Against 156 other V8 cars rated 1986–1988, the J-20 trails their 15.4 mpg average by 4.4 mpg, about $997 a year.
Every Jeep J-20 engine, compared
The Jeep J-20 was rated in a single specification, so its gas mileage does not vary by version — only by model year. Yearly cost assumes 12,000 miles at $3.20 a gallon.
| Engine | Combined | City / Highway | Years | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5.9L 8-cyl | 10 / 12 | 1985–1988 | $3,491 |
What that actually costs
| Measure | Value |
|---|---|
| Cost per mile (1988) | $0.291 |
| Fuel per year | $3,491 |
| Fuel over five years | $17,455 |
| Against other V8 cars, 1986–1988 | +$997 a year |
| EPA's own estimate | $5,650 a year |
City or highway — who is this car for
The 1988 Jeep J-20 gives up 2 mpg in town: 12 on the highway against 10 in the city, $640 a year if every mile were city driving.
| Measure | Value | Reading |
|---|---|---|
| City (1988) | 10 mpg | $3,840 a year if you only drive in town |
| Highway | 12 mpg | $3,200 a year if you mostly commute |
| Gap | +2 mpg (20%) | Typical for its type |
How the J-20 changed over the years
Combined figure across the 4 model years the J-20 was rated in, all of them at 11 mpg.
| Model year | Combined | City / Highway | Engines offered | Fuel per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | 10 / 12 | 1 | $3,491 | |
| 1987 | 10 / 12 | 1 | $3,491 | |
| 1986 | 10 / 12 | 1 | $3,491 | |
| 1985 | 10 / 12 | 1 | $3,491 |
MPG is a number. Dollars per year is the answer.
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How we count
This page rests on 4 EPA ratings of the Jeep J-20 — 1 engine across 1985–1988. 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 $5,650. Full method.
Frequently asked questions
What mpg does the 1988 Jeep J-20 get?
11 mpg combined, 10 city and 12 highway, per EPA. Across every year since 1985 the J-20 has averaged 11 mpg.
Is the 1988 J-20 more efficient than the 1987?
About the same: 11 against 11 mpg combined.
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