My 21 JLUW has the 3.6 eTorque engine. I like it. After having owned a 2018 JGC with a 3.6 ESS, I wanted the 2.0T. However, after discovering the 2.0T uses direct injection exclusively, I opted for the port injected 3.6 eTorque.
Honestly, it drives just like my 2018 JGC. The little electric motor doesn't provide any top end boost to HP or torque. It does however make the stop-start feature almost seamless and much less intrusive. So much so that I just leave it on versus disengaging the feature practically every time I started the Grand Cherokee.
My only concern at this point is longevity of the BSG, associated control circuit, cooling hardware, and lithium battery. Those are the great unknowns in terms of reliability although the RAM 1500 guys have had the eTorque Pentastar V6 for several years now. Reports of engine problems seem to be minimal.
Iāve had my ā21 3.6 with eTorque for about 800 miles and like it infinitely more than my ā18 3.6 with ESS. Itās much smoother, and doesnāt have a terrible, crappy aux battery that will die every six months.
I had the 3.6 in my 2013 JKU and the 3.6 in my 2021 with eTorque I am liking better so far. Just feels more refined. My ā13 was manual though. The start stop is very smooth. My wife who has start/stop in her Mini even stated that she didnāt notice the start/stop as a passenger at all. The 8 speed auto is a dream so far with this engine.
Own a 2021 JLUR with 3.6 eTorque and I can also say that the ESS is so quick and smooth and none of my passengers notice it unless told. Overall drives great with enough power for me.
2021 with 3.6 and e-torque. Initially I didnāt want the e-torque with the 3.6 but now that I have it, I love it. Like others have said, it drastically improves the start/stop feature. Itās extremely smooth and I like that it doesnāt use the starter for ESS like the non e-torque variants.