2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon – All New Diesel: A Closer Look

Vehicle

The Jeep Wrangler is America’s favorite off-road vehicle, but for decades there has been a search to find an engine that offers maximum performance with good fuel economy. The latest V-6 and turbo four-cylinders work well, but a newly introduced turbo diesel may be the ultimate offering. This is what was delivered to us.

Text and photos by Chad Haire

Engine

In the horsepower department, the base 3.6-liter gas V-6 motor puts out 285, the 2.0-liter turbo-four 270, and this diesel comes in third at only 260. So why pick the diesel? Torque output! The 3.6 is last at 260 lbs./ft., the turbo four-second at 295, but this diesel blows them all away at first place with a whopping 442 lbs./ft. As a bonus, it reaches maximum capacity at only 1,400 rpm which is what we want for low-speed rock crawling!

There are those who have been doing aftermarket engine swap conversions to the Wrangler, dropping in a Dodge 5.7 liter Hemi V-8, which is a very expensive project. This does increases horsepower to 375, but torque only to 395. Since this diesel puts out 47 lbs,/ft. more, and at lower rpm, it is a more practical choice, and less expensive as well.

Another advantage is fuel economy. The V-6 is rated at 18/23, turbo-four is 22/24, with the diesel claimed at 22/29. Yes, diesel fuel usually costs a bit more than gasoline, but the turbo four requires a premium blend, which is hardly cheap to fill up.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

Price Sheet

So just how much does this new diesel cost? Jeep advertises it at $4,000 over the base V-6 which is accurate. What you find out later is you also have to order the 8-speed automatic transmission at $2,000. The manual transmission is not offered as it can't handle to massive torque output. But since the majority of Wrangler buyers get the automatic anyway; this will not be an issue. In terms of overall cost, the factory is loading up the ones seen in showrooms with plenty of options, which is why ours hit the $60K mark. This will be a common fee unless you special order from the factory to get a lower price.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

Fuel Door

When filling the tank with diesel fuel, you must also be sure to keep the other tank full (blue cap) with diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) to keep everything running.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

Emblem

The diesel Jeep comes with outside emblems on the body so all your fellow off-roaders will see you forked up the extra coin for the more potent engine.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

Shifter

The transfer case selector is not a dash-mounted electronic button as found on a more modern SUV, but an old fashioned stick shifter you grab by hand, which is the way Jeep owners want it. Also appreciated is the old fashioned manual emergency brake, a far better issue than the horrible electronic brakes we get stuck with today.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

Instrument Panel

The gauge cluster is modern, and easy to see, with plenty of useful information.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

HVAC

The climate controls are very easy to use. For some reason, the power window buttons are not located on the doors, but on the dash next to the HVAC knobs.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

POV

The massive torque of the diesel motor is a great asset for going on long trips over rough trails. It pulls like a tank and seems unstoppable. The Wrangler Rubicon has a smooth pavement ride, which is a surprise considering the large tires. Our real-world fuel economy was 23.7 mpg in 2,691 miles of testing according to the computer. Our worst was 13 mpg during serious low range driving on rough dirt trails.

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

Vehicle

The new diesel engine is just what you have wished for, and now it is here. Stop dreaming. Get one and start driving!

>>Join the conversation about the 2020 Wrangler Rubicon right here in our forum.

For help with your do-it-yourself maintenance and repair projects, visit our how-to section right here in the forum.