Regarding price concerns, the federalized Grand Cherokee 3.0 CRD in the second half of 2013 should start at around $36,000 in 4x2 Laredo trim, $39,000 as a 4x4. A Wrangler CRD would most likely begin at $26,000 and go up as far as $31,000. Think $29,500 to $34,500 for the Wrangler Unlimited in diesel trim.
And, get this: If we convert that European liters/100km number to U.S. figures, the Wrangler CRD achieves 28.3 mpg city and 36.2 mpg highway with the manual tranny and 3.21 axle or 25.3/32.7 with 3.73 axle, the heavier Unlimited model getting only marginally less. Those numbers are positively stratospheric compared with the gas V6's 15/19 ratings, and while they would need to be EPA certified, we're certain they'll stay fairly high up there. Range from the 22.5-gallon tank sits just below 800 miles with the two-door Wrangler and around 730 miles for the Unlimited. Isn't it bizarre that we can't get our own Toledo-built Jeeps with their most efficient and off-road-gobbling factory trim?
Wake up, Auburn Hills. Wake up, federal government. Stop the irony and give us what works best.
