Evidence is gathering to suggest Jeep is parting ways with the eTorque drivetrain.
For 2020, Jeep lovers can expect a small dose of summer school, as Jeep ushers in some big changes to its powertrain lineup.
Jeep fans at JLWranglerForums have leaked seemingly authentic documents about the 2020 Wrangler, despite the fact that Jeep has not released anything official.
The forum states, Sport and Rubicon – the most popular Wranglers – will not be parting with the choice between the 3.6 litre V6 or the 2 litres 4 cylinder engine. However, the leaked info says the 4 cylinders will not come with the eTorque system, and will instead have a start/stop button.
If you are looking to buy a 2020 Wrangler with eTorque – a mild hybridization which replaces a traditional alternator – your best option is one of the Saharas. The 2.0 litre and 3.6 litres are listed as eTorque powertrains on that model only. They are paired with eight-speed automatic transmissions. If you want to stick to the manual transmission, you will have to buy a non-eTorque V6.
Jeep’s decision to overhaul engine choice is a major change, but it is a sensible one. At present, the four-cylinder turbo option is the most expensive engine choice, potentially a bad market strategy. Removing eTorque from Sport and Rubicon trims would likely leave the V6 as the most expensive option.
Moving eTorque to Sahara makes a lot of sense, as that trim is largely targeted towards first-time Jeep buyers who are trading in traditional crossovers for a taste of the Wrangler life, and are expecting more familiar comforts than the traditional Jeep customer.
The Sahara is the only trim in which the Selec-Trac is offered, a full-time automatic 4WD system which switches from 2WD to 4WD in based on terrain. Customers already familiar with Jeeps crossovers, especially compared to Jeep’s Command-Trac and Rock-Trac systems which require a firm pull of a lever to engage 4×4.
The Jeep market in the USA is intricately bonded to everything that happens up here in Canada, this article is based on data from our neighbours down south, we will be sure to update readers with any news specified for Canada specifically.