Buying An Suv Doesnt Mean Sacrificing Fuel Economy
Posted on August 13, 2020
In today's world, everyone's all about saving fuel. Not only does it mean paying less to keep a vehicle running, it also helps impact the environment less. That's why quite a few modern SUVs are far more fuel efficient, especially when compared to models from a couple of decades ago.
When looking for the best gas mileage for an SUV, some shoppers might mistakenly skip past the Jeep lineup. The assumption is that vehicles which are so capable at conquering off-road trails aren't the best in fuel efficiency. In reality, Jeep SUVs use a number of clever technologies and designs to get the most out of every drop of fuel, so you can enjoy amazing off-road capabilities without paying too much at the pump.
With so many options from the brand, shoppers who are interested in getting the best Jeep for gas mileage need to do some quick research. Following is a breakdown of how efficient certain models from the brand are, helping buyers to make an educated final decision.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
As the most-awarded SUV ever made, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is used to high amounts of praise. When equipped with the available 3.0-litre EcoDiesel V-6 engine, the vehicle is able to achieve an estimated 8.4 L/100km highway, edging out all competing models. Part of the reason why drivers can expect such excellent efficiency is the EcoMode they can engage with the press of a button, which is designed to optimize fuel usage in a number of clever ways.
An 8-speed automatic transmission is mated to the EcoDiesel V-6 engine, helping keep it operating at RPMs that are most efficient. The setup is also great for performance, including a best-in-class peak torque of 420 lb.-ft., proving that SUV owners can enjoy excellent capability and great fuel economy.
Opting for the standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 engine doesn't mean sacrificing efficiency. A new standard stop/start system helps avoid idling, combining in the EcoMode setting and the 8-speed automatic transmission to make the most of every drop of fuel. Even the 5.7-litre V-8 engine uses the EcoMode setting and FuelSaver MDS to minimize consumption.
Jeep Cherokee
Many were wowed by the modern looks of the current-generation Jeep Cherokee. The more fluid, sleeker design means it slips through the air with greater ease, boosting fuel economy as well as turning plenty of heads.
One of the efficiency secrets of the Jeep Cherokee is its nine-speed automatic transmission. No other SUV in its class has one, and that puts Jeep at a serious advantage. With so many gears, the engine is able to operate in a more limited range of RPMs. That means it runs more efficiently, conserving fuel while also boosting performance characteristics such as throttle response.
Buyers get to choose one of two engines, allowing them to select the amount of power and level of fuel efficiency that suits their needs and preferences. The first is a 2.4-litre Tigershark inline four-cylinder. It uses multiport fuel injection, plus features 16 valves and a single overhead camshaft. Peak output is measured at 184 horsepower and 171 lb.-ft. of torque. Regular unleaded gas is recommended, and the Jeep Cherokee is considered a partial zero-emissions vehicle. When equipped with two-wheel drive, it achieves an estimated 10.9 L/100km city and 7.7 L/100km highway. Three different four-wheel-drive systems are available. With Jeep Active Drive I, the SUV gets 11.3 L/100km highway and 8.3 L/100km city, while the Jeep Active Drive II system changes those estimates to 11.4 L/100km highway and 8.6 L/100km city. Finally, when equipped with Jeep Active Drive Lock, it attains 12.1 L/100km highway and 9.4 L/100km city.
Jeep Renegade
Many will find the subcompact Jeep Renegade SUV is a perfect fit for their lifestyle. It has a modern look that still can't be mistaken for anything but a Jeep, plus clever designs that boost utility for everyday use. The vehicle is also excellent for both on- and off-road driving, keeping occupants comfortable and tackling rough terrain with ease.
All of this doesn't come at the sacrifice of efficiency. All models with four-wheel drive feature a rear axle disconnect, helping to conserve fuel whenever possible. Two engine choices mean shoppers can get the right level of capability. The 1.4-litre MultiAir Turbo four-cylinder is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, achieving an estimated 9.9 L/100km city and 7.5 L/100km highway when equipped with four-wheel drive. With the 2.4-litre Tigershark MultiAir four-cylinder engine, the Jeep Renegade uses a 9-speed automatic transmission. Despite a significant increase in peak horsepower, the vehicle still gets an estimated 11.2 L/100km city and 8.0 L/100km highway.
Take your research one step further. Instead of just reading about the Jeep SUV lineup, schedule a test drive and experience them for yourself!