Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel Specs, Fuel Economy, and Performance
Insight Into Jeep’s Wrangler with the 3.0L Diesel engine
Diesel-powered Jeep Wranglers are nothing new. For years, Jeep enthusiasts have been swapping 4BT Cummins engines and other Diesel engines to make their Jeeps more efficient and more capable. Diesel Jeeps have always been popular and sought-after, but they were never convenient to acquire. Full diesel swaps take serious mechanical knowledge and money to complete. That was until recently, when the Jeep Wrangler was released in 2020 with an available 3.0-Liter Diesel engine. The Jeep Wrangler JL with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine was one of the most anticipated vehicles ever and boy, it did not disappoint.
Two of the biggest drawbacks of Jeep Wranglers up until now has been their poor fuel economy as well as lack of power. The 3.0L EcoDiesel engine brings both. 2020+ Jeep Wranglers with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine, a diesel made by Fiat and also used in the Ram 1500, get astounding fuel economy and have significantly better performance specs than any Jeep Wrangler from the factory to date.
The Wrangler’s New Identity
At 260 horsepower, and 442 lb-ft of torque from the factory, the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine transforms the Jeep Wrangler’s identity. Not only is it the most off-road capable SUV available, but now it’s also one of the most fuel efficient and economical SUVs too. This engine isn’t the only feature that improves the Wrangler either. FCA paired the 3.0L EcoDiesel to an 8-Speed Automatic transmission too for an even smoother driving feel while on the road, and even better off-road performance.
While there are other powertrains that are very impressive on the new Wranglers too like the 2.0L I-4 Turbocharged gas engine, or the new twin electric motors that are paired with the I-4 Turbo engine to make the 4xe hybrid Jeep Wrangler, as diesel enthusiasts, we prefer the diesel powertrain choice. In this post, we’re going to cover Jeep Wrangler Diesel specs, fuel economy, and performance capabilities that will make you understand why it’s our favorite. Let’s start by understanding what makes this engine tick.
Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel Engine
Although the EcoDiesel engine is new to Jeep Wranglers and Gladiators, it isn’t new to FCA vehicles. Since 2014, Ram 1500 pickup trucks have used variations of this engine to offer great towing capabilities and fuel economy. The 3.0L EcoDiesel V-6 turbocharged Diesel engine used in the Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator is made in FCA Cento Plant in Ferrara, Italy. It is the Third Generation EcoDiesel, offering greater refinement, more power, and reduced NVH (Noise, Vibration, and Harshness) than previous versions of this engine. How does it do this? Read our next section.
Engine Design
The 3.0L EcoDiesel used in the Jeep Wrangler is mostly identical to the engine used in the Ram 1500. It features a Compacted Graphite Iron Block, a similar foundation used in the 6.7L Cummins Engine that powers Ram HD trucks. This CGI engine block provides impressive rigidity to lower vibrations and is structurally sound. It also weighs less than traditional Cast Iron blocks resulting in weight savings that help contribute to greater fuel efficiency. A CGI bedplate also helps strengthen the block.
This engine features a V-6 Dual Overhead Camshaft design. The camshafts are chain-driven and use roller-finger followers. Four valves are found per cylinder, and a 60-degree angle is used between the Cylinder Banks. The EcoDiesel engine has heat-treated Aluminum Alloy Cylinder Heads that also help contribute to lower NVH and friction. They accomplish this by using individual bearing caps.
Other key structural features include a forged-steel crankshaft and connecting rods for superior durability and longevity. The Aluminum alloy pistons also have a unique design and were changed significantly when compared to older EcoDiesel generations. These new aluminum pistons use thinner rings and a low-friction diamond-like carbon coating on piston compressions rings and the pins. They’re also cooled on their undersides by oil jets found underneath them.
Other Jeep EcoDiesel Engine Design Features
- Water-Cooled VGT Turbocharging System /w Low-friction bearing
- Cylinder head intake ports were modified to improve flow and provide greater flow capacity and swirl for better performance
- Dual-Loop EGR System
- High-Pressure Direct Fuel Injection featuring updated nozzle design
- Re-Designed Pistons featuring thinner rings and low-friction carbon coating on the pins are used to reduce parasitic losses
- Two-Piece Oil Sump
- Dual Vacuum Pump System introduced that uses electric and mechanical pumps to increase efficiency.
For an overview of Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel Specs, check out the following chart.
Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel Specs
| Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel Years | 2020+ |
| Engine Configuration | 90-Degree Diesel V-6 |
| Block Material | Compacted Graphite Iron |
| Cylinder Head Material | Aluminum Alloy |
| Displacement | 182 Cubic Inches |
| Bore | 3.27 inches or 83 cm |
| Stroke | 3.60 inches or 92 cm |
| Compression Ratio | 16.0:1 |
| Firing Order | 1-2-3-4-5-6 |
| Fuel Injection | Common Rail Direct Fuel Injection, 29,000 psi (2,000 bar) Solenoid Injectors |
| Turbocharger | Water-Cooled VGT Variable Geometry Turbocharger |
| Valvetrain | Chain-Driven DOHC (Dual Overhead Camshafts), 24 Valves, Hydraulic lash adjusters with roller finger followers |
| Transmission | TorqueFlite 8HP75 8-Speed Automatic /w Overdrive |
| Oil Capacity | 9.0 Quarts (8.5 Liters) |
| Coolant Capacity | 12.3 Quarts (11.8 Liters) |
| Fuel | Ultra-Low Sulfur Diesel |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 18.3 Gallons |
| DEF Tank Capacity | 5.1 Gallons |
| Horsepower | 260 horsepower @ 3,600 rpm |
| Torque | 442 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm |
| Max Engine Speed | 4,600 rpm |
| Fuel Economy | 22 City – 29 Highway – 25 Combined |
| Emissions Systems | Dual-Loop Exhaust Gas Recirculation System, SCR /w UREA Injection, Diesel Oxidation Catalyst, Diesel Particulate Filter |
Jeep Wrangler Diesel Performance
From the factory, the 3.0L EcoDiesel Jeep Wrangler makes 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque. There are a number of performance characteristics that make these numbers possible. An advanced water-cooled, VGT turbocharger and high-pressure direct fuel injection are the main contributors to the EcoDiesel’s performance, but there are other features that help too. Performance isn’t just measured in pure power anymore either. Now, people want clean power. The Jeep Wrangler EcoDiesel uses the latest Emissions technology to significantly reduce negative emissions output.
Improving Jeep Wrangler Diesel Performance
One serious up-side of owning a Jeep Wrangler with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine is that Diesel engines offer easy performance gains and improvements. There is a huge market for diesel performance, and an even bigger one for the Jeep Wrangler. Already, there are tons of improvements that can add horsepower, torque, and reliability to your Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine. Here is one of our favorite Jeep Wrangler Diesel Performance Upgrades.
AFE Power Scorcher Power Module
If you want up to 33 more horsepower and 77 lb-ft of torque, the AFE Power Scorcher is an affordable, easy-to-use tuner that is essentially plug-and-play! It comes with 4 power levels that can be switched on-the-fly.
For more of the best performance upgrades for your Jeep Wrangler, visit our “15 Best Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel Performance Upgrades” post.
Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel Fuel Economy & Average MPGS
One of the biggest complaints amongst Jeep owners is the poor fuel economy that is commonly associated with them. That all changed in 2020 however, when the 3.0L EcoDiesel and the 2.0L I-4 turbocharged engines joined the powertrain lineup. How much better is the average fuel economy of the Jeep Wrangler Diesel Vs. other models? Check out the comparison in the chart below.
2020 Jeep Wrangler Fuel Economy: 3.0L EcoDiesel Vs Other Powertrains
The following estimates are based off of 2020 model year Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4x4s with automatic transmissions.
| Powertrain | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel | 22 mpg | 29 mpg | 25 mpg |
| 2.0L I-4 Turbo | 21 mpg | 22 mpg | 21 mpg |
| 3.6L Pentastar | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 20 mpg |
Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel For Sale
Convinced you want a Jeep Wrangler with the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine? Let us help you find one. Here are the three best places to search for a Diesel Jeep Wrangler.
Buy New At Your Local Dealership
These vehicles are still relatively new so there is limited pre-owned inventory available. Jeep Wranglers also hold their value extremely well because they are SO desirable. Basically, if you purchased a pre-owned model, you will likely pay a premium and there won’t be a ton of wiggle room on the price. For that reason, it might make sense to purchase your Diesel Jeep brand new! Depending on the time of the year you can use consumer rebates and special financing offers to your advantage.
If you want to customize your Wrangler and select all the specific options you want, you can also build one online! Visit the Jeep Website for more information and to build and price your ideal Diesel Jeep!
Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel For Sale on Craigslist
If you are going to purchase a diesel Wrangler pre-owned, a great place to start is on Craigslist. Pick a city near you and search for “Jeep Wrangler 3.0L EcoDiesel” or another term that closely resembles this one. You can often find a good deal here, but you have to be very careful and do your due diligence. Sometimes sellers on Craigslist will have vehicles advertised as if they’re in perfect condition, but they really have serious mechanical problems or even frame damage. Bring a mechanic if you are going to check any out, that way you can catch any problems before you buy! With all of this being said, you can often find the BEST DEAL on Craigslist.
Search for Pre-Owned Vehicles Online From Carfax or Other Resources
One of my favorite places to find a used vehicle is on the Carfax mobile app. It allows you to check the Carfax on any car that is listed on the app. This is great because it gives you a breakdown of the vehicle’s history without having to visit the dealership. This saves time and makes shopping easier. Other Apps like Cargurus are also useful and they rate the prices of every listing. This gives you an idea of whether or not the Jeep Wrangler Diesel you are looking at is a good deal.
Jeep Wrangler Diesel Model Year Changes
2020 – Jeep Wrangler Diesel Introduced
In 2020, the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine is made available on Jeep Wrangler vehicles. It offers owners 260 horsepower, 442 lb-ft of torque and significantly better fuel economy than ever before.
2021 – Jeep Gladiator Diesel Introduced And Small Changes Made
In 2021, the Jeep Gladiator, a Jeep Wrangler pickup truck, gained the 3.0L EcoDiesel engine as a powertrain choice. For more information, see our Jeep Gladiator Diesel Guide. Small changes were made to available trims. A new Wrangler 80th Anniversary Edition and Islander editions are made available.
Learn More About the 3.0L EcoDiesel Jeep Wrangler
ABOUT Kamil
Founder of Diesel Resource and a complete diesel head. Has a little bit of problem buying too many trucks. Learn more about him by checking out his truck.