Follow us today...
Now that Stellantis has exited Carlos Tavares from the company, we are seeing the brands make a number of decisions that will be welcomed by the fans. Jeep is now agreeing to once again produce a Jeep Wrangler with a V-6 and an automatic transmission for 2025. Jeep was trying to cut costs when it decided to only offer the V-6 with a manual transmission. Jeep decided to listen to fans and bring back the eight-speed automatic for the V-6.
"In response to enthusiastic requests, we're reintroducing the eight-speed automatic transmission for V-6 Wrangler models, underscoring our commitment to freedom of choice, performance and versatility for every adventure," said Bob Broderdorf, senior vice president and head of Jeep brand North America. "We deeply value our community's passion and input."
Jeep Offers Full Range of Powertrain Options
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler will now offer a full range of powertrain options, with each choice adding an upgraded price. The basic 2025 Jeep Wrangler includes a standard 3.6L Pentastar V-6 paired with six-speed manual transmission. The tried-and-true V-6 delivers 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque. The TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission is available as a $4,500 option. Both the manual and automatic work well with Wrangler’s four available, advanced 4x4 systems: Command-Trac, Rock-Trac (part-time and full-time), and Selec-Trac.
The 2025 Jeep Wrangler also offers three additional powertrains, including the 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 engine. The I-4 has 270 horsepower and 295 lb.-ft. of torque. The I-4 is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 Jeep Wrangler will have the popular Wrangler 392. The 392 with its HEMI engine is the fastest and most powerful Wrangler yet. The 392 features a 6.4-liter V-8 engine producing 470 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. Last but not least, the Jeep Wrangler will continue to offer the 4xe plug-in hybrid powertrain. The 4xe combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged gas engine, two electric motors, an eight-speed automatic transmission, and a high-voltage battery pack. The 4xe delivers 49 MPGe and 21 miles of all-electric range.
Jeep and Other Stellantis Brands are Changing Strategy
Tavares was reportedly obsessed with making cutbacks to offset the company’s falling sales, while funding investments in EV technology. However, companies still have to build vehicles that enthusiasts want. Removing popular powertrain options just makes people angry. Now that Tavares is gone, we can expect to see the brands make more popular decisions while they try to keep sales going and keep money coming in. Jeep recently announced that it is keeping the Toledo, Ohio, plant that builds Gladiators operating. Tavares wanted the plant’s 1100 workers laid-off indefinitely.
The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognizable and capable vehicles on the planet. However, other automakers have developed competitors like the Ford Bronco to try and take some of the Wrangler’s sales. Now is not the time to remove popular powertrain options.
Another example of a Stellantis brand listening to potential buyers is Ram’s decision to push back production of a Ram 1500 REV BEV. Instead, Ram is moving up production of the Ram 1500 Ramcharger. The Ramcharger offers an incredible range of 690 miles because it has an onboard gas engine to continually recharge the electric battery.
We can expect to see the brands make more decisions based on consumer input and demand in the future.
In the meantime, Jeep has opened orders for the 2025 Jeep Wrangler with the 3.6-liter V-6 and the eight-speed automatic transmission.
Jeep Photo
Mary Conway is a professional automotive journalist and has decades of experience specializing in automotive news analysis. She covered the Detroit Three for more than twenty years for the ABC affiliate, in Detroit. Her affection for the Motor City comes naturally. Her father ran a gas station while Mary was growing up, in Wisconsin.
Follow Mary Conway at @MaryConwayMedia and send her car news tips for future stories.
Follow us today...
