The Jeep Wrangler is an icon of off-road capability and open-air freedom. For 2023/2024, Jeep offers five engine choices to power the Wrangler through any terrain while balancing fuel efficiency and performance.
From a torquey diesel to an earth-shaking V8, read on for an in-depth look at each of the 2023 Jeep Wrangler engine options.
Quick Answer Section: 2023 Jeep Wrangler Engine Options
- Turbocharged 2.0L I4: Efficient and responsive, perfect for city and highway drives.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6: Renowned for its reliability and power, offering robust performance off-road and on.
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6: Delivering outstanding torque for those demanding terrains and improved fuel efficiency.
- Plug-In Hybrid 2.0L Turbo: A green choice without compromising on the classic Wrangler power and agility.
- Upcoming Electric Variant: Jeep’s step into the future, combining sustainability with iconic design.
2023 Jeep Wrangler: A Comparison of Engine Specifications
| ENGINE | HORSEPOWER | TORQUE | MPG (City/Highway) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V-6 | 286 | 260 lb-ft | 17/25 |
| 3.6L Pentastar V-6 w/ eTorque | 286 | 260 lb-ft | 20/24 |
| 2.0-L Turbo I4 | 270 | 295 lb-ft | 22/24 |
| PHEV w/ 2.0L Turbo I4 | 375 | 470 lb-ft | 49 MPGe |
| 6.4L HEMI V-8 | 470 | 470 lb-ft | 13/17 |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 | 260 | 442 lb-ft | 22/29 |
2023 Jeep Available Engines
3.6L Pentastar V6
The standard engine for most Wrangler models is Fiat Chrysler’s 3.6L Pentastar V6. This engine makes a solid 286 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, which provides good acceleration whether you’re on pavement or navigating the trails.
Paired with either a six-speed manual or eight-speed automatic transmission, the Pentastar V6 returns 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. Respectable numbers given the Wrangler’s boxy shape.
An eTorque mild hybrid system is available for better fuel economy, improving those figures to 20 mpg city and 24 highway. The eTorque system uses a motor-generator to provide torque assist during acceleration and auto stop/start functionality.
2.0L Turbocharged I4
New for the 2018 model year, Jeep added a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to the engine lineup. This engine makes 270 horsepower and a stout 295 lb-ft of torque, giving it superior torque to the V6.
With the turbo 2.0L under the hood, fuel economy rises to 22 mpg city and 24 highway. The turbo four-cylinder comes exclusively with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission.
Performance doesn’t suffer with the smaller 2.0T engine. The abundant low-end torque provides plenty of power for off-road adventures while delivering better around-town drivability than the V6.
Plug-In Hybrid 4xe
Joining the Wrangler family last year was a new plug-in hybrid model dubbed the Wrangler 4xe. The 4xe powertrain combines a 2.0-liter turbo I4 with two electric motors, drawing power from a 17 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.
Together, the gas engine and electric motors produce 375 horsepower and a mammoth 470 lb-ft of torque – the most torque of any Wrangler. Despite the performance credentials, the 4xe returns an EPA-estimated 49 MPGe and can travel up to 21 miles on battery power alone.
Charging times are quick; you can replenish from 0 to 100% in under 2 hours from a Level 2 charger. With a full charge and gasoline, total driving range is 370 miles.
The 4xe powertrain provides unparalleled capability. You can creep along in near silence in EV mode, then fire up the turbo engine for serious power.
6.4L HEMI V8
The legendary HEMI V8 returns for 2023, powering the new Wrangler Rubicon 392. This 6.4-liter behemoth pumps out 470 horsepower and — you guessed it — 470 lb-ft of torque.
This makes the Rubicon 392 the most powerful Wrangler ever. A heavy-duty TorqueFlite 8-speed automatic is the only transmission offered to handle the V8’s brute force.
Efficiency takes a backseat with the HEMI; fuel economy checks in at just 13 mpg city and 17 highway. A cylinder deactivation system helps save fuel during light engine loads.
Of course, V8 rumble is the priority here. The HEMI announces itself through an active dual-mode exhaust for the most primal Jeep auditory experience yet.
3.0L EcoDiesel V6
Jeep also offers a diesel option in the Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6. This engine cranks out 260 horsepower and a very impressive 442 lb-ft of torque – more even than the V8.
The diesel engine prioritizes low-end grunt over high-rpm power, ideal for crawling up rocky inclines with minimal drama. The EPA pegs fuel economy at 22 mpg city and 29 highway. Not bad for a boxy, brawny 4×4.
Like the V8, the EcoDiesel comes exclusively with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic tuned for the diesel’s output characteristics. Jeep’s diesel is a great option for maximizing mileage and off-road control.
The Takeaway
There you have it – a fully detailed look at the five engine choices available for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler. From the frugal 2.0T to the ferocious V8 Rubicon 392, there’s a Wrangler powertrain perfect for every buyer.
Whichever engine you choose, the Wrangler delivers unmatched off-road mastery, open-air freedom, and plenty of power packed into its iconic design. When it’s time to build your dream Wrangler, be sure to choose the engine to match your priorities – fuel efficiency, performance, or trail-taming torque. Happy Jeeping!
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