2018 Jeep Wrangler May go Hybrid

Improved fuel economy is a priority for the redesigned Jeep Wrangler and a hybrid powertrain may be in the cards to make it happen.

“You have the potential for hybrid powertrains in the future,” said Jeep boss Mike Manley. “For those people who use the Wrangler, the most important thing is the initial torque and the crawl ratio. With an electric motor you have the most torque available and with the right combination of transmission and gear ratios you can create incredible crawl ratios.”

When the new Wrangler arrives, it is likely to use many different technologies to accomplish its goals of improving fuel economy and on-road comfort while staying true to its off-road roots. An aluminum body, eight-speed transmission and diesel engine have all been mentioned as possibilities for the upcoming Jeep icon, while Manly even proposed carbon fiber as an option for the new Wrangler.

A hybrid system isn’t the perfect solution though according to Manley. “Where you have to be careful with the Wrangler is range. If you are eight hours and four miles into a trail, there is not a hybrid that we could do which could provide the battery support,” he said. “The way that combination is calibrated would be more unique for a Wrangler than it would, for example, a Grand Cherokee.”

When it comes to style, you can expect more of the same from the Wrangler. “And from styling point of view we have to be very careful – if we styled a Wrangler that didn’t look like a Wrangler, I would have to have eight security guards,” said Manley.