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EPA posts 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited fuel economy

When Jeep loosed a trio of 2018 Wrangler photos in October, Jeep cognoscenti parried over details like radio antenna placement and painted tailgate hinges, while every other viewer merely noted, "It's still a Wrangler." Now that the Environmental Protection Agency's listed fuel economy ratings for the 2018 Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.6-liter V6, Jeep savants will again parry over details. Every other viewer will merely note, "It's still got Wrangler gas mileage." According to the EPA, the current Wrangler Unlimited with the 3.6-liter V6 and six-speed manual clocks 16 miles per gallon in the city, 21 on the highway, and 18 combined. The 2018 version with the same six-speed manual comes in at 17/23/19. Switching transmissions, the current model with the five-speed automatic hooks up 16/20/18, the 2018 model with an eight-speed automatic does 18/23/20. Those numbers might not jump off the page, yet according to the EPA's cost calculator, you'll save $250 per year on gas with the eight-speed auto 2018 Wrangler Unlimited, $150 per year with the coming six-speed manual. The eight-speed auto option also exceeds Chrysler's prediction from 2014 of a nine-percent improvement in fuel economy over the five-speed auto. Now we wait for numbers on the dark horse four-cylinder, which we'd expect to best the sixer's numbers, unless the rumors are true and the four-pot really is packing every wild horse it can handle. In that case, we'll turn to the EcoDiesel for frugal kicks. If we don't find out beforehand, we can expect those goodies and more at the LA Auto Show in December. Related Video: News Source: FuelEconomy.gov via Motor Trend Auto News Government/Legal Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles

2018 Jeep Wrangler will keep classic hood style

One of our spy photographers caught some FCA employees poking around under the hood of a 2018 Jeep Wrangler prototype. They had the hood open wide, and because of that, we can catch a couple little details that tell us a bit more about the exterior styling of the Wrangler. Mainly that some of the Wrangler's signature hood details will remain for the new generation. The first details we caught were the bolt holes in the hood at the base near the hinges. These show that, as with the previous model of Wrangler, the 2018 model will feature chunky, rugged-looking external hood hinges. We can also infer that if these hinges remain, the doors will likely have matching ones, and those will hopefully still be removable. The second details we spotted were a bit more subtle. On the sides of the hood towards the leading edge, there are some indentations. Based on the positioning, and their small size, we believe these are the indentations for external tie-down latches for the hood, just like the old model. Actually, just like pretty much every Wrangler-style Jeep back to the military models used in World War II. Based on a report last week from JL Wrangler Forums, we are expecting to see the fully revealed 2018 Jeep Wrangler and its classic hood details at this year's LA auto show. It is then expected to arrive at dealers in December with both V6 and four-cylinder engine offerings. Related Video: Featured Gallery 2018 Jeep Wrangler Hood Spy Shots Image Credit: KGP Photography Spy Photos Jeep SUV Off-Road Vehicles

Jeep Comanche Moab Concept: Hell yeah!

The moment I saw the Jeep Renegade I knew it was a winner, at least in terms of styling. The Renegade's "face" is exactly what small 21st-century Jeeps should look like. It has loads of Jeep's visual heritage DNA – important! – that has been brought up-to-date in the best possible way. (Now if only they could graft that face on to the new-ish Cherokee...). Where the Renegade falls short is what's under the skin. Thanks to misguided marketing, it is saddled with a rather unremarkable USA-spec 2.4L four, undersized tires, so-so ground clearance, an iffy 9-speed automatic, and a questionable (available) low range. I don't mind the independent suspension; in fact I embrace it, as IFS/IRS is the future in terms of off-road suspension design. So, for me, the Renegade is a close-but-no-cigar vehicle, at least as it currently stands. This new Comanche, however, shows how the Renegade can evolve; both as a 4-door SUV, and in terms of how spin-off models can be developed. Big beefy tires, flared out fenders, and great ground clearance are the main ingredients that make this work visually. Still wish for a 3.6L V6 under the hood, but the 2.0L diesel isn't a bad alternative. Anyway, I think a Comanche pickup makes more sense than the predicted Wrangler-based pickup. Why? I'm not big on retro-vehicles in general. Rarely do they survive long term. Besides, the Comanche would be far more civilized and livable. I could see this Comanche pickup as a daily driver much more so than a Wrangler-based pickup. Yeah, I like and value creature comforts over ultimate off-road ability. I think most pickup buyers would agree. Finally, while there is a large devoted Wrangler following who would love a Wrangler-based pickup, I bet this Renegade-based Comanche would bring more new customers into the Jeep tent – especially over a much wider age demographic. Related Video: Image Credit: FCA Jeep jeep comanche open road