4xe vs 3.6 vs 2.0

[spartacus216]

So at this point you can buy a Rubicon 4xe for the same price as a Rubicon 3.6 and 2.0 is slightly less usually but not enough to matter.
I'm looking to buy a new Wrangler and maybe even a Gladiator.
What would you all choose and why?

My thoughts, the 4xe is heavier but boasts a lot of power but the electric could be annoying, unlike my Tesla that goes 315 miles on a charge, this gets 20. So you'd really be buying it for the power, but is it actually that much more powerful? Someone have a lot of experience here on that topic? It's cool you can plug it in on the trail and use it's battery.

The 3.6 is tried and true. It just works but isn't all that powerful but it works.
The 2.0 I know nothing about, seems like it would be weak if you have to do any climbing and not much more room to grow? The 3.6 can be supercharged or turbo'd to get more power if needed.


My goal for the jeep is a lift with 37s. Nothing too crazy past that.

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[Squibbles]

The 2.0 is going to have a little bit more torque and a little less horsepower than the 3.6, it’s also the engine in the 4Xe. The 2.0 is also the only engine available without etorque otIt won’t suffer as much power loss at higher elevation.

3.6 has been around long enough with some updates, it makes decent power. being normally aspirated I would prefer if I did a lot of water crossing. The ceiling is slightly higher on the 3.6 as far as power but don’t fool yourself as you’ll probably not want to exceed 6 psi even then you’re pushing the engine past what it was designed for. The 2.0 could be tuned for more power which is hundreds of dollars versus $7-10k after a supercharger and tune for the 3.6. I’ve tuned engines to gain an extra hundred horsepower or so but I personally wouldn’t go down that rabbit hole with the wrangler enginEs.

I have heard a lot of complaints of the gas mileage of the 4xe and that once the battery is empty the added weight is more a hindrance. Basically buy it for the power unless your commute is 20 miles or 40 miles and you can charge at work. There’s also reliability issues and issues unique to PZEV’s. It’s 375 horsepower and 470 ft lbs which is more than the diesel, the difference in power is significant. I think it’s quicker than a bronco raptor but not the R

I wound up with the 2.0 because I live in a valley that’s a mile above sea level so whenever I go up into the mountains I feel the turbo is helpful. I noticed driving both the 2.0 felt noticeably more powerful but I haven’t driven either at sea level. I remember at launch the etorque batteries were having issues and I didn’t want etorque so I was dead set on the 3.6 then they added etorque to the 3.6 but removed it from the 2.0 on the rubicon. I have a lot of experience with direct injected booster engines. I don’t have any opinion on the 4xe since it’s not made in a 2 door.

I don’t think there’s a wrong answer with these engines, it shouldn’t be a hard decision. Make a pros/cons list. As far as 37s probably want to regear but allegedly the automatic and 2.0 handle 35s better.

 

[lindaspins]

After driving a JKU with the 3.6 and now a 4xe, I'd never go back. The 4xe is the first Jeep we've had that has never left me feeling like I want more power than it has to give.
It's a hybrid, the battery is never "empty" and always contributes. Sure, the bit of full electric driving we get if we have a chance to charge is nice and keeps the fuel bills under control, but longer trips we get slightly better than standard Jeep mpgs.
Offroad it's stable and powerful. Is it perfect? Nope, it's a Jeep. We know what we signed up for.

 

[spartacus216]

After driving a JKU with the 3.6 and now a 4xe, I'd never go back. The 4xe is the first Jeep we've had that has never left me feeling like I want more power than it has to give.
It's a hybrid, the battery is never "empty" and always contributes. Sure, the bit of full electric driving we get if we have a chance to charge is nice and keeps the fuel bills under control, but longer trips we get slightly better than standard Jeep mpgs.
Offroad it's stable and powerful. Is it perfect? Nope, it's a Jeep. We know what we signed up for.

What size tires are you running on it? I heard there are issues when you mod the 4xe, but that could be a thing of the past.

 

[lindaspins]

Running 35's, had to adjust tire size with the JScan (or whatever tool you use) as normal. It got the tires before the lift-no issues there. I'd like to go 37's but then would want (not need, it's a torque beast) to regear, and the Jeep budget is dry right now.
There were issues early on with programming for regearing, but that's been fixed for a while.

 

[CarbonSteel]

We recently bought a Grand Cherokee 4xe with the 2.0T. While on electric power, I can "feel" the increased HP/TQ, not so much when it is running on the engine in hybrid mode. I tend to think the Wrangler would be the same given it is the same powertrain.

We average about 20 miles per charge in town which is enough for the errand runs we do. It does not have a lot of miles on it yet, but appears to be getting about 30MPG on gas on the highway.

I would either go 4xe or 2.0T. I would avoid the 3.6L like the plague.

 

[Steph1]

The 4xe is perfect for those with tons of short commute. It delivers in the summer, but hardly works in the winter since all the electricals are heating up the cabin, your butt and defrosting the windows.

The 2.0 was deemed as problematic when it came out, but it was due to the Jeep mechanics ignorance and/or lack of training on that engine. Now it seems fine and I haven’t heard of anyone losing their Jeep for months like when it came out. It does however sound like a sewing machine. I mean you have to hear it to understand what people mean by that.

The 3.6 makes more than enough power in stock configuration. However, It is extremely important to gear up numerically to match the tire upsize and it is a dream to drive. Smooth, nice little exhaust rumble, but costs a bit more in gas than the 2.0.

With 37s, I’d regear the 2.0 to 4.56 or 4.88 and the 3.6 to 4.88 or 5.13.

Whatever you choose, don’t cheap out, build it right and you’ll appreciate every minute behind the wheel.

 

[Old Dogger]

Two of my Neighbors have 4XE's. One has been at the Dealer for over three months, waiting on parts. The other one has been in and out of the Dealers service department, more than not. They can't figure out what the problem with it is. Plus all of the complaints in this Forum, of their ongoing issues. Therefore, I for one would never own one, or recommend one of them. Where I live, the Dealers lots all full of them, because nobody wants to buy them. The 3.6 engine and the 8 speed trans, is a great powertrain, and the way to go..IMO But for 37's, you will have to re-gear. Now my favorite is the 392 Hemi, with the 8 speed trans. So for the few that can afford one, then that would be the way to go.
I do suggest that you road test the different power train options, and then make your own call. Because in these Forums, opinions will very. Remember, only you have to be happy with it. Now if you plan on keeping it long term, past the factory warranty time frame, then you may want to look into the MOPAR MAX EXTENDED WARRANTY POLICY.

 

[spartacus216]

Two of my Neighbors have 4XE's. One has been at the Dealer for over three months, waiting on parts. The other one has been in and out of the Dealers service department, more than not. They can't figure out what the problem with it is. Plus all of the complaints in this Forum, of their ongoing issues. Therefore, I for one would never own one, or recommend one of them. Where I live, the Dealers lots all full of them, because nobody wants to buy them. The 3.6 engine and the 8 speed trans, is a great powertrain, and the way to go..IMO But for 37's, you will have to re-gear. Now my favorite is the 392 Hemi, with the 8 speed trans. So for the few that can afford one, then that would be the way to go.
I do suggest that you road test the different power train options, and then make your own call. Because in these Forums, opinions will very. Remember, only you have to be happy with it. Now if you plan on keeping it long term, past the factory warranty time frame, then you may want to look into the MOPAR MAX EXTENDED WARRANTY POLICY.

Why do you like the 3.6 over the 2.0 Turbo?

 

[PunksJL]

I have a 2019 JLUR 2.0T with E-torque and couldn't be happier with the performance and reliability. It has much better acceleration than my buddies 3.6 Gladiator. I consistently get 20 to 21 mpg overall city/highway combined mileage. I'm running 35" tires, steel bumper w/winch, steel engine, transmission, transfer case and differential skid plates. I live in Colorado and the performance loss at altitude is minimal.

I love the 2.0 turbo. Although E-torque is no longer available with the 2.0, I ordered a 2025 Rubicon X with the 2.0 and can't wait to get it.

 

[Slate]

I have both the 4XE and the 2.0. My 4XE is mine and is a '23 Rubi. The 2.0 is my son's and is a Willy's.

It really comes down to your use case with the 4XE. This thread will most likely degenerate into 4XE hate, but I will say I really like mine and I like all the positives about the PHEV.

Do you have access to a Level II charger? (I see you say you have a Tesla, but the Jeep uses a different plug and lower amps to charge up of course). Can you charge at work? What is your typical commute? In my case, I work from home and can make it town and back on one charge - especially if I don't have the heater on. As someone mentioned above cabin heat will suck battery life.

I hardly put any miles on it during the first year and now I drive a short hop every day. The Level II charger was worth it for me, to speed up the charging and be able to maximize the amount of time I am on battery power - which is the main benefit of course.

I have wheeled in all electric mode and it is pretty cool.

That all being said, I really do like my son's Willys. It does feel a bit more nimble (tires are skinnier) and there might be some differences in that feel from the gearing ratio. His is a '21 and he also has the SOT.

If I had to do it over again, the one thing I would certainly do is get a SOT - kind of wish I had that on mine.

Hard to say if I would get a 4XE again - having that $7500 tax benefit was huge in the "pro" column, but I am not going to lie about the recalls. I am glad they are doing them and being upfront, but no matter what it kind of sucks.

The 4XE fit my use case and I do like driving it, I think hybridization and PHEV's have their place. I think for my son the Willys made the most sense and he doesn't have access to charging at his university, so it didn't make sense for him.

I don't think you can do wrong with the 2.0 - plenty of power when you need it. As always the only way to know for sure is to test drive some and see if you can feel the difference between the two in how they handle, etc. If your situation will allow you to charge it as often as you can, then it might make sense, but if not, then you might not be able to really maximize the benefits.

 

[Mike_Hawk]

Just don't park your 4xe in the garage

 

[GrayWolf.Overland]

4xe is plenty powerful and has torque where you need it the most - low end off-road.
I run a light 37 (64lb KO2) and have not seen any reason for regear... i see 8th all the time on regular roads too when cruising.

 

[aus-jeep]

Just get a used diesel instead...then tune + weight loss and you're good to go

 

[GinaC]

Yeah, this will soon devolve into a 4xe hate thread, but I love mine. I run in electric for short trips most of the time and it's great.

It was built on 8/12/24 and has no recalls listed.

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