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FYI: Jeep has officially discontinued its EcoDiesel engine, ending its diesel experiment once and for all.
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## The End of an Era: Jeep Discontinues Diesel Engines
Jeep enthusiasts have always been fans of the brand’s rugged charm and capability. However, one chapter has recently closed: the discontinuation of Jeep’s EcoDiesel engine option.
### The Rise and Fall of the EcoDiesel
Launched with much fanfare, the EcoDiesel V6 engine resonated with Jeep fans due to its impressive torque and efficient fuel consumption. This wasn’t Jeep’s first venture into diesel engines; the journey started much earlier.
### Rewind to 2005: Jeep Liberty CRD
The story dates back to 2005 when Jeep introduced its first diesel model since 1987: the Liberty CRD. The diesel heart of the Liberty was a 2.8-liter turbocharged I4 from VM Motori in Italy, producing 160 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, outshining its gasoline counterpart. Paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and available in both Sport and Limited trims, the Liberty CRD enjoyed a remarkable reception, surpassing the initial sales target by selling over 11,000 units within 16 months.
However, its journey was cut short due to federal emissions standards, leading to the discontinuation of the Liberty CRD after the 2006 model year.
### The Grand Cherokee CRD: A Brief Stint
In 2007, Jeep introduced another diesel model, the Grand Cherokee CRD, powered by a robust 3.0-liter turbocharged diesel V6 engine from Mercedes-Benz. Delivering 215 horsepower and an impressive 376 pound-feet of torque, the Grand Cherokee CRD was a powerhouse with a towing capacity of 7,400 pounds. Despite its superior performance and fuel economy (18 mpg city and 23 mpg highway), the high price tag and expensive urea aftertreatment system led to low adoption rates.
In 2009, diesel variants made up only 8% of Grand Cherokee sales, prompting Jeep to withdraw the diesel option in 2010. According to chief engineer Phil Jansen, the diesel option could only return if the market share for diesel-powered luxury SUVs reached 15-20%, which seemed improbable at the time.
### The Last Hurrah: The Gladiator and the Future
Jeep’s diesel journey finally culminated with the limited-edition Gladiator, which saw only 1,000 models produced before discontinuing the diesel engine option in 2019. As the automotive industry shifts rapidly towards electric and hybrid technologies, it is unlikely that Jeep will reintroduce diesel engines in its lineup.
### Conclusion
Jeep’s foray into diesel engines demonstrated moments of promise but was ultimately hindered by stringent emissions standards and market dynamics. As the brand continues to innovate and adapt to evolving automotive trends, Jeep enthusiasts can expect exciting developments in electric and hybrid technologies.
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Donald Smith, Editor of Automotive.fyi
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This article is tailored to provide an engaging and informative look at Jeep’s journey with diesel engines, reflecting on its history and future outlook.
