It’s been awhile, really, for those Jeep enthusiasts clamoring for something new under a Wrangler hood. After all, the last power plant upgrade Jeep tossed out into their venerable Wrangler series was the current Pentastar back in 2012.
Sure, the thing has seen a few tweaks here and there over the years, and now incorporates electric start/stop in the 2018 JL model, but despite Jeep teasing some new engine options, only that 3.6L Pentastar emerged when the curtain dropped on the brand’s new redesign.
Well, wait no longer Jeep faithful – your new engine option is ready.
According to JL Wrangler Forums, Jeep’s new 2.0L e-Torque turbo engine is now available to order.
Now, a few important points. You will not get to choose either the Pentastar or e-Torque like some all-you-can-eat buffet. The 2.0L engine will cost an additional $1,000. Plus, it can only mate with the 8-speed automatic transmission ($2000 option), so you are looking at $3,000 to get the new power plant in your JL Wrangler.
As far as performance, the 2.0L gives up about 15 horsepower (285-270) to the Pentastar, but tosses out an extra 35 lb-ft of torque (295-260). Plus, the engine offers belt starter generator (BSG) technology that, in simple terms, uses an additional, smaller, battery to store energy while the vehicle is braking, and then releases it upon acceleration. This should help bump the vehicles miles-per-gallon slightly.
Speaking of MPG, those figures have not been released yet for the 2.0L eTorque, but we are guessing this engine will be mainly targeted by those off-pavement enthusiasts who desire that nice benefit of added torque.
Finally, this new engine will not be the last Jeep is planning on placing in its new Wrangler. The brand has said it expects a 3.0L turbodiesel sometime later in 2019 that should really ignite the off-road crowd, as well as an electrified Wrangler in 2020.
The 2018 Wrangler JL has been available to order in four-door versions since October, and the company is now accepting orders for two-door versions which should hit dealers this April.
