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2.0 or 3.6 ??????

desertdude59

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I've owned a 2015 JKUR 3.6, and currently own a 2020 JLUR, 2.0T. For me, the 3.6L gives me peace of mind because it is naturally aspirated and uses regular fuel. I would opt for the 3.6L if you plan on keeping the Rubi for a long time. On the other hand, my 2.0T has more pep and has better gas mileage (even when using regular). The downside of this is that the 2.0T uses premium fuel but I question its longevity before something goes wrong with the turbo. I am not a fan of turbos because of its questionable lifespan over time. Also, Jeep recommends using premium fuel but you can use regular. I use regular fuel all the time and have not had any problems with this engine, so far. BUT, using regular fuel in the long term could cause a problem with the turbo (my hunch). Therefore, for the sake of longevity - pick the 3.6L. For fun with slightly higher operating cost due to premium fuel - opt for the 2.0T.

Yeah I have a 3.6 in my 2022 Dodge 1500. Not a powerhouse, but reliable. My 2020 Wrangler has the 2.0T that I run 89 in. The book says you can run 87 in it, but most turbo engines I know like a little bit higher octane. I've been happy with the power of the 2.0T. Like everyone has said they aren't race cars no matter what engine you have.
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MOOG5050

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When I checked on ordering a 24 rubi x, the only option was the 3.6.
 

Pingbling23

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I had a loaner JLU 2.0 and couldn't wait to get my 3.6 back!!! Beside, MPG not seeming any better, that's all I'm saying!

My Grandson has a 2.0 in a two door...hmmm a bit better maybe?

Go Jeep!!!
Exactly my thoughts. The 2.0 felt peppier but that’s also how turbo motors work. I didn’t like the engine sound at all and power didn’t seem as linear. I was impressed with the fuel economy but it was also stock and I’m lifted on 35s. Was still great for a rental in the keys.
 

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tk1700

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I have both. 2019 JLU 3.6 and 2021 JLUR 2.0. Both are 8 speed and neither has e torque. Both perform well, I especially like the 8 speed. I live at 7000 ft and it feels like the 2.0 accelerates a bit quicker, especially at highway speeds and going up hill. Its amazing how quick it can get around an 18 wheeler on the interstate. I've driven both over 11000 ft elevation and the 2.0 is peppier. On long trips both have performed well. The 2.0 uses 8th gear more on the highway. So far all I've run in the 2.0 is 86 octane. I don't notice much difference in noise level, they just sound different. MPG is a little better in the 3.6, probably because the 2.0 is geared lower and has bigger tires. 3.6 has 43k miles and 2.0 has 32k mikes. Test drive both and buy the the one you like best!
 

azjl#3

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Yeah I have a 3.6 in my 2022 Dodge 1500. Not a powerhouse, but reliable. My 2020 Wrangler has the 2.0T that I run 89 in. The book says you can run 87 in it, but most turbo engines I know like a little bit higher octane. I've been happy with the power of the 2.0T. Like everyone has said they aren't race cars no matter what engine you have.
I had a rental 1500 for two weeks, it wasn't until day two I noticed it had the little 6 in it. Impressive really.

Im giving the witchcraftery another few years of maturity before I try out a jeep with turbo or big batteries. I'd stick with the 3.6. BTW, my rental was because my 1500, with the 48 volt battery was one of the first to use the start run function of ess back in 20. It ran fine, it was broken by a dude who backed into me about 5 times, because he couldn't believe he couldn't go backwards in his prius into a hemi...
 

Sazabi19

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I would go for the 2.0. My 3.6 in my JT is why I chose to go for the 2.0 in my JLR, no regrets. It feels even better in a 2-door ;)

If you travel on mountains or higher elevation a lot you may want to consider the 2.0 harder as well being forced induction. If you feed it premium it will also always have plenty to give for passing. I just did a 540+ mi trip in my JLR doing 70mph most the way and was able to pass people going slower with ease. I also got up 97ish (governed) very easily as well, as a test :)
 

jeepoch

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@Donp

Don, I know I'm late to this thread party but based on your statement for longer milage trips, check this out. I recently went wheeling to Sand Hollow OHV, near St. George UT (far southwest corner of the state) with my Jeep Club. What a wonderful time, but I digress.

Here is the mileage I got while commuting back to Denver along I-15 and I-70 (avg 80mph) through the mountains in my 2019 JL 2 Door Sport 3.6L Auto, stock gears lifted on 35's:

Noting that we always joke that driving I-70 through Utah is entirely uphill (in both directions).

Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0 or 3.6 ?????? IMG_20230530_194000839_HDR

Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0 or 3.6 ?????? IMG_20230530_194009595_HDR

Jeep Wrangler JL 2.0 or 3.6 ?????? IMG_20230526_121300793_HDR


I personally really like this powertrain combination. The ZF8 Automatic has made the need for regearing unnecessary. In fact my 8th gear on 35's, with the stock 3.72 gears is like an overdrive on steroids.

I also have zero complaints about take off power. I get a great acceleration whenever I do floor it, more than well enough for anything I ever need, eventhough without lockers I have ample torque at low end to keep my wheels from slipping in crawling conditions. Any turbo assist while on trail would be typically pretty ludicrous anyway.

While I really drool over the thought of having lockers, I'll mod them in one day. I'm having the time of my life wheeling the tough stuff on open diffs. Honestly the Brake Lock Differentials in these JL's are pretty damn effective when used properly (with discuplined throttle management).

The V6 gives me smooth even power everywhere I point this thing. The 8-speed auto is a dream and the mileage is not to damn shabby. Certainly beats hauling around a nearly useless thousand pound battery for <20 mile mall crawler commutes.

I use my JL for what it's intended. To enjoy the Colorado (and Utah) wilderness while enjoying the highway drive in getting there and back.

But, to each their own.
Trail smiles,
Jay
 

Antonio

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Let me solve this dilemma for the OP real quick… check to see if there are any new 3.0 diesel Farout model available near by…. ???
 

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Bandit59

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I’m trying to decide which engine to choose when ordering a 24 Ribicon X. I do very little off-roading and love going fast. I’m hooked on jeeps so buying a “muscle car” isn’t what I want. I have a 22 4Xe but the benefit of 22 miles on the battery doesn’t fit our long distance driving habits and the scarcity of charging stations when traveling usually leaves us using the ICE most of the time anyway. Crappy mileage on the 392 and big price tag is a turnoff for that model. Any suggestions?
I drove both went with 3.6. Thought the 2.0 was little noiser Plus had a 3.6 in a Cherokee performed flawless. Does seem to be not as spunky in the wrangler but I like it
 

Heimkehr

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I have the 2.0; power is never an issue… That said, the 2.0 sounds like a tractor when cold…something I do not like.

A 392 would be fun but that thing is way overpriced.
My JLU has the 2.0T. It is indeed an engine of contrasts. While it does sound mechanically busy during cold starts, at warm idle it's also one of the quietest engines I've ever owned. The acceleration is a hoot, too. It sometimes seems out of proportion to what a smallish four cylinder should be capable of providing, doubly so when having to push a brick down the road.

I test drove three Pentastars -- one manual, two autos -- to give that engine a fair chance. No deal. It needed too much right foot just to get down the road. Possibly that was a consequence of tuning it for emissions, vis-a-vis its average MPG.

With the foregoing in mind, I selected the 2.0T for my factory order without having driven or even seen that engine. Thankfully, the wisdom of my choice is validated every time I drive my Jeep. :like:
 

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@Donp

Don, I know I'm late to this thread party but based on your statement for longer milage trips, check this out. I recently went wheeling to Sand Hollow OHV, near St. George UT (far southwest corner of the state) with my Jeep Club. What a wonderful time, but I digress.

Here is the mileage I got while commuting back to Denver along I-15 and I-70 (avg 80mph) through the mountains in my 2019 JL 2 Door Sport 3.6L Auto, stock gears lifted on 35's:

Noting that we always joke that driving I-70 through Utah is entirely uphill (in both directions).

IMG_20230530_194000839_HDR.jpg

IMG_20230530_194009595_HDR.jpg

IMG_20230526_121300793_HDR.jpg


I personally really like this powertrain combination. The ZF8 Automatic has made the need for regearing unnecessary. In fact my 8th gear on 35's, with the stock 3.72 gears is like an overdrive on steroids.

I also have zero complaints about take off power. I get a great acceleration whenever I do floor it, more than well enough for anything I ever need, eventhough without lockers I have ample torque at low end to keep my wheels from slipping in crawling conditions. Any turbo assist while on trail would be typically pretty ludicrous anyway.

While I really drool over the thought of having lockers, I'll mod them in one day. I'm having the time of my life wheeling the tough stuff on open diffs. Honestly the Brake Lock Differentials in these JL's are pretty damn effective when used properly (with discuplined throttle management).

The V6 gives me smooth even power everywhere I point this thing. The 8-speed auto is a dream and the mileage is not to damn shabby. Certainly beats hauling around a nearly useless thousand pound battery for <20 mile mall crawler commutes.

I use my JL for what it's intended. To enjoy the Colorado (and Utah) wilderness while enjoying the highway drive in getting there and back.

But, to each their own.
Trail smiles,
Jay
This man knows what he's talking about!
 

Snayte

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I’m trying to decide which engine to choose when ordering a 24 Ribicon X. I do very little off-roading and love going fast. I’m hooked on jeeps so buying a “muscle car” isn’t what I want. I have a 22 4Xe but the benefit of 22 miles on the battery doesn’t fit our long distance driving habits and the scarcity of charging stations when traveling usually leaves us using the ICE most of the time anyway. Crappy mileage on the 392 and big price tag is a turnoff for that model. Any suggestions?
I have owned both (19 3.6 and a 23 2.0) and notice very little difference in the power or peppiness. I think the 2.0 is a bit louder than the 3.6 was. Both beat the hell out of the old 3.8 I had in my 2010. That thing was so slow.
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