Which engine to order with Rubicon (canceling a 4xe order)

[TX_Ovrlnd]

3.0 twin turbo

I really hope that engine comes into fruition, an inline twin turbo would be amazing. That is the only gas model I'd ever consider buying, but not the first iteration lol, been there done that nonsense. Have they posted where it is being developed at or who with?

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[HungryHound]

I really hope that engine comes into fruition, an inline twin turbo would be amazing. That is the only gas model I'd ever consider buying, but not the first iteration lol, been there done that nonsense. Have they posted where it is being developed at or who with?

Don't know the development side other than being built in Saltillo.

 

[john adams]

So I'll be the outlier here, but so far my 4xe has been fantastic. Just over 1800 miles, so I know it's not even broken in yet, but to this point it's not broken yet either. Transitions from ICE to electric and back have been seamless, so much so that I've been caught off guard that the ICE was running. No stutter, stall, or lag on takeoff. No sluggishness or powerless on highway mountain crossings (part of my daily commute.) The 2.0T moves the 4xe weight effortlessly, even with my big ass in the seat. I've been more than impressed by the performance of the electric as well, getting around 21 miles per charge (average) with the only thing seeming to limit the range are the winter headwinds here. I've had it on full electric for my errands around town, hybrid (standard setting) for most of my commute, done a combination of forest service roads and power line trails with one BOH (Peters Mill in VA) and it's more than exceeded expectations.

Now, all this being said, it's liable to fail on the way home, but so far the only knock I had was the lengthy recharge time on the Level 1 Charger. I took advantage of the tax break and installed a level 2 last week.

My last Rubicon had the V6 and 8 speed. It was flawless for the 44,000 miles I put on it, even being an early '18 JL. It was a 2 door so the power to weight made the thing extraordinarily responsive and highly nimble. Current 2.0T in the 4xe with the auto is also impressive and when put in 4H Auto, all the power and torque is maximized.

So far so good....

I love the 4xe driving experience. I've spent an hour test driving a few of them and they are great. My issue has nothing to do with the driving experience, which is spectacular. I worry about all the issues and the service reports both in online forums and official ones with the NTHSA. I also know that PHEV/EV tech is on the hockey stick curve and I'd want a new one in 2 years. Probably better for me to see the tech play out for 5-6 years at least. I am a big believer in PHEV and EV (we have a Bolt that is awesome for 2 hour drive radius) but I'll be more on board when the range hits 500 miles (no matter the temp) and the fast charging networks are more built out for everyone not in a Tesla.

I wish you joy in yours and believe that you're having more fun than the rest of us when you are taking off from the line or driving silently on EV.

 

[john adams]

American Wrangler payload ratings are set more by the frame and suspension, but the diesel will absolutely pull a load better than the gassers will (it's not a 2500 though). It is night and day different. Anyone claiming otherwise has probably never driven a diesel and is going on what their youtuber and bookface group told them.

OP do not take diesel advice from anyone who has never owned or operated a diesel for just a test drive. It's unfortunate that the 4xe is giving some grief, I had high hopes for that model. You'd enjoy the 2.0 or 3.0 I think, the 3.0 comes with some extra maintenance but it's not as bad as what everyone makes it out to be unless you're counting pennies. Do what makes sense for your budget.

In an earlier life, I drove diesel pick-ups for work and we maintained them. I've always had an interest in returning to them but not a lot of diesel options in the US and I was driving sedans so even fewer except some German offerings.

The maintenance costs don't bother me that much. Just want it to getty up and hold value over hopefully a long run. And if it uses less petrol, which it will, that's good for the planet.

 

[john adams]

I ordered the 3.0 Ecodiesel. My commute is a solid half a mile away, I know the diesel will not warm up by the time I get to work nor will I see savings in cost for MPG. However, I purchased the 3.0 diesel for the driving experience since I do like to take country-side drives every weekend and leave out of town about once a month.

My experience is like this. I will have plenty of short hop rides but at least once a month, I take a 4-7 hour each way drive (to relatives). And in the summer, I drive 80 miles each way every weekend.

Sent my order over to the dealer and very happy to see that I can get my preferred color Sarge Green that is not available in the 4xe. Hopefully they transfer my deposit seamlessly but sadly I'll be at the back of the order line. I hope to see it by summer. Meanwhile driving my daughter's RAV4 while she's at college. Soccer-dad-mobile.

 

[tk1700]

I have a 2019 JLUS 3.6 auto and 2021 JLUR 2.0 auto. Neither has e torque, I didn't want the extra stuff that came with e torque. I didn't want 4xe because of it being a first year model and I didn't want to spend the extra $$ for the diesel.

Both are great combos. The 3.6 is a bit quieter. The 2.0 is peppier at altitude. I live at 7000 ft and rarely drive below 5000 ft. Fuel mileage is about the same. The 2.0 seems to get a little worse mileage driving 80 mph on interstate. Both offer good compression braking descending hills using the manual feature of the trans. The 3.6 might be a bit better here though.

Wife drives the 3.6 and preferred it because it is quieter. I drive the 2.0 and preferred it because of the better torque curve and less power loss at altitude.

I enjoy driving both. Make your decision then move on and don't look back.

 

[Jhawth]

This is not accurate. They heat up much faster than that. I'm on my 2nd 3.0 ED and my 5th diesel.

Your commute won't hinder your diesel at all. I'd go 3.0 but I'm biased! Great motor that has almost all of the kinks worked out and you get a long powertrain warranty with these Jeeps.

Interesting. Everything I've read would indicate otherwise. I suppose where you live is going to play a big factor but when I was considering the diesel and doing research I read time after time that short trips are hard on diesel engines.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

I have never had any issues with short trips in diesel or gas. But then I let all of them idle when start up for at least a moment or two. Diesel is very popular here and everyone I know with one only drives 5 to 15 mile commutes. Never knew one to have their engine give them problems, just Rams and their transmissions seemed to be the bigger problem.

 

[Killed by Death]

Don't know the development side other than being built in Saltillo.

Wishful thinking but BMW is building I6 Turbo's in Mexico. Their newest 3.0 turbo is rebranded by Toyota and used in the Celica. I've driven it in a new BMW. POWERFUL & smooth as butter

 

[Twojayhawks]

For many of us when choosing a trim level or engine choice, etc., choices are dictated by price. Which means the upcharge for the Hemi, the diesel, and the EXE may NOT be in the cards. I have deeper pockets than some as I'm much older and have been fortunate. I'm also tirelessly cheap. When I ordered my 2021 JL there was a "spiff" of the 2.0L making it maybe $2K less than the V6. Easy choice- got it & love it. Frankly if I was ordering one now & there was now an upcharge for the 2.0L I'd pay it. The 25 mpg's are important to me. I'm amazed how many of you younger folks don't give a rip about fuel economy. Different strokes I guess.

 

[Jeepnutz]

The hp and torque curve is why I like the 3.6 over the little tuner car 2.0.

 

[Thatguyracing]

Hey all,

I've read through a lot of these threads but I'm interested in getting some fresh thoughts on this question. I have been waiting for a 4xe for months and reading the endless issues and shutdowns, I'm going to restart the ordering process (woe is me!). In doing so, here are my engine considerations.

1 - It will be a rubicon. I will take it off road but really not a ton. Live in PA and likely will see more trails than actual rock climbs.
2 - I will have the tow package but won't tow much if ever.
3 - Will have standard wheels and no lift.
4 - Will have a mix of commute miles (20 miles/day at 30-45 mph) and longer 4-6 hour trips once every couple months.

What I want: Mostly reliability. But also some nod to fuel efficiency and fun.

Really tossed up between the three engines: V6, 4-turbo, and ecodiesel. I'd pull the trigger on the diesel but I feel like its reliability is somewhat a concern and it is loud (is it?). Love to hear more about it. V6 is the most reliable but its MPGs blow and it's kind of the middle child--good at a bunch, great at nothing. 4-turbo gets good mpg and a nice jump from the gun but I hesitate with the meager 4-banger. Is it really any fun? Anyways welcome the thoughts.

At least I can get the Sarge Green if I go through with this.

we have a 2021 2 door rubicon (2.0 turbo) and a 4 door(6 cyl). I love the 2.0. It’s fun to drive, sounds a little weird and get asked if it is an electric/hybrid. I don’t know if the 2.0 would be as fun on the heavier 4 door, but I really can’t complain. 2.0 gets good gas mileage too.

 

[TX_Ovrlnd]

The hp and torque curve is why I like the 3.6 over the little tuner car 2.0.

Are we reading the same chart and are you consistently running your engine over 5500 rpm?

 

[76_iron]

Are we reading the same chart and are you consistently running your engine over 5500 rpm?

I had a 3.6 Rubicon on order until I realized I was paying more money for less power. I changed the order to a 2.0 and I'm glad I did.

 

[InjectedCJ7]

OK. I’ve read this entire thread, and many goods points have been presented for each of the available platforms. I have somewhat of a unique perspective, as I recently retired from a Tier 1 company that works closely with FCA on engine balancing components. Specifically, I worked extensively on the development of the in-block, needle roller balance shafts used in the Hurricane (2.0L Turbo) engine. I am a Mechanical Engineer, and did all of the durability testing, and much of the failure analysis on returned balance shafts. This engine gets a lot of performance out of a 4-cylinder. To do this requires some added complexity, such as the turbo, VVT, 4 valves per cylinder, premium fuel (recommended), etc. The problem with complexity, is that for good reliability, regular maintenance is critical. In my experience, the typical American car owner tends to be a bit less focused on it. I believe the 2.0 calls for more frequent oil changes, which is very important. These engines are pretty much throw away, in that it would cost way too much to rebuild. For example, the outer races in the block for the needle bearings on the balance shafts are pressed into blind holes in the rear, with no good way to replace them. Also, the oil pump is driven by one of the balance shafts, through a small scissor gear (I can explain what these are, if desired), which didn‘t have a particularly good track record. I’m not trying to scare anyone away from getting the turbo, just be forewarned that it is no small block Chevy. Personally, I chose the 3.6L V6, for the reasons stated by many here. I was also concerned about all the extra ‘stuff’ under the 2.0L, such as batteries and cooling plumbing for the e-torque system, being exposed to deep water/mud/rocks when wheeling. If you choose the 2.0, please keep up on the maintenance, and use good synthetic oil. Sorry for the long-winded post…

John

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