Many people are drawn to the Jeep Wrangler. It’s a popular off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness, heavy-duty performance, and being a pretty good drive all around. However, one concern owners and potential buyers have with this off-road beast is its fuel economy, also known as gas mileage.
Let’s look into the various factors that affect the Jeep Wrangler’s gas mileage and what you can do to improve it.
Factors That Affect the Jeep Wrangler’s Gas Mileage
Originating from the civilian Jeep after the Second World War, the Jeep Wrangler is designed with heavy-duty performance in mind. As an off-road vehicle, it is built to last.
However, averaging the gas mileage of the Wrangler’s significant years—2015 to 2020—we’ll get an average of 18 to 20 MPG (miles per gallon). That number is pretty low, and some people who are considering buying this Jeep model will think twice about doing so.
For such a low number to make sense, here are some factors that affect change in a Jeep Wrangler’s gas mileage.
Driving Habits
One of the most common culprits that lead to the Wrangler’s low gas mileage is its owner’s driving habits. Bad driving habits that cause the gas mileage to drop include excessive idling (being parked for more than 30 seconds while the engine is running), revving the engine too much, aggressive driving (frequent heavy braking and quick acceleration), and more. Speeding on the highway, going on short trips, and heading out during cold weather can also lower a Jeep’s fuel efficiency.
Engine Size
Generally speaking, the larger the size of the engine, the more fuel it consumes. This is because larger engines require more energy to move the entire vehicle. And the more fuel a vehicle burns, the lower its gas mileage becomes.
Then again, the relationship between engine size and gas mileage isn’t always straightforward, because there are larger engines with advanced technology that improves their fuel consumption.
Terrain
Driving on rough terrain can also negatively affect the gas mileage of a Jeep Wrangler. Sure, it’s awesome to drive your Jeep through off-road paths, but the constant stop-and-go movement when navigating tough landscapes is precisely the kind of thing that leads to increased fuel consumption and poor mileage overall.
Tire Pressure
Maintaining proper tire pressure is vital in maximizing fuel efficiency. Underinflated tires cause increased rolling resistance, making the engine work harder and burn more fuel to move the entire vehicle, thus reducing its gas mileage.
How You Can Improve Your Gas Mileage
Now we share some steps you can take to improve your Jeep Wrangler’s gas mileage.
The first thing you can do is to adjust your driving habits. Try to avoid driving aggressively, and maintain a steady speed while driving along the highway. Also, your engine still burns fuel even in its idle state, so don’t keep it running when you’re parked. You’re better off just turning it off and then on again when you’re ready to go.
Be sure to use the recommended grade of fuel for your vehicle. Using a higher-grade fuel than necessary might hurt your fuel efficiency.
Regular maintenance can help keep your Jeep Wrangler running efficiently. Always keep up with routine maintenance checks, including oil changes and air filter replacements.
Also, check the tire pressure of your vehicle regularly. Ensure your tires are properly inflated for either highway or off-road driving, depending on your needs. According to the US Department of Energy’s Fuel Economy website, inflating your tires to the proper pressure will improve your gas mileage by about 3%.
There are other factors that affect a Jeep Wrangler’s gas mileage, including vehicle weight, aerodynamics, and transmission type. Always consider these factors when you think of adding modifications to your Jeep because these might cause some issues.
You may also want to look at our recommended Jeep Wrangler upgrades for off-roading.
Keep Your Jeep Wrangler Fuel-Efficient
Many factors can lower the gas mileage of a Jeep Wrangler, but by maintaining good driving habits and regularly maintaining your vehicle, you can improve your fuel efficiency and save money on fuel costs.
Trying to improve your Wrangler’s gas mileage may seem like a chore, but it’s undoubtedly worth the effort. Of course, if you don’t mind having low mileage on your Jeep Wrangler, there’s also nothing wrong with simply enjoying the ride got and paying for the gas after.
