The four-door Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 4×4 is fitted with a 3.8-liter V6 engine that can be mated to either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The Wrangler’s V6 produces 202 horsepower (HP) and 237 foot pounds of torque.

The EPA’s fuel economy estimates for the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 are 15 city / 19 highway miles per gallon (MPG) with both the manual and automatic transmissions. (The 2WD Sport 4×2 and Sahara 4×2 are rated slightly higher, at 15/20)

We put more than five hundred miles on the odometer of our automatic-equipped Red Rock Crystal Pearl review unit over a range of terrain and were able to squeak past the official mileage estimates with an average of 22.1 MPG on the Interstate highway and 17.9 MPG combined.

Interstate Mileage Testing:
Cruise control set to 68 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 21.2 MPG
Cruise control off, target speed 60-72 MPH, A/C off, windows up: 23.1 MPG

Overall test period temperatures ranged from the mid-fifties through the low eighties, with Interstate highway testing temperatures in the sixties. Highway tests were performed with the removable top on the vehicle.

The Wrangler’s 3.8-liter engine runs on regular unleaded fuel. The 22.5 gallon capacity gas tank provides a good amount of range.

There’s no mistaking the Wrangler for a speed demon, as it takes a leisurely trot up to highway speeds.

We had the opportunity to run our test unit through a variety of conditions, including miles upon miles of sand roads crisscrossing Wharton State Forest in the heart of the Jersey Pinelands. We found the Wrangler Unlimited to be most at home when off the beaten path. While the highway ride is smooth, it can be a bit bouncy in-town.

Although the Wrangler includes an average fuel economy display as standard equipment, it lacks a real-time fuel economy gauge. We used an aftermarket AutoMeter EcoMeter throughout testing in order to achieve higher fuel efficiency through light-footed driving.

The Wrangler Unlimited rides on a 116-inch wheelbase that’s stretched 20.6-inches over the standard Wrangler. This allows for a generous amount of passenger room and cargo capacity. 46.4 cubic feet of cargo space is available when the 60/40 rear seats are up and a whopping 83 cubic feet of space is available when the rear seats are down. Underfloor storage provides additional space to store items away from prying eyes.

Rear seating is designed to accommodate three, with plenty of leg and headroom.

A subwoofer-equipped 368-watt 7-speaker Infinity sound system is standard in the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. Our test unit was fitted with the optional Uconnect Navigation and audio system, which includes a 30 gigabyte hard disk drive (HDD) for music storage.

While there are both USB and audio input jacks, USB performance is limited. The system does not work directly with iPod menus and cannot play music downloaded from the iTunes Store unless converted to MP3 format (or run through the audio input jack). Music files can be downloaded to the HDD from USB devices or ripped from audio CDs.

The look may be retro, but the modern conveniences are covered. True to Jeep tradition, the doors are removable, even though they include power windows and locks. There are two power outlets at the base of the dash. While our test unit was not equipped with it, a Bluetooth option is available. Although we’ve gotten a bit lost in the Pinelands in previous outings, off-roading with a satellite navigation system on-board is like having a little bird on your shoulder.

Make no mistake about it … this is a serious four-wheeler, not a fashion accessory. Four wheel disc brakes, a Dana 44 heavy duty rear axle, skid plates (for the transfer case and fuel tank), Command-Trac Shift-on-the-fly 4WD, and Hill Assist are standard, along with two front two hooks and one rear tow hook. The Wrangler Unlimited rides on 18 x 7.5 inch machined cast aluminum wheels shod with P225/70R18 On-/Off-Road Tires. A full size spare is standard issue.

The Wrangler Unlimited comes standard with Jeep’s Sunrider soft top. We highly recommend adding a hard top. The optional three-piece modular Freedom hard top includes a rear window wiper/defroster and is reasonably priced. One person can easily remove or install the front sections of the Freedom top.

All-in-all, the Jeep Wranger Sahara Unlimited 4×4 continues to fill a unique niche by delivering dependable off-road performance, in-cabin technology, iconic design, and open air motoring, along with plenty of cargo capacity and passenger space. If you want to get there with four doors and an open roof, the Wrangler Unlimited is the only game in or out of town.

Curb Weight: 4,269 pounds – manual, 4,294 – automatic.
Final Assembly Point: Toledo, Ohio
Country of Origin: Engine – United States, Transmission – United States
U.S/Canadian Parts Content: 57%

Not finding the elusive big screen, I trekked down to the show floor only to find an empty space where the Chevy Volt prototype had sat the previous day. With the coffee kicking in, I recalled an email tip. The Volt was over on Capitol Hill, waiting for the cameras and throngs.

So I hopped in a cab with my video gear and headed over to Capitol Hill, not knowing exactly where the cars might be found. A kindly Supreme Court police officer pointed me in the direction of a Senate police outpost, where I was steered to the exact location on the corner of Delaware Avenue and 3rd Street.

As I approached the corner I could see the bow tie on the grille. There it was: the ultra-clean Volt prototype, fresh off the EDTA show floor, along with a generic Malibu and a stickered-up E85 Escape Hybrid, sitting next to the Jeep EV and Dodge EV ENVI cars.

Hardly anyone was around when I got there. I stood there for quite some time, my jaw no doubt agape.

Although I’d shot the Volt earlier in the week inside the Washington Convention Center, seeing it on the street, and seeing it move under its own power, was a very cool experience … it was one of those days where I felt truly blessed to have had my camera and gear with me and to be able to do what I’m doing.

It went from great to outrageous. Seeing the Volt was one thing. Riding in the Dodge EV was something else, altogether.

While I was only witness to a few brief bursts of EV acceleration, I have to say it was nothing like anything I’ve experienced in a motor vehicle. With no wait for the power band to kick in, the delivery of high-powered electric propulsion is nothing short of amazing. It’s all about immediate torque. If you love driving diesels, think about 480 foot pounds of instant (and silent) thrust.

Many thanks to the wonderful folks at GM and Chrysler for allowing me to shoot this video with remarkable access, and for the friendliness of the officers in the District. Lou, I owe you one.

The technology in these cars represent the future of the American automobile industry and show, without a doubt, that the electric motor can earn a place in the hearts of all, from those whose interest in cars is purely for transportation to full-bore life long automotive enthusiasts.

The future is electric.

Although a manual transmission had been available starting with the 2002 Liberty, all 2009 Liberty models are fitted with a four-speed automatic transmission, exclusively. A more fuel efficient 2.4-liter four cylinder engine was available in the 2003 through 2005 Liberty.

The 2005 and 2006 model years were a high-water mark for the Jeep Liberty with regard to mileage. 2005/2006 Liberty CRD was fitted with a VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 160 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque. While the diesel produced roughly the same mileage figures as the conventional gasoline-powered four cylinder, the diesel’s torque advantage was massive.

Unfortunately, the VM Motori engine could not pass the tightened emissions requirements in the 2007 model year, forcing Chrysler to discontinue sales of the Liberty CRD in the USA. That did not stop the company from continuing to install the VM Motori engine in overseas-bound vehicles, however. Diesel Liberty sales continue to this day … just not in America.

2002-2009 Jeep Liberty Gas Mileage

The 2009 Jeep Wrangler comes with a standard 3.8 liter V6 producing 202 horsepower and 237 foot pounds of torque. The V6 can be fitted with a 6-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmission. Command-Trac Shift-on-the-Fly 4WD is standard on the base and Sahara packages, while the 4:1 Rock-Trac Part-Time 4WD is standard on the Rubicon. A 3.21 axle ratio is standard issue on the base and Sahara, with optional 3.73 gearing. The Sahara is fitted with 4.10 gearing.

European Jeep Wranglers can be ordered with a VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 302 foot pounds of torque. With a six-speed manual transmission, the two-door diesel Wrangler covers 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds. The diesel’s torque advantage is matched by a sizable gain in mileage, with approximate ratings of 28.3 highway / 18.5 city when converted to US gallon equivalents.

Related: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4×4 Review

Jeep Wrangler Gas Mileage: 1987 – 2009

After opening remarks from diesel hot rodding legend Gale Banks, attention turned to the race course laid out though the parking lots of the Rio Hotel and a generous selection of Euro-diesel gems from Bosch’s fleet.

Attendees were treated to some of the finest examples of diesel engineering currently prowling the streets of Europe, including a Honda Accord i-CDTi and i-CDTi CR-V, Chrysler 300, BMW 535d M Sport, Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, and a Mercedes-Benz E320.

Two of the newest and smallest additions to Bosch’s fleet proved to be the hits of the evening, with the MINI Cooper D and BMW 123d M Sport hot hatchbacks especially well suited to the tight curves of the Rio track.

For those that had never driven a modern clean diesel vehicle, the event was an eye opener, with each vehicle delivering exceptional performance and economy in their respective classes.

For attendees that missed the event … there’s always next year …

The tiny Bluetec diesel engine does not propel the car. It’s merely a generator that recharges the Lithium-Ion batteries (a la the Chevy Volt). The Renegade concept’s battery pack has a 40 mile range.

Who could resist a 110 MPG Hot Wheels car sprung to life, complete with a pair of scuba diver propulsion devices on the rear deck lid and a hose-out interior?

The Renegade Concept isn’t just the perfect beach house accessory … it could fill a very cool niche for beach patrols looking for a maneuverable, economical and green solution to lessen the dependence on gas-hungry SUVs and pickup trucks.

Here’s hoping that Jeep gives their little green gem the green light for production …

35 MPG can be an immediate reality, with one domestic manufacturer, if the United States government would only allow it to happen. Our elected representatives need to be aware of the facts and make the appropriate decisions.

Chrysler is uniquely positioned among the Big Three US automakers. Unlike Ford and General Motors, Chrysler is already building a slew of high-MPG diesel-powered vehicles right here in the United States.

Amazing as it may seem in these difficult times, Chrysler is not allowed to sell those cars domestically, due to recently tightened emissions regulations. With the exception of the domestically-available Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel, all of Chrysler’s North American manufactured high-MPG diesel-equipped vehicles are being shipped abroad.

Each and every one of Chrysler’s European models is available with a diesel engine, with the exception of the Dodge Viper. In fact, a diesel engine can be found under the hood of more than 50% of the vehicles that Chrysler sells in Europe.

All-in-all, a dozen Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep diesel-engined models are currently available outside of the United States, but are not sold domestically.

Here’s the eye-opener … half of those models currently achieve 35 miles per gallon combined.

That’s 35 MPG … right now.

And what’s even more crazy? All of these 35 MPG cars and SUVs are built in North American plants by North American workers … American citizens cannot buy and drive the fuel-efficient cars they build.

The thriftiest of the bunch delivers nearly 50 MPG on the highway … and it’s no dog off the line, turning in 0-62 mile per hour (MPH) times under nine seconds. The fastest in the pack delivers 7.6 second 0-62 times and 35.6 MPG on the highway.

Needless to say, these are wonderful world-class cars, a world apart from your Uncle’s noisy, slow, smelly 80’s-era diesel.

The Mercedes-Benz V6 diesel-equipped Jeep Grand Cherokee is the first US-built passenger vehicle to meet the tougher Federal emissions requirements. With the emissions work done on the Mercedes’ 3.0 liter engine, we expect the Chrysler 300 to be the next diesel-powered domestic, as it shares the same powerplant. (At present, diesel 300s are being built in Graz, Austria.)

Chrysler is using four different diesel engines, in all:

• 2.0 liter Volkswagen turbo-diesel inline four (Avenger, Caliber, Compass, Journey, Sebring, Patriot)
• 2.2 liter Mercedes-Benz inline four (PT Cruiser)
• 2.8 liter VM Motari inline four (Cherokee, Grand Voyager, Nitro, Wrangler)
• 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz V6 (300, Commander, Grand Cherokee)

What if the federal government temporarily rolled back the emissions requirements for one or two years, to allow the sale of these fuel-sipping vehicles while Chrysler and its partners complete the engineering necessary to meet the current regulations?

Crazier schemes have been implemented to stimulate the economy, no doubt about that. But this one just might work … by spurring investment and putting people back to work.

As you ponder that thought, take a gander at a group of specifications that compare the European diesels with the most fuel-efficient engines in each of the US domestics …

Jeep Patriot Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Patriot Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Compass Diesel

Plant: Belvedere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel inline four cylinder engine, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed/2WD – more: Jeep Compass Gas Mileage Ratings)

Jeep Wrangler Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds (two door), 11.7 seconds (four door) when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.8 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

Jeep Cherokee (aka: Liberty) Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 161 HP and 295 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 11.2 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed/2WD)

(The 2.8 liter diesel engine was available in the domestic Jeep Liberty in the 2005 and 2006 model years.)

Jeep Commander Diesel

Plant: Jefferson North, MI
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 9.0 seconds when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter/V6/5-speed Auto/2WD or 4.7 liter/V8/5-speed Auto/2WD)

Chrysler 300 Diesel

Plant: Brampton, Ontario & Graz, Austria (diesels)
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 3.0 liter common rail diesel, producing 215 HP and 376 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 7.6 seconds – Sedan (Saloon), 8.6 seconds – Wagon (Touring), when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 2.7 liter V6/5-speed Auto)

Chrysler Grand Voyager (aka: Town & Country) Diesel

Plant: St. Louis (diesels)
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 161 HP and 339 265 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.3 liter V6/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Town and Country Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler PT Cruiser Diesel

Plant: Toluca, Mexico
Engine: Mercedes-Benz 2.2 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 148 HP and 221 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.8 second, when equipped with a five-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/5-speed Manual – more: Chrysler PT Cruiser Gas Mileage Ratings)

Chrysler Sebring Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Chrysler Sebring Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Avenger Diesel

Plant: Sterling Heights, MI
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 12 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 2.4 liter I4/4-speed auto – more: Dodge Avenger Gas Mileage Ratings)

Dodge Caliber Diesel

Plant: Belvidere, IL
Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel, producing 138 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 8.8 seconds when equipped with a six-speed manual transmission.

(Domestic: 1.8 liter I4/5-speed manual)

Dodge Nitro Diesel

Plant: Toledo, Ohio
Engine: VM Motori 2.8 liter common rail diesel four cylinder, producing 174 HP and 339 302 foot pounds of torque. 0-62 MPH in 10.5 second when equipped with a five-speed automatic transmission.

(Domestic: 3.7 liter V6/6-speed manual)

Dodge Journey Diesel (Coming Soon)

Plant: Toluca, Mexico

Engine: Volkswagen 2.0 liter common rail turbo-diesel four cylinder, producing 140 HP and 229 foot pounds of torque. Equipped with a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

Mileage figures yet to be released.

Footnotes:

(1) MPG figures were converted from UK urban/extra-urban/combined mile per British gallon estimates for the purposes of this report, using publicly available data.

(2) Chrysler assembles, but does not manufacture, diesel-powered Dodge Sprinter Vans in Charleston, South Carolina. Mercedes-Benz ships the parts from Europe.

(3) Cummins diesel engines are a popular domestic option in heavy-duty models of the Dodge Ram pickup. Dodge is poised to extend diesel engines throughout the range.

Make that three manufacturers and two engines …

While it may be news to many folks, Jeep began offering a Mercedes-Benz diesel option in the Grand Cherokee back in 2007. The combination of a Jeep soul with a Mercedes heart is tough to beat.

The 3.0 liter Mercedes-Benz common rail diesel (CRD) is well-suited to the Grand Cherokee, producing 215 horsepower and a very healthy 376 foot pounds of torque. The torque figures put the diesel on a par with the 4.7 liter V-8 (305 HP and 334 foot pounds of torque) and 5.7 liter HEMI V-8 (330 HP and 375 foot pounds of torque). It’s an even match up when it come to grunt, but when it comes to fuel efficiency, the 3.0 liter CRD shines.

2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4WD EPA Mileage Estimates:

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Over the test period, our Grand Cherokee’s turbo-diesel delivered endless torque as it turned in a very respectable 21.6 miles per gallon (MPG) combined, with 24.3 MPG on the highway. Those are excellent numbers for a 5000 pound Trail-Rated SUV with full-time four-wheel drive. When it comes to 4WD capabilities, this isn’t a poseur … it’s the real thing.

Driving the diesel Grand Cherokee is different from any other green SUV. The power comes on right off the line and doesn’t stop. The engine makes its presence known when the throttle is dropped, but the din isn’t obtrusive.

While the steering feels heavier than the Lexus 400h or Ford Escape Hybrid, it’s not heavy in a bad way … it feels solid at freeway speeds where a lighter SUV might dance a bit in crosswinds.

It’s a solid ride with understated luxury.

As it stands, the diesel option is quite compelling. Some tweaks could put it over the top.

At 65 miles per hour, the Grand Cherokee’s CRD engine turns at roughly 2500 RPM. It seems like the transmission might benefit from an additional overdrive gear to drop the revs and pick up a mile per gallon or two at highway speeds.

An aero package could yield benefits, as well … as the Grand Cherokee isn’t the most aerodynamic SUV out there.

Diesel SUVs?

They’re’ as American as German Apple Pie …

After completing a two-week review of the CRD-equipped Grand Cherokee, we’re convinced of not just the domestic viability of diesel-power for SUVs and other passenger vehicles, but of the inevitability of of the technology, if only given the chance to succeed in the United States.

Chrysler is to be commended for sticking to plan. There are huge benefits to come from efficient diesel-powered SUVs running on domestically sourced fuel. We hope to see a full line of Jeep diesels available here in America in the near future.

Grand Cherokee Diesel courtesy of Bosch

For those with unapologetic lead feet (and little concern with mundane things like gas mileage), there’s the thrill-filled, chart-topping, HEMI-powered Grand Cherokee SRT8 (pictured above).

Here’s the complete rundown on the 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s range of engine choices:

• 3.0 liter CRD turbo diesel V-6 producing 215 horsepower (HP) and 376 foot pounds of torque
• 3.7 liter V-6, producing 210 HP and 235 foot pounds of torque
• 4.7 liter V-8, producing 305 HP and 334 foot pounds of torque
• 5.7 liter Multi Displacement HEMI V-8 producing 330 HP and 375 foot pounds of torque
• 6.1 liter SRT HEMI V-8, producing 420 HP and 420 foot pounds of torque

The Mercedes-Benz turbo-diesel engine is an option in the Grand Cherokee Limited and Overland models. It is not available in CA, CT, MA, ME, NY, PA, RI, and VT.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Gas Mileage – 1993-2008

Note: the EPA tweaked their testing procedure, starting with the 2008 model year, with the end result being that the 2008 MPG estimates are now lower than previous years. As always, YMMV.

Simply put, the aerodynamics and vehicle weight of the bulkiest SUVs cause gas mileage to suffer, leading to many a painful transaction at the pump. The trick is to get small(er), lighter, and more slippery. Credit Subaru for getting the ball rolling with popularizing economical 4WD drive passenger cars in the early days. Since 1997, every vehicle Subaru’s offered in America has been all wheel drive.

These days, it’s not just Subaru. There are plenty of four wheel drive choices that are neither truck nor SUV. And forget the notion of pint-sized economy cars. You’ll find a generous helping of 4WD luxury from manufacturers including Audi, Volvo, Cadillac, and Lexus … in fact, you’ll find many of their offerings in the 2008 list of best gas mileage four wheel drives.

Purists will gladly share that there’s a difference between four wheel drive and all wheel drive (AWD). And surely there is … but for a great many folks, it comes down to two simple questions: will it go in the snow and will I go broke feeding it?

At the other end of the spectrum, the little Suzuki SX4 delivers plenty of bang for the buck, by combining the best four wheel drive gas mileage with a low sticker price (for those who don’t just think miles per gallon … but miles per dollar.)

Along with its corporate cousins, the Ford Escape Hybrid proves the exception to the rule as the highest all around mile per gallon (MPG) four wheel drive vehicle. If you can’t get a great deal on an Escape Hybrid at your local Ford dealer, take a look at the Mercury Mariner Hybrid. And if you happen to live in Southern California, the Mazda Tribute Hybrid HEV might be an option … as long as you’re able to snag one of the 350 Tribute HEVs built for this test market.)

2008 Best Gas Mileage Four Wheel Drives

• Audi A4
• Suzuki SX4
• Subaru Legacy
• Subaru Impreza
• Subaru Outback
• Jeep Compass
• Ford Escape Hybrid
• Jeep Patriot
• Subaru Forester
• Mazda Tribute Hybrid
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid
• Honda CR-V
• Volvo S60
• Volvo V50
• Volvo S40
• Toyota RAV4
• Cadillac CTS
• Cadillac STS
• Lexus IS 250
• Nissan Rogue