000 option) only adds to its charm.
- And at $56,945 for the four-door I tested, the price is steep.
- But the go-anywhere Wrangler is a reliable friend in rough weather.
Go deeper: See what else Joann has been driving