Jeep is downsizing, but only for China. The Jeep Wrangler 3.0 has been launched on the China car market, priced at 439.900 yuan or 72.670 USD. The Wrangler 3.0 is powered by a 3.0 liter Pentastar V6 with an output of 234hp and 285nm, mated to a 5-speed automatic gearbox. The 3.0 is only available in the 4-door Sahara trim level.

Jeep hopes the smaller engine will find more buyers. The price difference with the 3.6 V6 is however not very big. The 4-door Sahara with the 3.6 V6 starts at 469.900 yuan or 77.630 USD. The 3.0 uses somewhat less petrol but ‘less’ is a relative idea for a Wrangler which won’t be a cheapo at the pump anyway. If Jeep really wants to get the price down they need to fit a 2.0 turbo under the bonnet, which will also save a lot of import tax.