Does Jeep purposely design their vehicles to get 19 mpg?

[DJPodratz]

@Dillys is correct. The manuals are currently gone, at least in '25/'26. To the best of my knowledge here in the US, the only Jeeps available with manuals currently are the Wranglers. And per the build site, the manual only comes with the 3.6. If you want the 2.0 turbo, you automatically get the automatic. So no manual 2.0's.

Maybe they'll bring back the 3.6 manual Gladiator again. Who knows.

Thanks for that! Glad I ordered my manual when I did.

I've had manual Cherokees ('85), Wranglers ('92 and '05-the last 2 Dr unlimited), and now the Glad ('21).

I can't imagine a Jeep w/o manual ....

Cheers!

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[JTdiRtyD]

I thought I saw they were bringing a manual option back in the Jeep? Wasn't that one of the big things for MY27 or MY28?

 

[JTdiRtyD]

The MPG numbers in this thread all sound a bit lower than my experience

With a manual tranny and stock sport I get 4-5 MPG better.

I suspect big tires and auto tranny hurt MPG quite a bit.

I don't know that the auto makes much of a diffence anymore now that theres more than 4 or 5 gears. But tires will make a huge difference, hence why your sport sees better than most of hte rest of us.

 

[Joosed]

Mr Miami,

I'm curious about your claim. Are there any studies or data out there looking at identical vehicles with auto v manual transmissions?

I suspect today's automatics are much better than a few years ago, but I am a bit skeptical they are that close in MPG to a manual. Just all of the moving parts have to suck up energy.

Also, no doubt a computer might outthink a human in a single situation (highway as you suggest), but is that really true across ALL driving situations?

Thanks!

According to this article, automatics have surpassed manuals in modern cars in fuel economy.
https://www.slashgear.com/1540178/do-automatic-or-manual-get-better-gas-mileage/

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

According to this article, automatics have surpassed manuals in modern cars in fuel economy.
https://www.slashgear.com/1540178/do-automatic-or-manual-get-better-gas-mileage/

The only reason they do is they can keep the rpms lower at any given time via more gear selection. That's it! I mean, hell, even the Bronco offers a 7-speed manual vs a 6-speed for this exact reason.

If you ever wondered why so many cars use a CVT now, same exact reason. Definitely not because they're more reliable or easier to work on. That's why my 2002 wrx with the rally 5 speed gearing gets the same mpg my JT does, but the "new" wrx when paired to the CVT (forcing those over manuals too for best trim options) you can easily get another 10mpg everywhere with more power.

Emissions, and to be blunt, laziness, have destroyed the manual transmission.

You can argue people aren't lazy, then go count how many people were using their phone and/or didn't use a blinker.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Before I say this, know that I am coming from a background of performance cars and racing, so I am and always will be a 3 pedal lover. But I will also be one of the first to say the manual is quickly becoming old news and out dated.

Emissions, and to be blunt, laziness, have destroyed the manual transmission.

To be blunt, time has destroyed the manual transmission. They are becoming old, out-dated technology.

While you're not wrong about the emissions part, laziness is not the reason. Technology is just better now.

Simply put, modern automatics are more efficient, perform better, and should last the lifetime of the vehicle without needing major maintenance. Yes, I'm aware of fluid changes, yes I'm away valves can go bad, etc., but as far as the manufacturer is concerned they are a lifetime wear item and the least likely option for consumers to need extensive repairs. In a manual clutches burn up, synchros wear out, linkage wears out, especially with a driver that sucks at shifting and doesn't understand how the system actually works.

You could also argue that automatics are safer. They allow you too kepp both hands on the wheel and focus on the road instead of operating the clutch and reaching for the shifter. Do these things come as seond nature when you own a manual? For most people, yes, but not everyone.

Theres a reason modern performance vehicles and race cars are going to a semi-auto, or clutched automatic vs a true manual. They perform better, they shift faster and more precise than any human can possibly shift a manual. As stated above, they allow you to keep both hands on the wheel for better vehicle control. They also allow gear selection through sections of track that is much more difficult to do with a true manual.



I specifically sought out an auto for my daily. Not because I'm lazy, but because I simply don't want to be fuckin around with the clutch and gear shifts when I just want to relax while driving to and from places. It's just more comfortable and easier.

Not only is an auto more comfortable and easier to drive, but not everyone knows how to drive a manual, and should I ever need someone else to drive my vehicle in an emergency it's a non-issue with an auto. " WeLl ThEy ShOuLd TeAcH tO dRiVe A mAnUaL fOr DrIvErS eD!" While I don't disagree with this statement, the hard truth is they don't and never will, so auto it is for my daily.

I have a goal to get a Porsche 911 991 in the near-ish future, and I'll specifically seek out one with a PDK over a true manual. When it comes to performance there is no beating that PDK, and I can speak from experience when I say that you will make precisely zero less smiles and excited boy giggles by not having a thrid pedal.

 

[moparnut72]

My last Cummins Ram was an auto, manuals weren't readily available and horsepower was less because the manuals couldn't handle the torque. I prefer an auto now because of traffic congestion with all the stop and go. Back in the mid-60's the Ram Chargers went to auto for their drag racing. Chrysler didn't have a 4 speed at the time only the old 3 speeds which wasn't a real problem other than they had pin style pin syncronizers which resulted in too many losses due to missed shifts. The rules required that only corporate components could be used. So they decided to try a Torqueflite auto. It turned out they were quicker than the competition's 4 speeds due to torque multification and quicker shifts.
kk

 

[Sweetums]

I have owned five different Jeeps so far in my life.
1) 1985 CJ 7 with a 4.2l inline 6 cylinder, 3 speed automatic, 2“ shackle lift and 32” tires
2) 1995 YJ with a 2.5l 4 cylinder, 5 speed manual, stock suspension 32” tires
3) 1999 XJ 4x4 with a 4.0l inline 6 cylinder, 3 speed with OD, stock suspension and 32” tires
4) 1998 TJ with a 4.0l inline 6 cylinder, 5 speed manual, 4” lift and 33” tires
5) 2021 JT Mojave with a 3.6 V6, 8 speed automatic, stock suspension and 33” tires

I was driving my JT today and looked at my gauge cluster, I noticed I was averaging 19 mpg. Not that this surprised me as I always seem to get high 18‘s to mid 19‘s with the JT.
The thought occurred to me that every Jeep I have owned has gotten right at 19 mpg.

Seems to me the engineers at Jeep have this hard set rule for what kind of fuel mileage their products should be getting.

Just some random thoughts as I was doing windshield time today.

Sounds like you modify all your vehicles to get exactly 19mpg

 

[D_JT]

My wifes JLU Rubicon on 35"s gets 19-22. My TJ on 35"s gets 15. My 1948 CJ2A gets 13. But diesel JT on 35"s gets 24 mpg. Its the biggest and heaviest Jeep Ive owned and it gets the best fuel mileage.

 

[Dilly’S Willy]

Many modern automatics are shifting to computer-controlled manual transmissions, aka DCT/PDK.

Yes your beloved PDK is a manual transmission, just uses a clutch controlled by a computer. Same with the EVO X (DCT), the R35 GT-R(SCT), 2020-22 GT500 Shelby's (DCT), 911 (PDK), hell even Honda uses a DCT in the Goldwing and their "automatic" motorcycles for over a decade. Ford "attempted" a DCT, then they stopped making cars altogether

Yes, they shift faster. Why? Because there's no HUMAN "error". Same reason why they've been replacing people in factories and fast food, less errors, less time. (And yes, less money).

They're also way more expensive to repair, more complicated, and heavier. Also I remember when everyone raved about the PDKs, until you wanted more than 700whp and they required $$$ to upgrade, maybe they fixed this issue.

My last Cummins Ram was an auto, manuals weren't readily available and horsepower was less because the manuals couldn't handle the torque. I prefer an auto now because of traffic congestion with all the stop and go. Back in the mid-60's the Ram Chargers went to auto for their drag racing. Chrysler didn't have a 4 speed at the time only the old 3 speeds which wasn't a real problem other than they had pin style pin syncronizers which resulted in too many losses due to missed shifts. The rules required that only corporate components could be used. So they decided to try a Torqueflite auto. It turned out they were quicker than the competition's 4 speeds due to torque multification and quicker shifts.
kk

Ah the Ramcharger. My neighbor had one, came with the dreaded but reliable 318. Had over 350k miles, never had an oil change (but was topped off), and had the 3spd auto. He had so many issues with that thing, even after converting it to EFI. Was a TANK off-road, even for how heavy/old it was. Eventually swapped a 360 Magnum in it and added A/C.

Most fun 3-5mpg I can remember in that thing!

 

[BlueScapegoat]

I have a goal to get a Porsche 911 991 in the near-ish future, and I'll specifically seek out one with a PDK over a true manual.

Well I agree with all of it up until that part! You're right on all counts I just love rowing gears in a sports car. It's one of the things that made me pull the trigger on the Gladiator when I was also cross shopping Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglios... which has probably never been said in a sentence before. But the Quad was only available with an auto in the US. Ironically I think it has the same auto behind it that the diesel Glad I ended up with does. A world-class auto by all metrics.

Anyway on the 911, I've been casually shopping for a decent driver G-body for a while now. Good luck, the market is nuts.

 

[JTdiRtyD]

Anyway on the 911, I've been casually shopping for a decent driver G-body for a while now. Good luck, the market is nuts.

I can find all sorts of higher mileage ones for a decent price, but then you're paying for all the required maintenance that the seller is trying to avoid. Anything lower mileage is nuts.

 

[Mr Miami]

The only reason they do is they can keep the rpms lower at any given time via more gear selection. That's it! I mean, hell, even the Bronco offers a 7-speed manual vs a 6-speed for this exact reason.

If you ever wondered why so many cars use a CVT now, same exact reason. Definitely not because they're more reliable or easier to work on. That's why my 2002 wrx with the rally 5 speed gearing gets the same mpg my JT does, but the "new" wrx when paired to the CVT (forcing those over manuals too for best trim options) you can easily get another 10mpg everywhere with more power.

Emissions, and to be blunt, laziness, have destroyed the manual transmission.

You can argue people aren't lazy, then go count how many people were using their phone and/or didn't use a blinker.

I think "laziness" has little to do with it. Even for myself, I have owned manuals all my life but finally "gave in" and bought an automatic. It's not my laziness.

With aren't living in the days of the three or even four speed manuals when shifting was generally easier, at least in day to day driving. Simply get the vehicle up to 25 or 30 MPH, shift it into third (or fourth) and you were generally done shifting in many situations. WIth the newer six and seven speed manuals, while attempting to keep the engine in the most efficient RPM range, you are constantly shifting from gear to gear as your speed changes. Sorry, it can be annoying. And has been mentioned, more wear and tear on the clutch and related parts.

Again, I wouldn't call it laziness but it's simply the reality of modern technological advances and options.

 

[Stan H]

I think "laziness" has little to do with it. Even for myself, I have owned manuals all my life but finally "gave in" and bought an automatic. It's not my laziness.

With aren't living in the days of the three or even four speed manuals when shifting was generally easier, at least in day to day driving. Simply get the vehicle up to 25 or 30 MPH, shift it into third (or fourth) and you were generally done shifting in many situations. WIth the newer six and seven speed manuals, while attempting to keep the engine in the most efficient RPM range, you are constantly shifting from gear to gear as your speed changes. Sorry, it can be annoying. And has been mentioned, more wear and tear on the clutch and related parts.

Again, I wouldn't call it laziness but it's simply the reality of modern technological advances and options.

I actually owned manuals all my life until this gladiator. I have periodically flair up of my sciatic nerve on left side and when that happens its painful to clutch.
So I did it for other reasons . Then there was the added benefit of the downhill controlled decent .

 

[Mud Pie]

My last stick-shift was my 1987 Suzuki Samurai Special Edition. Loved that little thing.

Then I got into Houston traffic. Beyond sucks. 2 hours to go 30 miles on a good day. Working that clutch and feathering the throttle then tapping the brakes got old FAST. My next new car was a PT Cruiser, automatic. Piece of cake spending time in traffic. Let off the brake, creep forward, tap the brakes, easy-peasy. Automatics are the best thing for traffic, nobody can convince me otherwise.

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