Report: Jeep Cherokee diesel not a possibility until Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel sales increase

Jeep enthusiasts and potential customers have seemingly been demanding more diesel-powered offerings in addition to the Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel. Many have been wondering if Jeep would continue the trend by offering a Cherokee diesel or even better, a Wrangler diesel.

But altogether, the expansion of Jeep’s diesel portfolio in the US is dependent on the success of the current and only diesel offering available: the aforementioned Grand Cherokee EcoDiesel. Only about eight percent of all Grand Cherokees sold as of recent feature Fiat-Chrysler’s 3.0L Maserati-based EcoDiesel V6, the same unit in the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel. That said, such a percentage isn’t enough to justify expanding Jeep’s diesel offerings.

This could be attributed to several factors: diesel is still on the pricier side at the pumps while Jeep still prices the diesel model higher than the base model, when that should not be the case. Most if not all diesel models sold in Europe tend to be the most affordable options because, well, diesel is cheaper than gas altogether. For instance, opting for a diesel engine on the Grand Cherokee requires one to opt for the Limited model in addition to adding a mind-blowing $4,500 to the sticker price.

If you’re reading Jeep, diesel should not require a premium like that!

Source: AutomotiveNews