Lucas Bell 
When the Jeep Wrangler 392 made its debut a few months back, it marked the first time that a V8 engine had found its way into the off-roading 4×4 in four decades. When compared to the V8 engines of Jeep’s past, none have been as potent as the 6.4L Apache V8 we’re presented with today. That said, the big Hemi hasn’t always been known as the most efficient powertrain on the market. Thanks to the EPA, we now have a look at the fuel economy ratings for the Wrangler 392. Spoiler alert: the figures are as expected. Then again, the telos of a V8 Jeep Wrangler is not to be an economy box.
In the Jeep Wrangler 392, the 6.4L Apache V8 produces 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. That is enough power to propel the SUV from 0-60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, before completing a 1/4 mile pass in 13 seconds flat. Impressive performance for a vehicle best known for moving slow, but that grunt does come at a cost. More specifically, it is going to require owners to fill up fairly regularly. According to the EPA, the Jeep Wrangler 392 returns ratings of 13 MPG City, 17 MPG Highway, and 14 MPG combined. As expected.
In fact, the fuel economy figures for the Jeep Wrangler 392 aren’t much better than those offered by the Ram 1500 TRX. The Hellcat V8-powered pickup received a rating of 10 MPG City, 14 MPG Highway,and 12 MPG combined. Yes those figures are worse than the Jeep, but the TRX makes 702 horsepower.
Let’s be clear: people who go out and buy the Jeep Wrangler 392 won’t consider the fuel economy figure at all. These are the folks who have been clamoring for Jeep to stick a V8 into their favorite off-roader for generations now, and could care less as to how much fuel that dream requires. Not to mention its alleged sky-high MSRP of $77,055. Which is also more than that of the Ram TRX.
If the 392 drinks that much fuel just tooling around at highway speeds however, it may prove beneficial to pack some jerry cans on those longer off-road adventures. Not that Jeep folks aren’t familiar with loading their SUV up with all sorts of gear.
So the Jeep Wrangler 392 is a bit of a gas guzzler, but hedging this is of course the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, which can be configured on Jeep’s website now. While this electrified off-road SUV can break $65,000, it’s a very much have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too proposal, with 470 lb-ft of torque on tap.
At the end of the day however, we likely won’t see another V8-powered Wrangler find its way to production in this transformative time for the industry. If owning one of these things means you have to get familiar with your local gas station clerk, then so be it.
