Jeep Wrangler Gas Mileage Tips & Tricks (2024)

Jeep Wrangler gas mileage sucks, especially on modified Jeeps with bigger tires, lift kits, and heavy aftermarket Jeep parts. This post will give you tips and tricks to get some realistic gas mileage back to your Jeep Wrangler.

True Jeep people don’t care much about Gas, they care much about Jeep performance and how they can improve on them, however, for daily drivers and newbies they are concerned with their gas efficiency and how to improve on it, bottom line “it’s a Jeep” and people buy them without expecting great gas mileage.

Jeep Wranglers are known for their off-road capabilities and fuel consumption, they have terrible gas mileage on highways due to their aerodynamics issues, and many mods that we add to improve their looks and performances that increase your Jeep wrangler gas mileage.

Interested in related guides? Here’s one we think you’ll like: Best Jeep JK Coolant

Jeep Wrangler Gas Mileage.

We polled a group of Jeep Wrangler owners to understand their actual Jeep Wrangler Gas mileage on their day-to-day activities (Combined city & Highway), the results were interesting compared to the factory miles per gallon rating, we have included the table below with a list of the Jeep Wrangler polled and their average miles per gallon:

How to Improve Jeep Wrangler Fuel Economy

There are dozens of variables that cause the different causes of poor gas mileage on your Jeep Wrangler, from air filters, worn-out spark plus, low-grade fuel wind drags on the highway among others, based on our study on a Jeep Wrangler, there are various factors we have found are more influential on the increase of gas mileage.

We have written down some tips and tricks below that will help you increase your Jeep wrangler gas mileage:

Avoid Chunky Off-road Tires

Chunky off-road tires sticking past the fenders are one of the biggest Jeep wrangler gas mileage influential factors, on Jeep wrangler 35s and 37s, and their different width sizes are the main contributors to getting crappy gas mileage. According to tirereview.com, they contribute up to 30%. Depending on the condition of the tires such as air pressure, type of tire, and the tire condition.

Mud terrain-rated tires with huge blocky width tread lugs can cause a massive increase in gas mileage. All season designated tires to save on Gas mileage because they are made with the consideration of traction and fuel economy. When purchasing tires for your Jeep Wrangler you should check on the rolling friction/ rolling drag, since the more rolling friction offered by the tire the more your Jeep wrangler will need the energy to turn the tires.

Jeep Wrangler Locking Hood latches.

The stock Jeep wrangler locking hood latches are made of rubber and allow the hood to flutter, when the Jeep hood flutters air gets into the hood of the engine and increases the wind resistance of the Jeep, an increase in wind resistance increases the energy required by your Jeeps engine to push through the resistance. You can replace the locking hood latches with a more stable or metallic hood latch to improve your gas mileage.

Carry Less Baggage/ Weight.

Jeepers carry excess weight on their Jeeps, such as Fridges, Roof racks, Bumpers, Winches, Tire carriers, etc., the more weight is in your Jeep wrangler the more your Jeep Wrangler gas mileage will deteriorate. Heavy modification with heavy-duty Jeep parts and accessories adds up to the weight of your Jeep wrangler. According to an autoblog.com article reducing 100 pounds of weight on your vehicle increases your fuel economy by up to 2% – So if you are an off-roader with a bunch of utility gears, it would be best if you would only load up your camping gear only when you need them.

Regular Maintenance

Inspecting your Jeep Wrangler engine oil, fuel injectors, spark plugs, airflow sensors, air filters, brakes, fuel pump, and fuel filters can help you avoid a sudden increase in fuel consumption, gas mileage inspection costs less than $100 excluding the costs of replacing your worn-out Jeep Wrangler parts. According to firestonecompleteautocare.com, these are the parts that can lower your Jeep Wrangler gas mileage if they are worn out or defective it would be good to keep a regular gas mileage inspection service schedule.

Avoid Exterior Modifications/ Aerodynamics

We are all guilty of adding up exterior Jeep accessories on our Jeep, Jeep accessories such as light bars, bumpers, and high-profile roof racks increased wind resistance. Lifted Jeeps also look cool 😊 but according to a recent article by motorbiscuits.com, they do lower your gas mileage, with your Jeep riding high. The less your Jeep aerodynamics and encounter with wind resistance increase. However, you can increase your gas mileage by considering the following factors before installing your lift kits:

1. Type of tires you will use after lifting your Jeep Wrangler.
2. The weight of the lift kit.
3. Ground clearance requirements that you need (Avoid unnecessary lift)

Monitor Tire Pressure.

We tested our Jeep Wrangler (3.6L V6 Electric/Gas Jeep JL) tire pressures and fuel mileage, and got interesting results while driving on the highway, we have included the table below to show how tire pressure affects your Jeep wrangler gas mileage.

According to energy.org under-inflated tires of your Jeep increase your vehicle drag increasing your fuel economy, however various factors come into play when considering the tire pressure on your Jeep wranglers such as your speed and driving behaviors.

Check out our list of the best portable air compressor we recommend for off-roading Jeeps.

The article also correlates with a study published by nhtsa.gov that found every 1% decrease in tire pressure reduces your fuel economy by up to 0.3%. So, check your tire pressures regularly and keep them under optimal tire pressure to improve your Jeep Wrangler gas mileage.

Conclusions.

It helps to get the best fuel economy out of your Jeep Wrangler because gas prices are not going down. The more you can save at the gas pump, whether you drive a heavily modified or a stock Jeep Wrangler.

If you realize that you aren’t receiving the fuel economy you were hoping for or that your gas mileage seems to be less than usual, there may be a mechanical issue at play. It’s also possible that your driving habits are to blame – use the guides we have provided above and you might find one of the factors causing poor gas mileage on your Jeep.

Let us know your Jeep Wrangler s MPG, and what you are doing to improve your fuel economy.

About the Author: James Ndungu

James Ndungu is a seasoned automotive professional with a deep passion for Jeeps. With 40 years of experience in owning, testing, and reviewing various Jeep models, James has gained extensive first-hand knowledge and expertise. He shares his insights, tips, and advice through his engaging writing, helping fellow Jeep enthusiasts navigate the exciting world of Jeeps.

Read more…