There is no doubt to the fact that the Jeep Wrangler is an iconic model within the new Jeep lineup. Its off-road capabilities and signature shape have made it loved by many throughout our country. But, with fuel economy ratings and CAFÉ standards lurking on the horizon, the popular SUV will have to undergo a series of changes to comply with new regulations.
Currently, the Jeep Wrangler gets roughly 21 mpg, which isn't bad, but doesn't sit with some of the more fuel-efficient vehicle on the market. To act in accordance with CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards), this number will need to improve in the relatively near future. As explained by Dave Sullivan, an analyst with AutoPacific Inc., "There's nothing that's going to be immune from the wrath of CAFE as we move forward. The Wrangler is a very high volume vehicle so it's definitely going to have an [e]ffect on CAFE. They're going to wait as long as possible before they have to make those changes, but that being said they have a whole arsenal of things they can do."1
By year 2025, governmental mandates require all automotive companies to have a corporate average fuel economy of 54.5 miles. This means that the average fuel economy of all vehicles across an automakers lineup must meet or exceed 54.5 miles. This also means Jeep may have to look into alternative engine options including hydrogen- and electric- variants in the future.
At the moment there is no official plan of action to improve fuel economy for the Wrangler. Ideas have been talked about including a redesign of the vehicles body using light-weight materials and improving aerodynamics. There has also been talk of diesel options. When more information on this topic becomes available we will be sure to let you know here on the La Porte Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM blog.
Source: 1http://www.toledoblade.com/Automotive/2013/08/06/Jeep-ponders-slimmer-Wrangler.html