On this blog, we’ve answered many questions regarding Jeeps and their capabilities. Today we’re going to take a look at the Wrangler and see what kind of fuel this car should use. Here’s a quick answer:
All Jeep Wrangler manufactured from 1996 onwards have a 2.0, 2.4, 3.6, 3.8, 4.0L engine use regular gasoline with an octane level of 87. This includes the Wrangler 4xe that is a plug-in hybrid. Wranglers produced from 2020 onwards that have a 3.0L diesel engine use No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel or No. 2 Ultra Low Sulfur climatized diesel fuels.
However, that doesn’t tell the whole story. Below we’ve outlined the requirements you should take into account for models that use a gasoline engine and the ones that run on diesel. Furthermore, we’ll talk about the fuel mileage the car gets, what to do when you hear a knocking noise, and how much it costs to fill up a Jeep Wrangler. Read on!
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Gasoline Requirements
Reformulated Gasoline
Reformulated gasoline is designed to reduce emissions and improve air quality compared to regular gasoline. Some areas in the United States require that you use reformulated gasoline. Jeep recommends the use of reformulated gasoline whenever available for the Jeep Wrangler.
Oxygenated Blends Or E-85
DO NOT use E-85 gasoline containing Methanol or gasoline containing more than 15% ethanol (E-15) for the Jeep Wrangler. Use of these blends may result in starting and drivability problems, damage critical fuel system components, cause emissions to exceed the applicable standard, and/or cause the Malfunction Indicator Light to illuminate. Please observe pump labels as they should communicate if a fuel contains greater than 15% ethanol (E-15).
MMT Gasoline
MMT is an additive that’s added to some types of gasoline to increase the octane level. Jeep states that using gasoline with MMT does not provide any performance benefit over gasoline usage with the same octane level. Furthermore, adding MMT reduces spark plug life and reduces the effectiveness of the emission system. Finally, MMT is prohibited under Federal and Californian law.
Fuel With Added Materials
Some gasoline that is sold in the United States has the TOP TIER certification. This means the gas has added materials. These additives will help improve fuel economy, reduce emissions, and maintain vehicle performance. Jeep recommends you use this gasoline for the Wrangler whenever available. Go to toptiergas.com to check locations in your area.
CNG And LP Fuel System Modifications
Modifying the Jeep Wrangler to use CNG or LP fuel will most likely result in damage to the internal components of the engine and related mechanical components. Jeep does not advise you to install these modifications, and doing so will void your warranty.
Diesel Requirements
As stated, Jeep Wranglers manufactured from 2020 onwards also have the option for a 3.0L V6 diesel engine. If you have this engine in your Wrangler, the paragraphs below will provide a detailed explanation of what fuel to use.
Federal law requires that you fuel the Jeep Wrangler with Ultra Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (15 ppm Sulfur maximum) and prohibits the use of Low Sulfur Highway Diesel fuel (500 ppm Sulfur maximum) to avoid damage to the emissions control system.
No. 2 diesel fuel meeting ASTM (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) specification D-975 Grade S15 will provide good performance for most year-round services.
If the vehicle is exposed to extreme cold (below 20°F or -7°C) or is required to operate at colder-than-normal conditions for prolonged periods, use climatized No. 2 diesel fuel or dilute the No. 2 diesel fuel with 50% No. 1 diesel fuel. This will provide better protection from fuel gelling or wax-plugging of the fuel filters.
No. 1 Ultra Low Sulfur diesel fuel should only be used where extended arctic conditions (-10°F or -23°C) exist.
Biodiesel
A maximum blend of 5% biodiesel meeting ASTM specification D975 is recommended for use with your diesel engine. If frequent operation with Biodiesel blends between 6% and 20% (B6–B20) is desired, the maintenance schedule is subject to shorter intervals.
The oil and filter change along with fuel filter replacement is subject to shorter intervals than operating your engine on biodiesel greater than 5%. Do not use biodiesel greater than 20%. For regular use of biodiesel blends between 6%
and 20% (B6–B20). You must understand and comply with these requirements:
- Under no circumstances should oil change intervals exceed 8,000 miles (12,875 km) or six months, whichever comes first when using biodiesel blends greater than 5% (B5).
- The owner is required to monitor mileage for B6-B20 biodiesel, the automatic oil change indicator system does not reflect the use of biofuels.
- Fuel filter change interval is maintained at every second oil change. This is especially important with biodiesel usage.
What If The Wrangler Has A Knocking Noise?
While operating on gasoline with an octane number of 87, hearing a slight knocking sound from the engine is not a
cause for concern. However, if the engine is heard making a heavy knocking sound, see your dealer immediately. Use
of gasoline with an octane number lower than 87 can cause engine failure and may void or not be covered by the New
Vehicle Limited Warranty.
Poor quality gasoline can cause problems such as hard starting, stalling, and hesitations. If you experience these symptoms, try another brand of gasoline before considering service for the vehicle.
Does A Wrangler Have Good Gas Mileage?
Jeep Wranglers are, of course, not known for their excellent fuel mileage. However, they do still provide you with some decent miles per gallon. Below we’ve outlined the fuel mileage of the Wrangler for each generation and their respective engines.
1996 – 2006
| Engine | Combined MPG | City MPG | Highway MPG |
| 2.4 | 17 | 16 | 19 |
| 4.0 | 15 | 13 | 17 |
2006 – 2018
| Engine | Combined MPG | City MPG | Highway MPG |
| 2.8 | 25 | 20 | 29 |
| 3.6 | 18 | 17 | 21 |
| 3.8 | 17 | 15 | 19 |
2018 – Present day
| Engine | Combined MPG | City MPG | Highway MPG |
| 2 | 23 | 22 | 24 |
| 2.0 Hybrid | 49 | x | x |
| 3.6 | 21 | 20 | 24 |
| 6.4 | 14 | 13 | 17 |
What’s The Gas Tank Size Of A Jeep Wrangler?
- Jeep Wranglers manufactured between 1996 – 2006 have a fuel tank size of 19 gallons (71.9 liters).
- Jeep Wranglers manufactured between 2006 – 2018 have a fuel tank size of 18.6 gallons (70 liters) when it’s a two door model. Four door models have a tank size of 22.5 gallons (85 liters).
- Jeep Wranglers manufactured from 2018 onwards have a fuel tank size of 17.5 gallons (66 liters) with two doors and 21.5 gallons (81 liters) with four doors. The 3.0L diesel engine has a fuel tank size of 18.3 gallons (69 liters).
How Much Does It Cost To Fill Up A Wrangler?
- A 1996 – 2006 Jeep Wrangler costs $61.19 to fill up considering an average price per gallon of $3.221.
- A two door 2006 – 2018 Jeep Wrangler costs $59.91 to fill up whereas a four door model costs $72.47 for a full tank of gas considering an average price per gallon of $3.221.
- Two door Jeep Wranglers produced from 2018 onwards cost $56.36 to fill up whereas the four door models cost $69.25 to fill up considering an average price per gallon of $3.221. The 3.0L diesel models cost $54.9 to fill up considering an average price of $3 per gallon.
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Hi! My name is Stefan; I’m the owner and lead writer at TheDriverAdviser.com.
I’m an active writer on this blog myself, as well as a novice car mechanic. For the really technical stuff, I find writers with experience as a mechanic or who have studied mechanical engineering.
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