How did you decide on your engine?

[Caveman044]

I just love oil burners. My family loves oil burners. The torque and fuel economy are great. I realize initial cost and maintenance is higher but I'm okay with that. I have a diesel 2500 and drove a diesel Passat as well. Wife had always wanted a red Jeep so when the diesel became available and it was time to replace her car, it was a no brainer.

One of my hangups with the diesel is the lower total payload. It adds a lot of extra weight but still has the same gvwr restriction.

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[gato]

I find it interesting that the poll posted last week showed forum members own the 3.6 2:1 compared to the 2.0T. But in this thread the feedback between the two is about even if not in favor of the 2.0T.

I'd venture to say that on the forum a lot of 2018 buyers, many 2019/2020 buyers were favoring the 3.6 because it was the least expensive option, widely available first, it is the only choice for a manual, and initially was the only choice without eTorque.

For MY2021, things may have changed as for the auto buyers, the 2.0T is now the least expensive option and the only one without eTorque.

If you put a poll for 2021 MY buyers you may see a very different engine split.

 

[WXman]

What were the driving factors that lead to your engine choice? I've been on the fence between the 3.6 and the 2.0T. I'm leaning towards the 3.6 because of the long track record, smooth power, and the sound, sound is oddly important to me. What I don't like is the reduced fuel economy and lower power compared to the 2.0T. I've owned turbos in the past with terrible curves making the gas pedal feel like a toggle switch.

My JLUR will be on 35's and a daily driver with a very short commute to work and day trips out of town through the mountains about once a month. Next year I would like to try some 3 day overlanding trips here in the PNW. I think part of my hang up with the 2.0T is a turbo seems strange in a wrangler, but that's just me and I would get used to it, it's proven to be a good engine so far. I'm not excited about premium gas though.

For choosing an engine the most important considerations, in order, are reliability, enough power to feel confident in all driving conditions, range, fuel economy, and maintenance cost.

Well, you've got the 3.6L which is simple as pie, used in everything FCA made, and has a rock solid reputation. But, it makes no torque.

Then you have the 2.0L which shouldn't even exist. It doesn't achieve better or smoother power than the 3.6L, it doesn't save fuel, and it's overly complicated for a gasoline engine.

You've got the 392 Hemi which requires a 2nd mortgage to afford.

You've got the 4xe which is nothing short of a gimmick that will never ever pay for itself when one sits down and actually does the math on it.

Lastly you have the EcoDiesel which achieves excellent fuel economy, makes gobs of torque, has the longest realistic range available, and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. It can also be refilled in under 5 minutes on most street corners and is more immune to natural disasters and states of emergency.

So to me, the order from first to last would be:

EcoD
Pentastar
4xe
392 Hemi
2.0L Hurricane

 

[gato]

Well, you've got the 3.6L which is simple as pie, used in everything FCA made, and has a rock solid reputation. But, it makes no torque.

Then you have the 2.0L which shouldn't even exist. It doesn't achieve better or smoother power than the 3.6L, it doesn't save fuel, and it's overly complicated for a gasoline engine.

You've got the 392 Hemi which requires a 2nd mortgage to afford.

You've got the 4xe which is nothing short of a gimmick that will never ever pay for itself when one sits down and actually does the math on it.

Lastly you have the EcoDiesel which achieves excellent fuel economy, makes gobs of torque, has the longest realistic range available, and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. It can also be refilled in under 5 minutes on most street corners and is more immune to natural disasters and states of emergency.

So to me, the order from first to last would be:

EcoD
Pentastar
4xe
392 Hemi
2.0L Hurricane

But in the real world of actual current sales volumes for JLUs-auto (the only model with all the engine options) in June 2021 the order is probably something like:

2.0T
4XE
Pentastar
392
Diesel

Almost the mirror image of your list


Edited to correct year.

 

[Echo4papa]

The combined HP and torque of the ICE and electric motors of the 4xe was enough to tempt me into a test drive. That drive, the tax credit, and the ridiculous trade in offer for my Mustang was enough to make me hop on board with a year one platform.

 

[Asuriyan]

Well, you've got the 3.6L which is simple as pie, used in everything FCA made, and has a rock solid reputation. But, it makes no torque.

Then you have the 2.0L which shouldn't even exist. It doesn't achieve better or smoother power than the 3.6L, it doesn't save fuel, and it's overly complicated for a gasoline engine.

You've got the 392 Hemi which requires a 2nd mortgage to afford.

You've got the 4xe which is nothing short of a gimmick that will never ever pay for itself when one sits down and actually does the math on it.

Lastly you have the EcoDiesel which achieves excellent fuel economy, makes gobs of torque, has the longest realistic range available, and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. It can also be refilled in under 5 minutes on most street corners and is more immune to natural disasters and states of emergency.

If we're gonna sit down and do the math, how long will it take for an engine that costs $4,000 to pay for itself when it gets 20% better fuel economy than the next best option?

With the amount I drive, assuming 50/50 highway-city split and current fuel prices, the break-even point for me would have been well after the warranty expired - 6 or 7 years down the line. That was comparing a new 2021 to my 2018 2.0T, which averaged 22MPG over 2 1/2 years (50% better than my JK).

Smoother power? Arguable, but it's more fun. Better power and mileage? Absolutely. The torque curve and fuel economy of the turbo are much, much closer to the diesel than to the V6, and with the restructuring of the available powertrains, it's also one of the least expensive options for 2021.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Well, you've got the 3.6L which is simple as pie, used in everything FCA made, and has a rock solid reputation. But, it makes no torque.

Then you have the 2.0L which shouldn't even exist. It doesn't achieve better or smoother power than the 3.6L, it doesn't save fuel, and it's overly complicated for a gasoline engine.

You've got the 392 Hemi which requires a 2nd mortgage to afford.

You've got the 4xe which is nothing short of a gimmick that will never ever pay for itself when one sits down and actually does the math on it.

Lastly you have the EcoDiesel which achieves excellent fuel economy, makes gobs of torque, has the longest realistic range available, and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. It can also be refilled in under 5 minutes on most street corners and is more immune to natural disasters and states of emergency.

So to me, the order from first to last would be:

EcoD
Pentastar
4xe
392 Hemi
2.0L Hurricane

If
Gas + Turbo = overly complicated for a gasoline engine

Then
Diesel + Turbo = ?

 

[Oilburner]

Here is a pic posted in the 4xe section where a guy was trying to get the best mpg. He was basically running his battery down then driving in hybrid mode.

The thread is here (47) Using true hybrid mode to maximize MPG of Jeep 4xe | 2018+ Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, Unlimited - JLwranglerforums.com
81.9+149= 230.9 miles total range. That is no bueno for me, and I can do better than 22.9 mpg w/ my diesel all day long. With the tax incentives, the 4xe is very likely cheaper to own/operate but even more complex than the Exodiesel (I would have thought that not possible) However, if you usually just putter around town, you could really save on fuel, but I live way out past 'the sticks'.

 

[AnnDee4444]

Here is a pic posted in the 4xe section where a guy was trying to get the best mpg. He was basically running his battery down then driving in hybrid mode.

The thread is here (47) Using true hybrid mode to maximize MPG of Jeep 4xe | 2018+ Jeep Wrangler Forums (JL / JLU) - Rubicon, Sahara, Sport, Unlimited - JLwranglerforums.com
81.9+149= 230.9 miles total range. That is no bueno for me, and I can do better than 22.9 mpg w/ my diesel all day long. With the tax incentives, the 4xe is very likely cheaper to own/operate but even more complex than the Exodiesel (I would have thought that not possible) However, if you usually just putter around town, you could really save on fuel, but I live way out past 'the sticks'.

Sounds like the OP will have different driving habits.

From the first post in that thread:

This thread is not for the folks that have put on 1000+ miles driving around town and charging 6x a day to put all electric miles and get 50 plus mpg average.

This thread is for folks using their truck for daily commutes and putting on 80 plus miles daily with no time to stop for 2hrs charge while commuting.

And the first post in this thread:

My JLUR will be on 35's and a daily driver with a very short commute to work and day trips out of town through the mountains about once a month.

 

[syismaster1]

What were the driving factors that lead to your engine choice? I've been on the fence between the 3.6 and the 2.0T. I'm leaning towards the 3.6 because of the long track record, smooth power, and the sound, sound is oddly important to me. What I don't like is the reduced fuel economy and lower power compared to the 2.0T. I've owned turbos in the past with terrible curves making the gas pedal feel like a toggle switch.

My JLUR will be on 35's and a daily driver with a very short commute to work and day trips out of town through the mountains about once a month. Next year I would like to try some 3 day overlanding trips here in the PNW. I think part of my hang up with the 2.0T is a turbo seems strange in a wrangler, but that's just me and I would get used to it, it's proven to be a good engine so far. I'm not excited about premium gas though.

For choosing an engine the most important considerations, in order, are reliability, enough power to feel confident in all driving conditions, range, fuel economy, and maintenance cost.

This is just my 0.02 cents
I went in thinking I only wanted the 3.6 so that is what I test drove first. I drove the 3.6 with and without E torque. Manual and automatic and it sounds great but had to be revved out and honestly felt lethargic even with the E torque. Also I plan to keep the Wrangler past the 8 year E torque warranty so I dunno how that would play out 10+ years down the road.
I then drove the 2.0T and it was so smooth and peppy. There was no turbo lag and the power was effortless to me. It was also $1,750 cheaper than the V6. I've always payed for premium gas so that does not bother me but for city urban traffic the 2.0T felt right for the Jeep.
We've had plenty of turbo cars past their warranty no issues so I am not worried about the 2.0 as much. It definitely does not have the sound of the V6 but with music blasting and top off I don't think its bothersome.

 

[John Galt]

I would have loved to get the Diesel, we have been a Diesel family for a long time. One problem nowadays is the Diesel Particle Filter DPF. We are stationed in Africa right now, the Diesel here has an extremely high sulfur content and is not particularly high quality in general. To my knowledge, I would have had to remove the entire particle management from the vehicle to get it to run. Considering how complicated these systems are today this was something I did not want to risk. Had I been going to a developed part of the world though I would have chosen Diesel.

 

[viper88]

If
Gas + Turbo = overly complicated for a gasoline engine

Then
Diesel + Turbo = ?

Not to mention the additional cost to service and maintain the diesel. I would bet a 2.0T is more reliable and cheaper to own than a diesel. FCA diesels are not exactly known to have great reliability if you look at their past diesel engines. Look at the Grand Cherokee Diesels. There are tons of them needing new engines.

 

[displayname]

But in the real world of actual current sales volumes for JLUs-auto (the only model with all the engine options) in June 2022 the order is probably something like:

2.0T
4XE
Pentastar
392
Diesel

Almost the mirror image of your list

Pretty bold to be projecting June 2022 sales. I think you might be right about the 2.0T leading, but that's about it. To my knowledge there isn't even confirmation that 392 is continuing. It'll be interesting to see what happens with 4xe, heavily based on tax credits, and the diesel is expected to remain in full production. But I would speculate that the 4XE outselling the pentastar is a long shot a year from now. It's a very cool option, but has a somewhat niche audience.

 

[viper88]

Well, you've got the 3.6L which is simple as pie, used in everything FCA made, and has a rock solid reputation. But, it makes no torque.

Then you have the 2.0L which shouldn't even exist. It doesn't achieve better or smoother power than the 3.6L, it doesn't save fuel, and it's overly complicated for a gasoline engine.

You've got the 392 Hemi which requires a 2nd mortgage to afford.

You've got the 4xe which is nothing short of a gimmick that will never ever pay for itself when one sits down and actually does the math on it.

Lastly you have the EcoDiesel which achieves excellent fuel economy, makes gobs of torque, has the longest realistic range available, and comes with a 100,000 mile warranty. It can also be refilled in under 5 minutes on most street corners and is more immune to natural disasters and states of emergency.

So to me, the order from first to last would be:

EcoD
Pentastar
4xe
392 Hemi
2.0L Hurricane

Not according to Autoweek. The 2.0 has a larger gas tank.

"It comes down to fuel tank size. EcoDiesel-equipped Jeeps get an 18.3-gallon fuel tank; assuming you average that 25 mpg EPA combined figure, you’re looking at a 450-plus-mile range. Gasoline-powered four-cylinder Wrangler Unlimiteds are fitted with a larger 21.5-gallon fuel tank, which, given the 22 mpg combined fuel economy, yields a 470-plus-mile range. Standard 3.6-liter V6-powered Wranglers should do 430 miles or so."


Here is thread from an actual 2.0T and diesel owner. The diesel is not getting the mpg he was hoping for. He had the dealer do some warranty work and the mpg got a little better but not substantial. He said he would have kept his 2.0T if he knew the diesel was so bad mph wise. Average combined mpg seems to be around 22-24 mpg for the diesel. I was averaging 21-22 mpg combined with my 2.0 eTorque JLR.
https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/my-diesel-mileage-sucks.70954/

The diesels real advantage is its torque which is impressive.

 

[displayname]

Not according to Autoweek. The 2.0 has a larger gas tank.

"It comes down to fuel tank size. EcoDiesel-equipped Jeeps get an 18.3-gallon fuel tank; assuming you average that 25 mpg EPA combined figure, you’re looking at a 450-plus-mile range. Gasoline-powered four-cylinder Wrangler Unlimiteds are fitted with a larger 21.5-gallon fuel tank, which, given the 22 mpg combined fuel economy, yields a 470-plus-mile range. Standard 3.6-liter V6-powered Wranglers should do 430 miles or so."

That's fair, but I think every driver should factor in their own use cases too. If you're going to be rolling 35s with a teardrop trailer on the highway for 500 miles, I think the diesel is going to get you a little further down the road on a single tank.
But if you're running a stock sport in mostly city miles, the 2.0 will probably be the longest between fillups. Combined EPA is a good starting guide though.
In any case it seems like the most common order of range from shortest to longest will be 4xe, 392, pentastar, diesel/2.0.

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