JTR in and Around Mileage? Explained

JTR in and around mileage refers to the fuel economy figures for the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, a pickup truck known for its off-road capability. This article explains what real-world mileage you can expect from a JTR, the factors that affect it, and how it compares to other trims and trucks.

What Does JTR Stand For?

JTR is the common shorthand for the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon, a specific trim level of the Jeep Gladiator. The Gladiator is a mid-size pickup truck built by Jeep, and the Rubicon is the most off-road-focused trim, named after the famous Rubicon Trail in California. The JTR comes standard with features like heavy-duty axles, locking differentials, a disconnecting front sway bar, and aggressive all-terrain tires, all of which contribute to its exceptional off-road performance but also affect its fuel economy.

Official EPA Mileage Ratings

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides official fuel economy estimates for all new vehicles sold in the United States. For the Jeep Gladiator Rubicon with the standard 3.6-liter V6 engine and automatic transmission, the EPA ratings are:

• City: 16 miles per gallon (mpg)
• Highway: 23 mpg
• Combined: 19 mpg

These ratings are for the 2020-2023 model years with the automatic transmission. The manual transmission version gets slightly lower ratings: 15 city, 21 highway, and 17 combined. The newer 3.0-liter EcoDiesel V6 engine, available on some model years, offers better highway mileage at around 28 mpg highway, but it is no longer offered on the Gladiator as of 2024.

Real-World Mileage

Real-world mileage often differs from EPA estimates. Many JTR owners report average fuel economy in the range of 16 to 19 mpg in mixed driving, which is consistent with the EPA combined rating. However, several factors can push this number down:

• Off-road driving: Using the JTR on trails, in mud, or on sand significantly reduces fuel economy, often dropping it to 10-12 mpg.
• Speed: Driving at highway speeds above 65 mph increases aerodynamic drag and lowers mileage.
• Tires and lift: Larger, more aggressive tires and lift kits increase rolling resistance and wind drag, reducing efficiency.
• Load and towing: Carrying heavy loads or towing a trailer can cut mileage by 20-30% or more.

How to Improve Your JTR’s Mileage

While the JTR is not known for efficiency, there are steps you can take to get the best possible mileage:

• Maintain proper tire pressure – underinflated tires increase rolling resistance.
• Use cruise control on the highway to maintain a steady speed.
• Remove unnecessary weight from the bed and cabin.
• Avoid idling for long periods.
• Consider a lighter set of wheels and tires if you don’t need maximum off-road capability.
• Keep up with regular maintenance, including air filter and spark plug replacements.

Comparing JTR to Other Gladiator Trims

The Gladiator comes in several trims, and the Rubicon is not the most economical. The Sport and Sport S trims, which have less aggressive tires and no heavy-duty off-road equipment, typically achieve 1-2 mpg better on the highway. The Overland trim is also more efficient than the Rubicon. The Mojave trim, designed for high-speed desert running, has similar mileage to the Rubicon. If fuel economy is your top priority, the Sport with the diesel engine (when available) was the best choice, but the diesel has been discontinued.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the gas tank size on a JTR?

The Jeep Gladiator Rubicon has a standard 22-gallon fuel tank. With an average combined mileage of 19 mpg, you can expect a driving range of about 400 miles on a full tank. Some models offer an optional 24-gallon tank, which extends the range to roughly 450 miles.

Does the JTR require premium fuel?

No, the 3.6-liter V6 engine in the Gladiator Rubicon is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Using premium fuel is not required and will not improve performance or mileage in this engine.

How does towing affect JTR mileage?

Towing significantly reduces fuel economy. The JTR is rated to tow up to 7,000 pounds, but when towing near the maximum, you can expect mileage to drop to around 8-10 mpg. Even lighter loads will reduce efficiency by 20-30%.

What is the mileage on a lifted JTR with 35-inch tires?

Lifting the JTR and installing 35-inch tires typically reduces fuel economy by 2-4 mpg. Many owners report averages of 14-16 mpg after such modifications. The larger tires increase rolling resistance and aerodynamic drag, and the lift raises the truck’s profile, further hurting efficiency.

Is the diesel JTR worth it for mileage?

The EcoDiesel engine, offered from 2021 to 2023, provided better highway mileage (around 28 mpg) and more torque for off-road and towing. However, it cost more upfront and was discontinued due to low sales and emissions regulations. If you find a used diesel JTR, it can be a good choice for high-mileage highway driving.

Why is my JTR getting worse mileage than EPA estimates?

Several factors can cause lower-than-EPA mileage: aggressive driving, heavy traffic, short trips (where the engine doesn’t warm up), extreme temperatures, roof racks, and any modifications like lift kits or larger tires. Also, the EPA tests are conducted in controlled conditions that don’t reflect real-world driving.

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in t | Fuel used | gallons | 20 | 0
in d | Distance driven | miles | 300 | 0
out mpg | Fuel economy | mpg | d / t | 1
out l100 | Fuel consumption | L/100km | 235.215 / (d / t) | 1