23 MPG combined isn’t going to win any awards, but for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4dr EcoDiesel, it’s a surprisingly thrifty option for a vehicle designed for serious off-road adventures. This isn’t a grocery-getter or a commuter car; it’s a machine built to crawl over rocks, ford streams, and tackle terrain that would leave most other vehicles stranded.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates for the Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel are 21 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the demands of stop-and-go traffic and the Wrangler’s aerodynamic challenges. The highway number shows the potential of the torquey diesel engine and eight-speed automatic transmission working together. That highway figure is especially relevant for those who use their Wrangler for overlanding or longer trips to trailheads. Regular Wrangler buyers may not prioritize highway mileage, but those who use the vehicle for longer distance off-road trips might find this an important consideration.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2023 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 4dr EcoDiesel at exactly $2,400. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles per year and using national average fuel prices. The real-world cost will vary depending on your driving habits and how aggressively you use the Wrangler’s off-road capabilities, as well as fluctuations in fuel prices.

Real-world expectations

The EPA numbers provide a baseline, but real-world fuel economy for the Wrangler Rubicon EcoDiesel can change. Aggressive driving, off-road excursions, and the addition of aftermarket accessories like larger tires or roof racks will all negatively impact fuel efficiency. Careful driving habits and sticking to paved roads can help you get closer to the EPA estimates. Diesel fuel prices can sometimes be higher than gasoline, impacting the overall cost of ownership.

How it compares

Compared to other Wrangler models, the EcoDiesel generally offers the best fuel economy. The standard 3.6L V6 manages around 20 MPG combined, while the 2.0L turbocharged four-cylinder hovers around 22 MPG. The plug-in hybrid Wrangler 4xe boasts a higher combined MPG equivalent thanks to its electric range, but that figure drops considerably when running solely on gasoline. Looking outside the Jeep family, the Ford Bronco, the Wrangler’s closest competitor, generally achieves similar or slightly lower fuel economy numbers, depending on the engine and trim. For example, a 2.3L Bronco typically achieves around 20 MPG combined, which is a few MPGs lower than what the EcoDiesel Wrangler gets. The Toyota 4Runner, while a capable off-roader, is known for its significantly worse fuel economy, often struggling to break 18 MPG in combined driving. For the target buyer, the EcoDiesel makes good sense, as it delivers more economy with no loss in ruggedness. Check WRANGLER MPG across all years.

Tips to maximize efficiency

Maintaining proper tire pressure is critical for fuel efficiency in any vehicle, especially one with large, off-road oriented tires like the Wrangler Rubicon. Check your tire pressure regularly and inflate them to the recommended levels to reduce rolling resistance and improve gas mileage.

Avoid unnecessary idling. The EcoDiesel engine is efficient but wastes fuel when sitting still. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. This is even more helpful when the vehicle is cold, as a cold engine produces more emissions as it goes through its warm-up cycle.

Drive smoothly and avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. The EcoDiesel engine delivers plenty of torque at low RPMs, so there’s no need to constantly floor the accelerator. As well, keeping the tires on the ground will help prevent burning excessive amounts of fuel. Use a light foot and anticipate traffic conditions to maintain a more consistent speed.

Consider removing any unnecessary weight from the vehicle. Extra weight reduces fuel efficiency, so remove anything that isn’t essential, especially when you’re not planning on doing any off-roading. Taking out weight can significantly increase total power delivery.

Regularly service the engine to have it operating at peak efficiency. Change the oil, air filter, and fuel filter according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. This will help ensure that the engine is running smoothly and efficiently. See all Jeep fuel economy data.