Engine decision

[croppz]

I used to be a body shop parts guy and talked to many a person at all of those. Stephen was my go to for a long time at LKQ before he quit then switched to Melissa, there was a dude with a dumb ass name that everyone liked that I had a ton of issues with.

ib4yourethatdudelolol

not in sales thankfuckingly lmao. In management at one of the salvage yards. If you remember dumbos name, dm it to me. I’m curious

Sponsored

 

[jharp]

Interestingly, the search function here doesn't give justice to the voluminous ad nauseam threads/replies/opinions on this topic like one would think it does...

Searching for "engine decision" has this thread, and then a bunch of not-specifically-pertinent things like engine noises and warranties and the 4xe battery recall.

I can see how, even with searching, it isn't super clear that we've all been round the track on this topic a time or two...

A gemini, grok, copilot, etc web based AI inference search would be a better choice here. the forum search tool does none of these things unless you prompt it through google...

Perhaps a sticky or two, or even its own forum subgroup for "Engine Decisions" or similar?

That said - my opinion on a previous thread was to the effect of "it really doesn't matter" Each has their high and low lights. Both are plagued with the typical modern automotive nonsense that's far more likely to cause frustration down the road, like Canbus signals, a million connectors with tiny pins and subpar waterproofing, cheap sensors, modules and proprietary software.

 

[Mabar]

Can anyone shed any light on which they like better and why? I was going to build a jeep with the 3.6 ( That is what I currently have ) but there is one on a lot that is a 2.0. Looking for Pro's / Con's. It is a 2026 Rubicon X.

I believe the 2.0 needs middle grade fuel or better? I also tow a boat.

Thanks in advance.

I've owned 2 new 2-door Rubicons with the 3.6L V6/automatic transmission combination. I really like that engine/transmission combo.

No thanks to the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo engine.

-For the 2.0L, 4-cyl., premium fuel is recommended, although Jeep says you can use regular fuel. Premium is usually $1.00+ more expensive per gallon over regular. No Thanks.

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl is turbocharged, which is much more complicated than an naturally aspirated V6 engine like the Pentastar V6. Much more to go wrong in the future. No Thanks.

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl is direct injection only, while the Pentastar is port injection. Port injection naturally cleans the valves. Direct injection is known to cause carbon buildup on the valves, causing loss of performance over the years. No Thanks

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl engine sounds like a sewing machine. Absolutely terrible engine sound for a Jeep. No Thanks.

Unfortunately, for 2025, and 2026, if you want an automatic transmission, 2-door Wranglers are ONLY available with the 2.0L, 4-cyl. If you want the V6, you can ONLY get a manual transmission.

For whatever reason you can get either engine/transmission combination on the 4-door, but Jeep limits the 2-door Wranglers to just the above combos.

Since I want a 2-door with an auto trans., that means no new Jeep for me.

 

[yokramer]

I've owned 2 new 2-door Rubicons with the 3.6L V6/automatic transmission combination. I really like that engine/transmission combo.

No thanks to the 2.0L, 4-cylinder turbo engine.

-For the 2.0L, 4-cyl., premium fuel is recommended, although Jeep says you can use regular fuel. Premium is usually $1.00+ more expensive per gallon over regular. No Thanks.

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl is turbocharged, which is much more complicated than an naturally aspirated V6 engine like the Pentastar V6. Much more to go wrong in the future. No Thanks.

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl is direct injection only, while the Pentastar is port injection. Port injection naturally cleans the valves. Direct injection is known to cause carbon buildup on the valves, causing loss of performance over the years. No Thanks

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl engine sounds like a sewing machine. Absolutely terrible engine sound for a Jeep. No Thanks.

Unfortunately, for 2025, and 2026, if you want an automatic transmission, 2-door Wranglers are ONLY available with the 2.0L, 4-cyl. If you want the V6, you can ONLY get a manual transmission.

For whatever reason you can get either engine/transmission combination on the 4-door, but Jeep limits the 2-door Wranglers to just the above combos.

Since I want a 2-door with an auto trans., that means no new Jeep for me.

If you cant afford $2500 a year in fuel you probably shouldnt get a Jeep

Turbo/DI are both old technology and there is no reason to be scared of it. Especially considering the fact the most engine issue posts you see on the forum come from the v6 subforum.

If you are worried about engine sound turn up the radio and put on some knobby tires you wont hear it anymore.

 

[James Westfall]

If you cant afford $2500 a year in fuel you probably should get a Jeep

This argument is dumb. I can easily afford premium in all my vehicles AND yours, but the fact that I can't sleep well without putting premium in my 2.0 definitely weighs on my engine decision.

Just because you CAN afford something, doesn't mean you should buy it.

 

[kah.mun.rah]

 

[yokramer]

This argument is dumb. I can easily afford premium in all my vehicles AND yours, but the fact that I can't sleep well without putting premium in my 2.0 definitely weighs on my engine decision.

Just because you CAN afford something, doesn't mean you should buy it.

Its the same thing as people that buy Audis/BMWs/Porsches/Mercedes that cant afford the maintenance. If what the vehicle needs to run properly is something you cant afford (and especially something as little as $2500 a year in added fuel costs) then you shouldnt buy it.

 

[James Westfall]

Its the same thing as people that buy Audis/BMWs/Porsches/Mercedes that cant afford the maintenance. If what the vehicle needs to run properly is something you cant afford (and especially something as little as $2500 a year in added fuel costs) then you shouldnt buy it.

Well no, that's not exactly the same thing. What you are saying here is "if you can't afford to maintain a particular vehicle, don't buy that particular vehicle"...which I agree with. What you said before was "if you can't afford to maintain this engine in this vehicle, don't buy anything from the entire brand (or model line, both work)". Not the same at all.

Furthermore, as I illustrated - just because I would prefer to avoid having to put premium in my vehicle doesn't mean I can't AFFORD to. I can complain about having to pay extra for premium just because I don't like it. Buying regular instead of premium would save me $600-800 a year which is a good chunk of money I could take to FB marketplace to get another widget to enhance my Jeep. Definitely rather do that.

Doesn't matter how much money you have - it still pays to be smart with it.

 

[yokramer]

Well no, that's not exactly the same thing. What you are saying here is "if you can't afford to maintain a particular vehicle, don't buy that particular vehicle"...which I agree with. What you said before was "if you can't afford to maintain this engine in this vehicle, don't buy anything from the entire brand (or model line, both work)". Not the same at all.

Furthermore, as I illustrated - just because I would prefer to avoid having to put premium in my vehicle doesn't mean I can't AFFORD to. I can complain about having to pay extra for premium just because I don't like it. Buying regular instead of premium would save me $600-800 a year which is a good chunk of money I could take to FB marketplace to get another widget to enhance my Jeep. Definitely rather do that.

Doesn't matter how much money you have - it still pays to be smart with it.

Youre saying this like jeep is the most reliable vehicle ever and you will never have to shell out for repairs that will cost you. Again if $208 a month is a game changer for you maybe a wrangler isnt the right vehicle for you.

 

[grimmjeeper]

Well no, that's not exactly the same thing. What you are saying here is "if you can't afford to maintain a particular vehicle, don't buy that particular vehicle"...which I agree with. What you said before was "if you can't afford to maintain this engine in this vehicle, don't buy anything from the entire brand (or model line, both work)". Not the same at all.

Furthermore, as I illustrated - just because I would prefer to avoid having to put premium in my vehicle doesn't mean I can't AFFORD to. I can complain about having to pay extra for premium just because I don't like it. Buying regular instead of premium would save me $600-800 a year which is a good chunk of money I could take to FB marketplace to get another widget to enhance my Jeep. Definitely rather do that.

Doesn't matter how much money you have - it still pays to be smart with it.

So you're just complaining about something for the sake of complaining.

If you don't want to pay for premium, don't buy a vehicle that uses it.

It's not that complicated.

 

[Penguin07]

This argument is dumb. I can easily afford premium in all my vehicles AND yours, but the fact that I can't sleep well without putting premium in my 2.0 definitely weighs on my engine decision.

Just because you CAN afford something, doesn't mean you should buy it.

I mean, I think "afford" sort of has two parts to it, where there's the obvious subjective side that takes into account one's financial situation, but there's sort of willingness part that is the subjective side that takes into account the value "it" holds to the spender.

Like even though I can, I don't care to get fancy bags, clothes, sunglasses or eyeglasses, but I will gladly put premium gas or pay a premium to stay a galaxy away from rough country suspension components. And you are definitely free to choose to save money by not putting premium fuel in, and it is fine. Doesn't affect anyone else.

There are dumb ways to spend money, but I'd hardly call putting premium fuel in a car that does benefit (there is definitely a stupidly massive thread on it yet again...) from premium fuel in the same ballpark.

 

[c20040215]

-For the 2.0L, 4-cyl., premium fuel is recommended, although Jeep says you can use regular fuel. Premium is usually $1.00+ more expensive per gallon over regular. No Thanks.

You pointed out an issue and you provided a solution yourself. Good job.

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl is turbocharged, which is much more complicated than an naturally aspirated V6 engine like the Pentastar V6. Much more to go wrong in the future. No Thanks.

Well, there are two more cylinders in a V6. 8 more valves, 2 more cam shafts, 2 more injectors etc that could go bad. Have you thought about that?

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl is direct injection only, while the Pentastar is port injection. Port injection naturally cleans the valves. Direct injection is known to cause carbon buildup on the valves, causing loss of performance over the years. No Thanks

Yes. Some engine are worse than the other. It is a maintenance that need to be done. The benefit of direct injection is more efficient. I am sure you already know that but for some reason you only mentioned the cons.

-The 2.0L, 4-cyl engine sounds like a sewing machine. Absolutely terrible engine sound for a Jeep. No Thanks.

Yes. But the V6 isn't know for its sound, either. By the time you get up to speed, all you hear is road and wind noise in both engine.

Since I want a 2-door with an auto trans., that means no new Jeep for me.

Try 4 door sometimes. I can pick up my girlfriend and fit her stripper pole.

 

[yokramer]

Try 4 door sometimes. I can pick up my girlfriend and fit her stripper pole.

Woah hey now no need to be hasty you can fit your girlfriend in a 2 door and strap the pole to the roof in a 2 door.

 

[Remorseless]

Woah hey now no need to be hasty you can fit your girlfriend in a 2 door and strap the pole to the roof in a 2 door.

The windshield folds down for a reason...

 

[grimmjeeper]

Woah hey now no need to be hasty you can fit your girlfriend in a 2 door and strap the pole to the roof in a 2 door.

You're making a big assumption.

Did you ever consider the possibility that he could be strapping the pole to the roof already but he still needs the 4 door?

Sponsored