Against 163 other V6 cars rated 1984–1986, the CJ-7 trails their 18.6 mpg average by 1.1 mpg, about $129 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 2.5L 4-cyl (1984–1986), does 19 mpg and the thirstiest, the 4.2L 6-cyl (1984–1986), 17: $238 a year apart.
Every Jeep CJ-7 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4-cyl | 17.7 / 20.7 | 1984–1986 | $2,021 | |
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 15.3 / 19.3 | 1984–1986 | $2,259 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1986) | $0.183 |
| Fuel per year | $2,194 |
| Fuel over five years | $10,970 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1984–1986 | +$129 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $3,467 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1986 Jeep CJ-7 gives up 3.5 mpg in town: 19.5 on the highway against 16 in the city, $431 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1986) | 16 mpg | $2,400 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 19.5 mpg | $1,969 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +3.5 mpg (22%) | Typical for its type |
How the CJ-7 changed over the years
The CJ-7 peaked in 1984 at 19 mpg (17.5 city, 21 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1986 at 17.5 — 1.5 mpg apart, or $173 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1986 car does 17.5.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1986 | 16 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1985 | 16 / 19.5 | 2 | $2,194 | |
| 1984 | 17.5 / 21 | 2 | $2,021 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 6 EPA ratings of the Jeep CJ-7 — 2 engines across 1984–1986. The mileage is EPA's laboratory figure, unchanged; the yearly bill is ours, at 12,000 miles and $3.20 a gallon, against EPA's own estimate of $3,467. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1986 Jeep CJ-7 get?
17.5 mpg combined, 16 city and 19.5 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1984 the CJ-7 has averaged 18 mpg.
Is the 1986 CJ-7 more efficient than the 1985?
About the same: 17.5 against 17.5 mpg combined.
Which CJ-7 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 19 mpg combined (17.5 city, 21 highway).
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