Jeep Wrangler Diesel Options Will Be Here For 2019

Los Angeles Auto Show will see new JL-series introduced, and a Jeep Wrangler Diesel will follow for 2019.

Last week a meeting was held by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles with selected dealers. The only topic for the meeting was the upcoming JL-series Wrangler. Details from that meeting have been sourced by the JL Wrangler Forums, and there are some juicy pieces of information in there. The revelation that a Jeep Wrangler Diesel will be available in 2019 is just one of them.

2018 JL-Series Drivetrain Options

The new model will have just two powertrain options for 2018. The first will be the turbocharged 2.0-liter inline four cylinder Hurricane engine that was already confirmed last year. The horsepower rating hasn’t been disclosed yet, but we suspect that if it’s not 300-hp then it’ll be very close.

We now know for certain that it will only be available with an automatic transmission: the new 8-speed 850RE.

The second option will be an updated version of the Pentastar V6. We expect a significant boost from the current 285-hp it has on offer. There will be the option for an automatic transmission for the V-6. However, for those of us who like to row our own, there will be the manual transmission as standard. We assume at this point the manual will be a six-speed.

ALSO SEE: What Forum Members Have to Say

The gas-engine production models should ship to dealers around mid to late December 2017.

What About That Jeep Wrangler Diesel?

We now know that the diesel engine will be introduced to the lineup, but not until the 2019 model year. It looks like it will be the VM Motori 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 currently used in Ram and Jeep vehicles. The vehicle models currently powered by the diesel V6 are currently the subject of a lawsuit over EPA and CARB regulations. Therefore it’s going to take a while to shake out. Another model year does give FCA time to fix the issues and make sure it won’t be having more trouble over the engine. Whether that’s exactly why the diesel is not coming until 2019 is still speculation at this point.

Anything Else?

There were a few other interesting things that came up from the meeting.

The JLU will have a longer wheelbase and the Rubicon will have 33-inch tires. Although it’s a new model, most aftermarket parts will still fit. Push button start and engine start-stop technology are also confirmed.

To help those of us with bad backs there will be manual lumbar support adjustment. Then to help some of us sleep at night, the lug tool is now going to be in metric

Also listed at the meeting was a list of colors:

• White
• Black
• Granite Crystal
• Billet Silver
• Blue
• Orange
• Red
• Baja Yellow

Before the 2018 year model is released, we suspect that list to be updated.

Ian Wright

Ian Wright has been a professional writer for two years and is a regular contributor to Corvette Forum, Jaguar Forum, and 6SpeedOnline, among other auto sites.

His obsession with cars started young and has left him stranded miles off-road in Land Rovers, being lost far from home in hot hatches, going sideways in rallycross cars, being propelled forward in supercars and, more sensibly, standing in fields staring at classic cars. His first job was as a mechanic and then trained as a driving instructor before going into media production.

The automotive itch never left though, and he realized writing about cars is his true calling. However, that doesn’t stop him from also hosting the Both Hand Drive podcast.

Ian can be reached at bothhanddrive@gmail.com