18 MPG combined is the price of admission for the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer 2WD with the 5.7L V8. Let’s be clear: no one buys this vehicle because they prioritize fuel efficiency. They buy it for its cavernous interior, its strong towing capability, and its unapologetically American persona. The V8 rumbles, the truck is huge, and for a specific type of buyer, those qualities outweigh concerns about frequent trips to the gas station.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the 2023 Wagoneer 2WD reflect its considerable heft and traditional engine. City driving is rated at 16 MPG. Stop-and-go traffic and the need to accelerate a vehicle weighing well over 5,000 pounds take a toll. On the highway, efficiency improves to 22 MPG. While a highway MPG in the low 20s isn’t terrible, it’s still less impressive than many competitors, particularly those with smaller turbocharged engines or hybrid assistance. The eight-speed automatic transmission does its best to keep the engine in its optimal range, but physics ultimately win.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Jeep Wagoneer 2WD 5.7L V8 at $2,900. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with 55% of those miles driven in the city and 45% on the highway. The calculation also uses the national average fuel price at the time of the estimate. Keep in mind that your actual fuel costs may vary depending on your driving habits, local fuel prices, and even the weather. Aggressive driving and colder temperatures can negatively impact fuel economy.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a standardized testing methodology, real-world fuel economy often differs. Drivers who frequently tow trailers, live in hilly areas, or have a lead foot will likely see MPG figures below the EPA estimates. Conversely, those who primarily drive on the highway at consistent speeds and practice gentle acceleration may achieve slightly better results. Understanding your own driving style and typical usage is critical to accurately projecting fuel costs. You can find all all Jeep fuel economy data at FuelEconomyHub.com.

How it compares

The Wagoneer’s fuel economy lags behind some of its key competitors. For example, the Ford Expedition with its 3.5L EcoBoost V6 offers substantially better EPA ratings; its 2WD version achieves 17 city / 23 highway / 19 combined MPG. The Chevrolet Tahoe with the 5.3L V8 nets similar, but incrementally better figures, 15 city / 20 highway / 17 combined MPG. Even the Nissan Armada, another V8-powered SUV, manages to exceed the Wagoneer on the highway, with 14 city / 19 highway / 16 combined MPG. These differences matter to buyers who are sensitive to fuel costs, as they can add up to significant savings over the lifespan of the vehicle.

Tips to maximize efficiency

One of the easiest ways to improve fuel economy in the Wagoneer is to adopt a smoother driving style. Avoid aggressive acceleration and hard braking. Anticipate traffic flow and maintain a steady speed whenever possible. The Wagoneer is a large vehicle; gentle inputs pay dividends at the pump.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Low tire pressure increases rolling resistance, forcing the engine to work harder and consuming more fuel. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications, which can be found on a sticker inside the driver’s side door jamb. Remember, regular maintenance improves the WAGONEER MPG across all years.

Minimize idling. If you anticipate being stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart quickly and efficiently, and prolonged idling wastes fuel. This is especially crucial considering the 5.7L V8 engine consumes a significant amount of fuel even when stationary.

Reduce the load. Carrying unnecessary weight in the Wagoneer reduces fuel economy. Remove any items from the cargo area that are not essential. The less weight the engine has to haul, the more efficiently it will operate.