Jeep Wrangler running costs and reliability

• Running costs relatively high
  
• Diesel returns best fuel economy
• Servicing and maintenance could be pricey 

As with performance, the running costs – particularly claimed fuel economy – vary depending on the specific Wrangler you go for. No Wrangler is particularly economical, though for the size and shape of vehicle they are quite efficient.

When launched the Wrangler offered a diesel option, which naturally offers the best economy figures.

• Wrangler diesel – 31.8mpg
• Wrangler Unlimited diesel – 30.9mpg
• Wrangler Rubicon diesel – 31.8mpg
• Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon diesel – 29.7mpg

Now the Wrangler is only offered with a 2.0-litre, 272hp petrol engine, at least until the plug-in hybrid model is offered outside America.

• Wrangler petrol – 26.2mpg
• Wrangler Unlimited petrol – 25.2mpg
• Wrangler Rubicon petrol – 24.4mpg
• Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon petrol – 23.3mpg

Don’t expect wonderful things from the Wrangler range when it comes to fuel efficiency, at least until the plug-in hybrid 4xe is available. There’s more to green motoring than just CO2 though, and the Wrangler’s longevity and ease of maintenance is not without merit.

All models emit high levels of CO2, and use more fuel than most family cars.

CO2 emissions range from 195g/km for the two-door Sahara version (the greenest), to 209g/km for the four-door Wrangler Rubicon; the 2.0-litre petrol Wranglers start at 243g/km for the two-door, up to 272g/km for the four-door  Unlimited Rubicon.

• Hard to judge Wrangler’s reliability
• New engines and new components
• Feels like it’ll last a long time, though 

The Jeep Wrangler’s built to withstand some serious off-road situations and feels very solid and durable indeed. However, specialist forums have identified issues with rear axles on non-Rubicon models from the first year of production, and upgraded steering boxes on newer models that reduce the tendency for the Jeep to wander.

The previous-generation Wrangler was the subject of a few recalls relating to the airbags, but none relating to its mechanical and electronic systems.

If any issues do come up as a recall, Jeep will fix them free of charge, and any other issues that arise before Jeep’s three-year warranty expires should also be rectified, as long as they’re not wear and tear issues. 

Long-term ownership benefits from extensive third-party and accessory support.