Help me choose a motor! (Canceled my Bronco Order)

[chaseshort]

For some context: I currently own a 19 JLUR. It has 70k miles on it, 2.5 inch lift, 35s, it gets wheeled regularly. I bought this to hold me over while my bronco came in, turns out I love it, and I want a new Jeep.

I work from home, and my daily driving is around 10 miles, but we go on several road trips a year. 6 to 10x to Moab (650 miles round trip) 5 trips to St. George Utah, 1 trip to the San Juans, and other Overlanding/rock crawling focused vacations.

I want to order a new JLUR but I'm stumped on motor options. I like my current v6, but it feels kinda slow on the highway, especially with roof tent and 35s, it doesn't like the downshifting and high speeds.

Diesel: Love it, my dad has a diesel Gladiator and I love this motor, but I'm worried my regular driving isn't enough to regularly get it hot enough, but this is the most road trip-worthy motor.

Rubicon XR 2.0: I've driven the 2.0 extensively and love it, and I think the 4.56 gears and more torque make this seem like the perfect compromise.

4xe: Perfect for my everyday driving, but expensive, and does not do well on road trips.

Help me decide!

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[Rangemaster]

3.0 Diesel.

 

[GrayWolf.Overland]

Wheel your jeep for longer until they introduce the Hurricane V6 turbo :D
If that's not an option, based on your explanation, you will be plenty happy with 2.0 XR.

 

[AcesandEights]

3.6L with 4.56 or 4.88 gearing. That's the perfect set up for someone that puts so few daily miles on a rig.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

3.0 Diesel. I was not aware of any other.

 

[Mgg253]

If it’s your money… 392!
I went 4xe and love it however

 

[JL MADDOG]

2.0T was my choice after driving a V6 with the manual, a V6 with the auto and the 2.0T with the 8 spd.

The manual shifting option on the auto is nice. Mine hasn't complained much at all about the lift, larger wheels, roof rack, winch and bumpers that have been added.

 

[Mocopo]

I went with the 3.6L eTorque, we'll see how it goes. But after coming from the 3.8L JK.... ya, nowhere to go but up from there!

 

[chaseshort]

3.0 Diesel.

Do you think my lack of daily long trips will hinder the benefits?

 

[Heimkehr]

@chaseshort

Any use case for the diesel engine would primarily link back with one's daily driving requirements. On that point, 10 miles per day is...modest. Frankly, that's hardly the diesel's wheelhouse. You're correct: they should get hot and they should be recurringly driven.

However, the sheer number of annual road trips that you have planned, and their associated mileage, keeps the oilburner in contention, where it would make sense.

Your favorable experience with the 2.0T puts that engine in the lead, so you do have a proper decision to make here. Best of luck.

 

[Slumpbuster]

I love my 4xe, don’t forget to factor in the $7,500 tax rebate. That being said think hard about the Diesel, if it’s available in 5 years I may trade for that. My 11 mile round trip commute is perfect for the 4xe with the bonus of 470 lbft of torque.
Any about it, it’s a Jeep. You can’t go wrong, take the top off and enjoy.

 

[Deleted member 59498]

Do you think my lack of daily long trips will hinder the benefits?

No as long as you drive it once in a while at operating temps.

 

[XJfanatic]

2.0T is great for your use. With 43k, heavy 34’s and a 2” lift I can still pull 23 mpg with if I keep it under 70. But that’s with standard sport gearing.

i agree the 3.6 feels slow in comparison

 

[chaseshort]

I love my 4xe, don’t forget to factor in the $7,500 tax rebate. That being said think hard about the Diesel, if it’s available in 5 years I may trade for that. My 11 mile round trip commute is perfect for the 4xe with the bonus of 470 lbft of torque.
Any about it, it’s a Jeep. You can’t go wrong, take the top off and enjoy.

Got the rebate factored in for sure, anytime the gov pays you it's a win!

 

[chaseshort]

2.0T is great for your use. With 43k, heavy 34’s and a 2” lift I can still pull 23 mpg with if I keep it under 70. But that’s with standard sport gearing.

i agree the 3.6 feels slow in comparison

Great feedback! Thank you!

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