For a number of years, Jeep owners have expressed concerns over the fact that they don’t usually get very good fuel mileage on the highway or in the city. Jeep announced not long ago that they have been paying attention and would address those concerns in future models. There weren’t any really groundbreaking announcements on this subject for the 2016 models. The automotive press has been abuzz lately about what plans are in store to make future Jeep Wrangler models more fuel efficient.

New Materials to Lighten Jeep Wranglers

Weight reduction is one way that automakers use to increase the fuel efficiency of the vehicles they offer. It was recently announced that newer lightweight materials would be used. This includes increasing the amount of aluminum used during construction. They’re also going to be using lightweight-high strength steels to significantly lighten the vehicle yet still keep it tough for off road use.

Expect lightweight materials to be used during construction of 2018 models.

More Technological Ways Fuel Efficiency Will Be Increased

Aerodynamic drag is one of the largest barriers to a fuel efficient vehicle, especially one with boxy front ends like the Jeep Wrangler. Jeep will decrease the Wrangler’s coefficient of drag with active aerodynamics packages. Electronic power steering will also be used, taking the belt-operated power steering pump out of the equation, thus decreasing the drag on the engine. More tech will be used in the form of electronic axle disconnect technology as well.

Owners of the upcoming 2018 Wrangler can expect to see their gas gauges drop more slowly.

New Engines to Be Offered in 2018 Models

Earlier this year, during a conference call with investors, it was also announced that new powertrains will be offered to help meet fuel efficiency standards that will come into effect in 2017. The company has quite a few years’ worth of experience putting diesel engines in products offered for sale in Europe. One of the new engines that will be available for US consumers in 2018 will be one of those diesel engines.

The reliable 3.6-liter that has been in Wranglers for years will still be offered. Backing these engines will be a standard six speed manual transmission. However, in another nod to increased fuel economy, a six speed automatic will also be offered. It was also announced during the conference call that a hybrid powerplant will be offered. This option will be available soon after the launch of the 2017 models and will use regenerative braking to power the hybrids electric motor as well as the vehicle’s air conditioner.

No word has been given as to the size or output of these new powertrains. The 2018 Wrangler will begin production at Jeep’s Toledo, Ohio plant in 2017. Oh, it was also announced that a pickup variant will be offered as well.