New Jeep Wrangler offers better fuel economy. 08/29/2011
Chrysler is modifying the Jeep Wrangler for the 2012 model year, and one of the most noteworthy changes in an increase in fuel economy. The new car will have Chrysler's Pentastar V6 engine, which will warrant 21 miles per gallon on the highway and 17 mpg in the city, according to USA Today. While the mileage may not come close to 40-mpg fuel economy of some subcompact cars, it is certainly an improvement as the 2011 model, which only gets 19 mpg on the highway and 15 in the city.
"Our new 3.6-liter V6 engine gives the ever-capable Wrangler a completely new, more refined on-road driving experience - complete with more fuel efficiency, power and torque," Mike Manley, the president and CEO of Jeep, told Top Speed.
The new engine gets 260 pound-feet of torque and generates up to 285 horsepower, while the older model only got 230 lb-ft and 202 hp. Top Speed estimates that the base model of the new car will start around $23,000. U.S. News ranked the 2011 Wrangler 19 out of 23 affordable compact SUVs. The news source reports that reviewers liked the off-road capabilities, but felt that the Wrangler's handling is weaker on the road. Perhaps the new model will change their minds.
For drivers who want compact SUVs but don't plan on driving off the beaten path, there are other options, including the Subaru Forester. The Forester is less expensive, starting at $20,500, and the U.S News reviewers report that it is fun to drive. However, add-on features can quickly escalate the price.
The top three models in U.S. News' list of affordable compact SUVs are the Toyota RAV4, the Chevrolet Equinox and the Honda CR-V.