Sponsored

Diesel or gasser?

KataraSET

New Member
First Name
Matt
Joined
Sep 22, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
4
Reaction score
9
Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle(s)
Mazda CX3
I’m looking to order my first wrangler. My intentions are to run this into the ground so longevity is my main concern. Would you go for the 3.0 turbo diesel or the 3.6 gasser

bothwith automatic transmission.

this will likely be a rubicon build and to boot will be my dream truck.
Sponsored

 

AcesandEights

Well-Known Member
First Name
Aces
Joined
Aug 19, 2021
Threads
35
Messages
3,869
Reaction score
7,601
Location
So. Oregon
Vehicle(s)
2024 Toyota 4Runner
Occupation
I'm often occupied, by many things, often at the same time
What do you dream of, a diesel or gas?

Other than that, the right answer is gas.
 

Dan M.

Well-Known Member
First Name
Dan
Joined
Oct 11, 2020
Threads
4
Messages
683
Reaction score
1,503
Location
Albany NY
Vehicle(s)
2020 sport (2 door)
I would go with gas as well. Has been around forever so reliability isn't really an issue. Use the money you save for other Jeep parts.
 

TX_Ovrlnd

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jun 23, 2018
Threads
5
Messages
2,214
Reaction score
4,771
Location
CStat, TX
Vehicle(s)
'22 Zilver JLURD
Occupation
freethinker
Reliability is a gamble no matter the platform, have you seen the amount of computers in either platform lol!

Do you have any experience with diesel? Add about $100 to any maintenance required, mind the DEF tank % and refill with quality non-expired DEF, and try to buy diesel at a busy truck stop (they should treat their fuel better). Diesels usually aren't pre-madonnas, but there are some nuances. If you go gasser, there's no change to your current lifestyle.
 

Sponsored

rcadden

Well-Known Member
First Name
Ricky
Joined
May 4, 2021
Threads
89
Messages
2,932
Reaction score
6,321
Location
Asheville, NC
Vehicle(s)
2021 Hydro Blue Sahara Altitude
Build Thread
Link
Occupation
Marketing
Clubs
 
Don't immediately write off the 2.0L, either. It's used in a ton of vehicles across the Stellantis portfolio, and is the powerhouse that's behind the 4xe platform, which is what's going to receive the most investments and support over the next ~5+ years at Jeep.

My reco would be to try to find a dealership that has a 2.0L and a 3.6L in stock (damn near impossible, I know) and drive them back to back.

That's what I did (coming from a 15 yr old Chevy 4.6L V8 that ran like a champ) and the 2.0L is way more fun. The 3.6L (to me) felt like a smaller version of my old V8 - not exactly what I want powering my new 50K Jeep.

As far as longevity, pretty much any modern engine will easily last 200K+ miles if you mind the maintenance.
 
OP
OP

KataraSET

New Member
First Name
Matt
Joined
Sep 22, 2021
Threads
1
Messages
4
Reaction score
9
Location
Dallas, TX
Vehicle(s)
Mazda CX3
Don't immediately write off the 2.0L, either. It's used in a ton of vehicles across the Stellantis portfolio, and is the powerhouse that's behind the 4xe platform, which is what's going to receive the most investments and support over the next ~5+ years at Jeep.

My reco would be to try to find a dealership that has a 2.0L and a 3.6L in stock (damn near impossible, I know) and drive them back to back.

That's what I did (coming from a 15 yr old Chevy 4.6L V8 that ran like a champ) and the 2.0L is way more fun. The 3.6L (to me) felt like a smaller version of my old V8 - not exactly what I want powering my new 50K Jeep.

As far as longevity, pretty much any modern engine will easily last 200K+ miles if you mind the maintenance.
I’ve test driven all four engines for the rubicon and the 2.0 is my least favorite. As far as longevity goes I fear a force fed engine. Yes the pep in the step is noticeable but it’s not a feel I require. The 3.6 and 3.0 do just fine for me.
 

rickinAZ

Well-Known Member
First Name
Rick
Joined
Jan 2, 2020
Threads
304
Messages
4,117
Reaction score
6,086
Location
Phoenix
Vehicle(s)
2026 MOAB 392
Occupation
Retired CFO. Mayo Clinic volunteer.
I’ve test driven all four engines for the rubicon and the 2.0 is my least favorite. As far as longevity goes I fear a force fed engine. Yes the pep in the step is noticeable but it’s not a feel I require. The 3.6 and 3.0 do just fine for me.
For the record, the diesel is force-fed as well, and likely running higher boost than the 2.0T, but don't let scare you. I bought one of the first 3.6s in 2011 and you would have thought that the world was coming to an end for all of the negativity surrounding that engine.

The Ecodiesel feels like it will pull your house off its foundation.
 

longfiredragon

Well-Known Member
First Name
Darryl
Joined
Aug 23, 2021
Threads
121
Messages
1,375
Reaction score
2,332
Location
Cocoa Fl.
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLUW Sport 2.0 L Turbo
Personally I have had 3 diesels. The new ones in MHO are emission to death, maintenance is more, def fluid etc. Yes they make good power and torque, and they get good milage. However it is somewhat offset by considerably higher fuel cost. Now days longevity isn't really that big of concern. People have gotten more than 300k out of the Penastar V6.

Ford tested their Ecoboost engines to 250k before they ever released them to the public. My current Cummins 5.9 has 260k on it and runs perfect, and the holstat turbocharger has never been touched.

I say stay with gas. V6 or the 2.0 turbo. Don't let the turbo scare you, they have been around for 100 years and many,many have ran well over 250/300k. Personally I think the 2.0 is the best choice for the new JL. I am sure you will be happy with either.
 

Sponsored

Deleted member 59498

Guest
I wish I had purchased the diesel. They sound cool, good mileage really and lots of power. Also just a novelty in the Wrangler. Was on the wish list for a long time for many Wrangler drivers. If I were ordering I would do it now, the more maintenance isn't really an issue to me.
 

26 confirmed

Well-Known Member
First Name
Gene
Joined
Jun 4, 2020
Threads
3
Messages
94
Reaction score
157
Location
Florida
Vehicle(s)
2020 Wrangler Rubicon eco diesel
I’ve had 6 jeeps over the years, starting in 1987. The 3.0 ecodiesel is my favorite engine so far. Added the pedal monster and derringer tuner from banks and it’s even better. Thinking about getting a 392 but fuel prices and it’s milage have me doubting that choice. Drive one before you decide. It feels alot different from the gassers.
 

Cypher

Well-Known Member
First Name
J
Joined
Feb 8, 2018
Threads
37
Messages
2,429
Reaction score
2,246
Location
AZ
Vehicle(s)
2021 JLUR Eco-Diesel now. 18, 19, 20 JLUR 3.6 old.
Occupation
Cybersecurity Leader
Vehicle Showcase
5
Drive both, choose which you like most. I have owned a 3.6 and the 3.0 diesel. The Diesel engine and transmission are a perfect match for the JL. I went in planning to order a 4xE or maybe 2.0. after driving all of them it was an easy choice for us. off-road the diesel is even more impressive with how far you can go on a tank of fuel.

All are good options, so drive them and pick which you like most.
 

ECP

Well-Known Member
First Name
Peter
Joined
Sep 30, 2021
Threads
13
Messages
246
Reaction score
203
Location
FL, NC, or out of the country
Vehicle(s)
21 JLURD
I have a diesel on order and I'm considering stripping all the emissions stuff out after warranty ends. I understand (but have no experience) that the emissions is what causes problems with the engines because it routes exhaust (soot) back into the engine.

I see your in TX, so that's not an issue. in other states (like CA) removing any emissions stuff is a big no-no
 

Deleted member 59498

Guest
I have a diesel on order and I'm considering stripping all the emissions stuff out after warranty ends. I understand (but have no experience) that the emissions is what causes problems with the engines because it routes exhaust (soot) back into the engine.

I see your in TX, so that's not an issue. in other states (like CA) removing any emissions stuff is a big no-no

Is the Jeep.com building tool a good idea of the cost for the diesel Rubicon? Looks like 55k with the basics, heated seats, led lights, 3.0, keyless entry and remote start basically. Is yours a Rubicon?

Really considering changing out to the diesel.
Sponsored

 
 







Top