2020 SUV of the Year: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel

It’s official! iBestTravel, the world’s leading 4×4 authority since 1962, has selected the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel as the winner of its 47th annual SUV of the Year award.

A Rigorous Competition

iBestTravel’s SUV of the Year award event is an invitation-only competition that is only open to all-new or significantly revised SUVs for the upcoming model year. For 2020, the field of vehicles included:

• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 3.6L eTorque
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel
• Land Rover Range Rover Sport MHEV 3.0L

“Jeep proves once again that it is listening to its customers, this time delivering the much anticipated diesel-powered Wrangler,” says MotorTrend Group Content Director Sean P. Holman. “With no trade-offs in capability or the experience demanded by enthusiasts and adventurers alike, the impressively efficient Wrangler EcoDiesel makes sense for your daily commute now too.”

Testing Environment

The road to winning iBestTravel’s 2020 SUV of the Year award was challenging. Since iBestTravel is the leading 4×4 authority, most testing was executed off-road in diverse and demanding terrains, combined with both track and on-road testing. The weeklong test covered approximately 1,000 miles.

The competition began in the Los Angeles area with ramp travel index (RTI) testing to assess the suspension articulation of each vehicle. Following this, SUVs were sent to the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana, California, for rigorous track testing where their 0-60 and quarter-mile times were recorded. Subsequently, the SUVs were driven through the Southern California desert on paved roads. Throughout the tests, experienced judges rotated between the vehicles, providing equal exposure and evaluation time.

Off-Road Performance Evaluation

The next phase involved extensive off-road testing over three days. Each vehicle faced challenges such as sand, rocky trails, loose-surface trails, and snow. This provided valuable insights into:

• Off-road visibility
• Performance of the four-wheel-drive system
• Tire durability and performance
• Engine power delivery
• Transmission functionality
• Suspension performance

Comprehensive Testing Approach

The final day’s focus was on highway testing, allowing judges to collect important data on fuel economy, interior comfort, and overall handling characteristics. This comprehensive process ensured that the judges were equipped with a thorough understanding of each vehicle’s capabilities in various settings.

Judging Criteria and Results

Judges evaluated vehicles against a weighted scoring system, prioritizing off-road performance. Key categories included:

• Trail Performance (30%)
• Empirical Ratings (20%)
• On Pavement (20%)
• Interior Quality (15%)
• Exterior Features (10%)

Through this process, the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel earned enough points to claim the coveted title of 2020 SUV of the Year.

Conclusion

The Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon EcoDiesel stands out for its exceptional off-road prowess, impressive torque, and innovative features. iBestTravel continuously showcases excellence in the SUV market, validating its significance in the automotive industry.