Which engine would you choose?

[YYCSahara]

I got the turbo because where I live (higher altitude) it is quite a bit faster than the 3.6L. I also only keep vehicles for a couple years so long term wasnt a concern. Premium gas is not required for the turbo by the way, it is recommended by Jeep, but it will run fine on regular. My first tank was regular and it ran fine returning about 22-23 mpg in the city. My second tank I put premium in it to see if I can feel any difference in power so will see.

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[TrailTorque]

I'll probably be buying a new Wrangler this year, maybe even as soon as this month. I'm trying to decide which engine to go with. My 2013 has a 3.6 and I've been very pleased with it (101K miles so far), but I've heard they've changed that engine a bit. the new 4 cyl sounds interesting, but I hate the idea of paying 50 cents more per gallon for super.

Ultimately, I want the engine that will last the longest with the least amount of problems, but I know that's hard to determine since these engines are so new. Any advice is much appreciated!

Welcome and we hope you join the family soon!

I think it’s great that our group has options and apparently more are coming ‘eco diesel’, however, I think you’ve answered your own question here haha

Go with what you know 3.6. You said yourself you’ve been super pleased with reliability and don’t want to pay the extra in gas at fill up for the 2.0 turbo.

As another member stated the 3.6 is a proven solid motor. Not knocking those with the 2.0 turbo (I’ve owned plenty of turbo vehicles). But, at the end of the day for me I didn’t want the potential extra cost associated with turbo issues down the line when I’m out of warranty.

The thought of a turbocharged motor to me is awesome, don’t get me wrong, and I’ve even been super tempted, regardless of my previous statement above, to slap one on the 3.6, but I’ll never do it. I remember when I used to keep 2k in the dash in one of my turbocharged vehicles back in the day just incase my turbos failed (I had (2) in my BMW) haha

I don’t like the feeling of walking on eggshells out of warranty but I guess in the end maybe we all feel that way, just some more than others haha

 

[DanW]

If bored easily, skip all this. If fascinated with engines, this post might have some interesting content. Here goes:

I've driven the 2.0, and it is outstanding. However, it sounds like a Cavalier engine and vibrates at idle like a typical 4. The 3.6 is much smoother. That little 4 is a powerhouse, though, and that can outweigh the sound/feel of it being a 4.

One huge advantage for longevity, IMO, with the 3.6, is the fact it does not have direct injection or a turbo. Wait to see the cost of a new turbo. I'll bet it is a little scary, and I wonder if the proliferation of turbos in FCA's lineup is probably a contributing factor to the demise of the lifetime warranty? Probably not, but the timing makes me curious.

For the record, if the 3.6 were not offered, I'd be perfectly happy with the 2.0 and would have bought it with confidence.

If you do go with the 2.0, there are some things I'd recommend. I wouldn't go past 5k on an oil change. Also, when running it hard, idle for a good minute before shutting it down to cool those turbo bearings. I also would run an oil with a higher flash point, and marketed with turbo/DI engines in mind, such as Mobil 1 AP or Amsoil's top of the line oil. They have group IV base stocks and will give more of a safety margin with the high temps a turbo generates. They'll be less likely to break down when the engine shuts off and some of the oil is cooking on those hot turbo bearings. On the other side, (I do this even with the 3.6) pull up the oil guage when starting cold and don't run it hard until the oil is fully up to operating temp, which is 185 degrees. Do those things and that turbo 2.0 should last a very long time.

As for oil, here are my thoughts and opinions, and they are mine, only. I don't claim to be a chemical engineer, but just go with what I've learned from reading many sources and oil companies' published product data sheets. For the 2.0, I'd find something other than Pennzoil Platinum. I'm not saying Pennzoil Platinum isn't good enough for this engine. It is fine. I just look for something that can handle even more heat. The flash point for PP 5w30 is 405 degrees. Mobil 1 AP 5w30 is 450 degrees. That's a big difference. For those slightly more budget minded, Mobil 1 EP is 446 and also has some group IV base stock. If bent on running MS6395 certified oil, Quaker State Ultimate Durability's flash point is 452 degrees, which is outstanding for an oil that likely has no group IV. It is cheap, too. Btw, Pennzoil Ultra Platinum in 5w30 is not SN plus rated by API, so it is a no-go for the 2.0. It does have a little higher flash point than PP, at 232. Flash point isn't everything, but a turbo will push an oil harder than a non-turbo engine, under the same conditions. I also would make sure any oil I run in that 2.o is GM Dexos 1 Gen 2 certified. That's a MUCH more stringent and valid certification than MS6395, which is really a joke. The Dexos 1 Gen 2 cerfication also addresses timing chain wear, as well as the pre-ignition that API's SN Plus addresses. Again, if you are not comfortable with running an oil that is not MS6395 certified due to fear of warranty denial, there are plenty of good ones out there. I just don't know of any with primarily Group IV base stocks, and API SN Plus/GM Dexos 1 Gen 2 certification are a MUST, IMO. Quaker State Ultimate Durability would probably be my choice in that case.

Of course, with any engine, but especially a DI turbo, I highly recommend running Top Tier certified fuel. Top Tier has a more robust additive package that reduces deposits in the engine. I NEVER run fuel that isn't Top Tier, unless forced with no choice, such as out in the middle of nowhere. Most major brands are Top Tier, but brands like Shell, Chevron, Mobil, Exxon, and Phillips 66 are some examples which have been Top Tier for many years. Here is a link to the list, which includes many more brands and some who recently went for certification....
https://www.toptiergas.com/licensed-brands/ Also, some will tell you that all fuel in a given area comes from the same refinery, which is true. For example, in my area, Kroger gas comes from the same refinery as Shell. However, don't be fooled. The Top Tier rating comes from the additive pack, which is different for many brands. Shell, Chevron, and Exxon Mobil, for example, have their own proprietary additives. (Chevron's is Techron. Most auto manufacturers use Chevron with Techron for their EPA cerfication tests. That should tell you something about its quality, right there.)

 

[DanW]

Another note...FCA recently saw the 10,000,000th 3.6 roll off the production line. An engine that is less than outstanding wouldn't be produced in those numbers. You can bet it has been refined quite a bit over that run, too, not just with the Gen 2 updated version that the JL runs, but in Gen 1 Pentastars, too. The company's existence has been dependent on that engine. The engine is also structurally overbuilt, as it was designed with forced induction in mind as an option, even though it has never been offered. It's normal aspiration doesn't even come close to pushing the limit. It is an extremely versatile design.

As for the 2.0, it appears to be looked upon by FCA in the same light, as it can replace the 3.6 and other engines across a wide range of vehicles. I'm sure they put serious engineering muscle into its reliability and durability. It just hasn't piled up the numbers, years, or miles yet. Time will tell, but it appears to be off to a great start.

 

[Strommen95]

I loved the 3.6 in my 2014 JKU. Matching it with an 8 speed transmission made it a no brainer for me. I was used to the engine, love the smoothness, and love the consistent delivery throughout it's power. I didn't really like the 2.0 when I test drove it, but if I was to do it over again I'd test drive at a reputable dealer that uses premium. It'd be better to get the true performance of the turbo, but it's too late now.

 

[Alpha Delta]

We’ll be going with a 3.6 for the same reasons that have been mentioned: less complicated, we’re at sea level so no advantage there, don’t have to buy premium fuel, etc.

 

[dsgrey]

I like the 3.6. I'm not knocking the 4 cylinder but I'm old school and realize turbos have come a long ways since the crap ones built decades ago. I'm hoping to keep my JL long term and that extra $1600 battery and supposedly higher octane was a turn off considering I already know replacing my soft top every several years isn't inexpensive. Simple designed vehicles are easier to maintain long term and the JL already has enough stuff that is subject to gremlin issues as it ages.

 

[Punkindave]

The 2.0 is awesome.
Read the manual, you do NOT have to run anything more than 87 and that's all I've been doing since new. Tried a couple of tanks of 92 and noticed no difference at all in power and only a very slight increase in mpg for the additional $0.40/gal. The 2.0 wil bark the tires and launch with steady power right off the line. All the extra bits ate well protected underneath.
The Hurricane engine is used across the board in Alfas, and others and gets great reviews. I'd get another one in a heartbeat.
Of course if you want a stick, the 6cyl is the only way you can get it.

 

[Bri01]

I'll probably be buying a new Wrangler this year, maybe even as soon as this month. I'm trying to decide which engine to go with. My 2013 has a 3.6 and I've been very pleased with it (101K miles so far), but I've heard they've changed that engine a bit. the new 4 cyl sounds interesting, but I hate the idea of paying 50 cents more per gallon for super.

Ultimately, I want the engine that will last the longest with the least amount of problems, but I know that's hard to determine since these engines are so new. Any advice is much appreciated!

Having been on these forums since I got my Jeep, I realized that people are pleased with either engine.
Having said that.... I went w/ the 3.6 V6 personally since I know it's a more tried and true engine. I know Turbos have come a long way with many other manufacturers, but who knows about FCAs version. Only time will tell and I'm sure will improve in the coming years. Just sounded strange to get a 2.0 in a Jeep. But I'm old school. If they had a V6 Turbo, then I would have probably considered it.​

 

[Billydjenn]

I have owned several Wranglers including my 2018, I Just ordered a new Rubi WITH the 2.0... I LOVE the power and no more lag. It has been around for awhile and performs extremely well.. Excited for my new build to come in soooooon.

 

[landshark99]

I bought a 2.0l Rubicon, love the motor. For me the only reason to buy the 3.6 would have been if it was more powerful than the 2.0.

 

[timn1984]

I'll probably be buying a new Wrangler this year, maybe even as soon as this month. I'm trying to decide which engine to go with. My 2013 has a 3.6 and I've been very pleased with it (101K miles so far), but I've heard they've changed that engine a bit. the new 4 cyl sounds interesting, but I hate the idea of paying 50 cents more per gallon for super.

Ultimately, I want the engine that will last the longest with the least amount of problems, but I know that's hard to determine since these engines are so new. Any advice is much appreciated!

I think it depends on your needs. I wanted more power on the road to pass trucks, etc... So I went with the 6 cylinder Pentastar. It gets a little less gas mileage than the Turbo, but sure is powerful. But I would probably enjoy the 4 C turbo with its torque (pep) also, just felt more comfortable with the 6C.

 

[GinjaNinja]

Absolutely without question go with the hemi since it's what it really needs......oh wait that was just a dream of mine for the JL...

For me though, the manual transmission was an absolute must so I had to choose the 3.6. The motor is ok but i don't think a motor that makes all its power high in the rev range is very suited to the wrangler but oh well. Keep in mind I live in the mountains outside of Seattle so I deal with a lot of elevation change and I feel it to be gutless unless revving the piss out of it.

Cheers.

 

[TXJeepScientist]

To complicate the decision of which engine to get, you might want to wait for the EcoDiesel which is supposed to be available for the 2020 JLU Wranglers.

But stay away from that 4 Cylinder Turbo. What I find disturbing is that cooling lines are running under the floor to the booster, I think the 48V battery to be more specific. I don't know how well those lines are protected. But I bet those lines are expensive and time consuming to install.

 

[Dadgummit]

I chose the 2.0. It is fun to drive and gets great mileage. Premium fuel is only $.20 more here and totally worth it, if you are so worried about the cost of fuel then buy a Subaru Outback, they are great cars and have some off road ability.

If you look online you can see videos of the jl with the 3.6 engine with no body on it. (I think it is a video of a shop swapping a LS V8 into a JL) It is also complicated as hell. The turbo probably has a couple of extra parts but both are so complicated that there are guaranteed to be headaches 100,000 miles down the road. Just pop the hood of either, there is hardly a cubic inch of space that is not used with something. Gone are the days of a vehicle lasting decades with the owner having the ability to maintain it. I think it is funny how people talk about the v6 as if it is so simple with no extra systems to break, Buy a CJ if simplicity is the goal.

Honeywell turbos have been powering big diesels for decades and they last hundreds of thousands of miles. If you change the oil it will last just as long as the v6.

The 48v battery is a big part of why the turbo is so fun, there is no turbo lag at all, it really takes off from a stop. By the time my 48v battery dies there will be aftermarket batteries to choose from that will be much cheaper and have more capacity making the jeep even more fun to drive.

The hybrid system in the 2.0 makes the start stop tech something you can live with though I usually turn it off. The v6 uses the starter motor which is annoying.

It really comes down to whether or not you like new technology. The v6 is proven older tech. The 2.0 is better but has not had the chance to prove longevity. people who choose the v6 will defend their decision to the death and the 2.0 buyers will do the same. Drive both and choose whichever one feels better.

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