Since it launched in 2018, the current-generation Jeep Wrangler has only been available with two engine options: a 3.6-liter V6 generating 285-hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and a 2.0-liter turbo-four developing 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. This is about to change.

Rumors of a diesel-powered Wrangler being offered in the US have been circulating for a long time, but Car and Driver have confirmed the diesel variant will finally be introduced for the 2020 model year.

Sources have told the publication it will share the same diesel engine as the Ram 1500 EcoDiesel and produce 260 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of torque, which isn't a massive downgrade from its gasoline-powered counterparts. Due to go on sale by the end of the year, the diesel option will only be available on four-door Sport, Rubicon, and Sahara models, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Both gas engine options will also be available with an eTorque hybrid system. As standard, the diesel-powered Wrangler will have an engine start-stop system.

According to Car and Driver, the new eight-speed automatic transmission developed to cope with the engine's higher torque output. Like all other Wrangler models, the diesel version comes with four-wheel drive as standard and there are multiple transfer-case and differential configurations available.

Fuel economy ratings haven't been released for the Wrangler EcoDiesel, but it should be significantly more efficient than the current turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four and 3.6-liter V6, which offer up to 21 mpg and 20 mpg combined respectively.

The improved efficiency will come at a cost, however, as the Wrangler EcoDiesel is likely to have a higher price tag than the gas engines since the same engine will set you back an extra $4,995 in the 2020 Ram 1500 pickup. Jeep recently resurrected the Wrangler Willys edition as a new special-edition model for the 2020 lineup, so more information about the Wrangler EcoDiesel should be released soon.