WHAT IF? Which Would Sell More? A Jeep Wrangler With A V8 Or The 2.0-liter, Four-Cylinder Model?

If you've been following AutoSpies for years now, you've probably noticed that we're fans of certain products. What can we say? We're human.

One of those vehicles is the Jeep Wrangler.

We've been keeping a close eye on the JL Wrangler. Simply put, it's just not having the same success as its previous-gen, JK sibling. Resale values have collapsed and incentives are through the roof. It just isn't connecting with the market like it used to. Obviously, this is problematic as there's more competition than ever before.

Of the Wrangler variants, we've noticed something. Those equipped with the 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engines are not exactly flying off dealer lots.

This got us wondering: IF Jeep were to offer a V8 Wrangler, do YOU think that powertrain would sell MORE units than the four-cylinder variant?

valhallakey - 12/19/2019 12:53:41 AM

+2 Boost

You need both... nice honking V8 and a turbo 4.

Foncool - 12/19/2019 5:31:48 AM

+2 Boost

Well that’s a stupid question, the turbo 4 simply because it considerably less expensive.

MDarringer - 12/19/2019 8:09:05 AM

-2 Boost

You've clearly never gone off-roading.

scenicbyway12 - 12/19/2019 12:32:10 PM

+2 Boost

Let's see an overpowered heavy engined short-wheelbase SUV vs a lighter mild hybrid to account for turbo lag that is a better balanced vehicle. You've clearly never gone off-roading.

rockreid - 12/19/2019 8:07:29 AM

+4 Boost

I’m not sure where the author sources the information that Wranglers are not selling well. KBB has Wrangler depreciation for 2019 as #2 in the industry only behind the Toyota Tacoma. And monthly sales figures are trending at record levels. There was a sales bubble from last year that included a sales mix of the old JK inventory along with the new jL model. But JL sales remain strong.

Agent00R - 12/20/2019 10:46:32 PM

+1 Boost

Go see what JLs are trading for at wholesale auctions...

MDarringer - 12/21/2019 10:26:29 AM

+1 Boost

Interestingly though, the auction price isn't affecting sales price because people still believe they must pay top dollar for a Wrangler.

TomM - 12/19/2019 8:09:29 AM

+2 Boost

THe cost of new Vehicles has reached the point where the AVERAGE American cannot afford the average car. IF Americans cannot afford cars - the rest of the world trails behind.

The cost of SUVs has hit a plateau - and at some point there will have to be reductions and/or de-contented versions to keep volume up. THe New Jeep came out too expensive for the market. Yes - the upper classes can afford them - but buy in smaller quantities. SO - do you want Volume sales and sacrifice profit - or do you want profit and sacrifice volume sales. THe second option is what FCA,GM, and FORD chose in the USA by reducing or eliminating CARS.

THere was a time that GM would just wind-up its marketing team - put money on the Hoods - and keep the plants running three shifts - they even got us out of one recession with the initial ZERO percent Financing. THey are no longer the dominant manufacturer they once were. FCA - in order to keep up profits - not only cut cars - but they also cut out that development money (GM still sells cars in China and cannot).

Add in that the Wrangler still looks the same to most people - so they can keep their old one longer (To pay out the loans)

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 12/19/2019 9:37:34 AM

-1 Boost

I think the question answers itself...

PUGPROUD - 12/19/2019 6:24:41 PM

0 Boost

V8's rule!

2ndbimmer - 12/21/2019 10:14:59 AM

+1 Boost

4 obviously. An 8 cylinder wrangler would be in the $60k range.