2020 Sahara Unlimited Gets a Hybrid V6, 6-speed Manual
For Wrangler purists, the Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is still the JL’s go-to powerplant but come 2020, there will be some definite changes.
The JL Wrangler walks a very fine line. On the one hand, it gracefully upholds the tradition that goes all the way back to the Willys MB. It’s a rugged, body-on-frame, solid-axle, go-anywhere truck that’s as at home on the road as it is off. But the JL isn’t afraid to charge headlong into the future either. It offers a power convertible top. The available automatic transmission has eight forward gears. And, you can order a surprisingly good hybrid four-cylinder engine under the hood.
For Wrangler purists, the tried-and-true Pentastar 3.6-liter V6 is still the JL’s go-to powerplant. But come 2020, the idea of a hybrid Wrangler may become a bit more palatable. According to Car and Driver, Jeep is adding an eTorque variant of the Pentastar to the Wrangler engine lineup. But there are a few catches.
2020: New hybrid, new trim, new price
For one, the eTorque Pentastar will only be available on the Wrangler Unlimited Sahara. It will set you back an extra $1,000 for the hybrid-six. If you’re itching for that highly-rated eTorque four, you’ll be out $2,000. But the four only (some could say, tragically) comes with the eight-speed autobox. Jeep has rectified this with the six, which is available with the glorious six-speed manual. That should help you wring as much torque out of the eTorque as you’d like.
In other Jeep news, Wrangler prices will go up some $250 for all 2020 models, and a new mid-range trim line called Black & Tan (guess what colors it comes in) is new for the model year. For us, we’re excited by the prospect of FCA expanding Jeep’s hybrid lineup. We’re keeping two fingers crossed that the eTorque V6 Sahara makes a big enough splash that they expand the engine across the lineup. After all, it’s already a good system and it suits the JL surprisingly well.
For Jeep purists, a Wrangler hybrid may still be a bridge too far, at least in theory. But, who knows. Add it to the legendary Pentastar and tie it together with a six-speed manual, and see what happens. It might just be enough for a few die-hards to start thinking a little greener.
Photos: Car and Driver
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