Against 188 other V6 cars rated 1986–1988, the J-10 trails their 18.4 mpg average by 5.4 mpg, about $867 a year. Averaged over the years each was sold, the most economical engine since 1984, the 4.2L 6-cyl (1984–1988), does 16 mpg and the thirstiest, the 5.9L 8-cyl (1984–1988), 11: $1,091 a year apart.
Every Jeep J-10 engine, compared
Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2L 6-cyl | 14.8 / 17.4 | 1984–1988 | $2,400 | |
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 10 / 12 | 1984–1988 | $3,491 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1988) | $0.246 |
| Fuel per year | $2,954 |
| Fuel over five years | $14,770 |
| Against other V6 cars, 1986–1988 | +$867 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $4,775 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1988 Jeep J-10 gives up 2.5 mpg in town: 14.5 on the highway against 12 in the city, $552 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1988) | 12 mpg | $3,200 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 14.5 mpg | $2,648 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2.5 mpg (21%) | Typical for its type |
How the J-10 changed over the years
The J-10 peaked in 1984 at 14 mpg (12.5 city, 15.5 highway) and was at its thirstiest in 1988 at 13 — 1 mpg apart, or $211 a year in fuel between buying one year and the other. The 1988 car does 13.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 12 / 14.5 | 2 | $2,954 | |
| 1987 | 12.5 / 14.5 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 1986 | 12.5 / 14.5 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 1985 | 12.5 / 14.5 | 2 | $2,844 | |
| 1984 | 12.5 / 15.5 | 2 | $2,743 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 10 EPA ratings of the Jeep J-10 — 2 engines across 1984–1988. 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 $4,775. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1988 Jeep J-10 get?
13 mpg combined, 12 city and 14.5 highway, per EPA; its 2 versions that year range from 11 to 15. Across every year since 1984 the J-10 has averaged 13.5 mpg.
Is the 1988 J-10 more efficient than the 1987?
About the same: 13 against 13.5 mpg combined.
Which J-10 year has the best gas mileage?
The 1984, at 14 mpg combined (12.5 city, 15.5 highway).
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