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Underwhelmed by HEMI

25K views 115 replies 52 participants last post by  Terminator2 
#1 ·
At the risk of getting kicked off the forum, I thought I would share my impressions after test driving of a HEMI Ltd yesterday. I am really tempted to get a new GC, but still on the fence as to whether I should wait for the diesel I really want (and may never come) or just get one now.

The dealer had dozens of GC's on the lot, I was surpirsed to see that many. They were mostly Laredos with V6, but they had a bunch a Ltd's with HEMI, and a handful of Overlands also with HEMI (it was probably a 50 / 35/ 15 mix). Allow me to reiterate that I really really would like Chrysler to sell a Ltd with turbo diesel in the US, but I would probably buy a WK2 today if my WJ quit on me unexpectedly. My first choice would probably be a Ltd V6, but since there were none, off we went in a HEMI.

I was driving like a civilized person which seems like the thing to do with a Jeep on the streets with traffic. As we were discussing the difference in power between both engines, it was suggested that I punch it as we were rolling at around 40MPH. That's when the wait started. It felt like forever before I got a downshift and even after that occured, I did not get the kick in the lower back I was told would be coming. Same happened from a stop. Maybe the engine / trans were too fresh, but I was very disapointed at the lack of urgency.

On the positive side, Chrysler has done a fantatic job with the interior. It seems really well thought out and well screwed together. I love the pano roof and the detail of the cargo area. The WJ looks really dated compared to the WK2. I felt the steering was a bit squirely, but overall the improvement in handling and ride comfort was amazing with the tester's 18 inchers.

I still have not driven a V6, but I suspect that under most conditions it would be sufficient. Maybe I should have insisted on driving one. If it drives close to the HEMI under normal conditions, I would have been totally wowed.

It's a beautiful vehicle and I am sure all you lucky people who already have one are loving it, regardless of which engine you chose. I am really tempted to upgrade, but after sleeping on it, I will hang on to my WJ at least until the 2012's come out and then I'm driving both the V6 and V8 back to back. Maybe if I wait until 2013 model year the tubo diesel will even be available in the US and then I'll have what I really want. One can always hope.
 
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#3 ·
I had the same experience. I asked for the v6. Dealer kept talking up the v8. I finally agreed to test drive a v8, and it was like-- Seriously? You saw me drive up in a bmw 335i and you expected me to be impressed by this? Awful throttle response and transmission. That said, the v6 is just as bad, but at least I get better MPG saved $1500.
 
#5 · (Edited)
Actually, you can debate the power difference, but to call the V6 "Just as bad" performance wise is a huge stretch, you can really feel the torque difference between the two engines. Different strokes for different folks, but two things are really beyond debate; 1) The V6 will get better mileage, 2) The Hemi is more powerful. Everyone will have their own preference, and their really is no right are wrong but each engine has it's own strengths and weaknesses. So because you are coming from a really fast BMW 335i you had to chose the V6 GC ? While neither engine will come close to matching your 335i performance wise, the V8 will be much closer.
 
#6 ·
Punching the throttle in a 5000lb vehicles is a pretty lame test of performance. Drive both vehicles (V8 and V6) at speed and apply throttle like you would in a normal driving situation and see which feels better to you. The Hemi has the torque that give you better throttle response without needing to kick down a gear. If you really want to see / feel the difference use the shifter to lock out 4th and 5th gears and see how it response at 40 mph in 3rd gear.

Of course it's not going to impress like a performance car, it's simply too heavy and the computers are configured to provide a smoother power delivery vs. a high performance vehicle.

I've owned a couple high performance SUV's and I find the Hemi Overland to be a pleasure to drive and quite adequate. If you want a performance SUV wait on the SRT8 or shop another (much more expensive) brand.
 
#8 ·
These vehicles don't have 3.73 gears in them like the WJ has that you drive. The V6 has a 3.06 and the V8 is either a 3.45 or 3.47 as Jeep is trying to get better mileage out of them especially as they weigh much more than your WJ. I think when it comes to the different gear ratios it makes all the difference. I believe your 4.7 is making about 235HP and with 3.73s it’s probably going to be quicker off the line than the 5.7 with 360HP with a 3.45s. I had a 2008 JGC Limited with 3.73s and the 3.0L diesel and the 215HP that it made felt like 450HP because of the torque which I believe was 376ftlbs (at the time more than the Hemi) that thing was impressive although I had a chip and it was making over 400ftlbs of torque. If the WK2's had a diesel right now that’s what I would have bought instead of the Hemi. I fully understand where you are coming from.
 
#24 ·
I agree w/MikeD just today drove a HEMI @ Manhattan Jeep dealer. Currently drive a 99' JEEP GC so the improvement to me was substantial. All relative, as I'm sure it would have been a different experience had I drove up in a more refined sedan, etc. Loved the test drive, glad I have a HEMI on order.
 
#10 ·
wow....!!! I agree with whomever said, wait for the 2012 SRT8. On the other hand, install the available high performance air instake, upgrade exhaust system.

Comparing Bimmer performance to a Jeep, not a fair comparison by any stretch. After all, the Jeep Hemi is an SUV, heavier. My 5th Jeep, 2nd Hemi. I am quite pleased with the 2011 Hemi performance. Just my opinion.
 
#11 ·
I will say the ESC TSB that corrects all vehicles (V6 and V8) built prior to 30 DEC 2010 helps quite a bit. My Hemi is much more throttle responsive...I'm telling you it does make a big difference...especially in sport mode.
 
#12 ·
There's several of us who felt that the Hemi was not a significant improvement over the Pentastar.

With 10K miles on my V-6 WK2, I still have no complaints about the engine power; I'm currently sitting at the dealer for an unrelated trim issue, but I'm having them apply the TSB for the overzealous upshifting and occasional lack of response, and that should make things even better.

It's important to remember that these aren't sports cars. The weight and size mean that only something astonishingly powerful will make it feel like that, and an engine like that will drink fuel like a Pepsi through a fire hose. If you want performance, SUVs are a bad place to look. But for what it is, IMO, the WK2 is quite good.
 
#13 ·
There's several of us who felt that the Hemi was not a significant improvement over the Pentastar.

With 10K miles on my V-6 WK2, I still have no complaints about the engine power; I'm currently sitting at the dealer for an unrelated trim issue, but I'm having them apply the TSB for the overzealous upshifting and occasional lack of response, and that should make things even better.

It's important to remember that these aren't sports cars. The weight and size mean that only something astonishingly powerful will make it feel like that, and an engine like that will drink fuel like a Pepsi through a fire hose. If you want performance, SUVs are a bad place to look. But for what it is, IMO, the WK2 is quite good.
Hey if you haven't had the ESC TSB done I highly suggest that you get it done too...takes less than 20 minutes....big difference.
 
#16 ·
Sorry, with my "Just as bad" comment, I was referring to the throttle response and transmission, not the general performance.

I can say that I miss holding 5th gear up a mild grade, which I'd expect the hemi to handle much better than the v6. But even so that would be less of an issue if they a more seamless transmission.

And the TSB likely fixed the issue I experienced with throttle response. I tried a 60-80 passing test. I felt no immediate throttle response, so I gave it even more gas, at which point it finally responded with a violent kick-down. Which just reminded me this was no where near as refined as my 335i.
 
#17 ·
I traded my '02 WJ 4.7 L V8 Overland for the WK2 Overland 5.7 L . I too was not impressed by the Hemi at first. However, I had the ESC update a month ago and it has made a difference. Throttle response is much better and I'm finally pleased with the Hemi.
 
#18 ·
I've been pretty pleased with my Hemi, but I was expecting more of a kick in the butt when you mash the throttle. Instead it is refined and somewhat subdued. The power is still there though. My wife has an LR3 and my Overland easily takes it -- especially at any speed above 60 mph. It has become more responsive and faster after breaking it in a bit too. Sport mode really helps as well.
 
#19 ·
I dont own a WK2 but have test driven both the V6 and V8 and have owned an 05 hemi and 08 SRT8. I always get surprised when I see these comments about people not impressed by the Hemi power. I think it feels great especially the mid range cruising power. For example if your just cruising at 40mph and want to pass a car the Jeep has good power without even changing a gear. Throttle response felt good to me as well. And this is coming from someone who has owned a 505hp 3,000lb C6 Z06 Corvette and the Hemi sure impresses me. The V6 lacked the fun factor to me but for someone looking to just use it as a normal car the V6 would be fine.

James
 
#20 ·
I want to add that I have (still) a 2002 4.7 WJ too, and to be honest, I thought it was faster than the WK2.

It's not, and after 4000 miles, I think I know why it felt faster:

Because of the electronic throttle control, the WK2 has very fine control at low speed. My WJ is more "jumpy" with light throttle, giving an imnpression of quickness.

Taking off in the WJ is much more of an "event". The WK2 is so much more quiet and smooth I find myself going much, much faster than I thought I was before looking at the speedometer.

Put the WK2 into sport mode, activate tow/haul, and then go for a drive. You'll find it every bit as responsive as the WJ.

Interestingly, I get slightly better mileage with the WK2 than the WJ despite the extra 1000 pounds and bigger engine.
 
#22 ·
Underwhelmed is right. The soft ETC doesn't help. But the bottom line is it's a 5200 lb truck with extremely tall, wide gearing. The Hemi is stout enough to be tolerable in spite of that, and it sounds pretty good, but it's not fast by any stretch.

It strikes me as kind of backwards that Chrysler gives a $25,000 Ram the variable intake runner for 30 more horses and the option of reasonable rear ends (3.92 or 4.10) yet their $40,000 flagship Jeep only comes in weak and weaker.

The 8 speed for 2013 will help a lot.
 
#25 ·
Can't compare the two. One is a pick-up and the other is a SUV. Pickups have aggressive gearing for towing, hauling, plowing snow, etc.


To the OP, you felt just like I felt when I drove a 5.7L WK1 and 5.7L Commander..... cars that is faster than the WK2 :lol:

If was after that I felt that the only usable engine for the Jeep platform was the 4.7L V8. Now its the 3.6L V6.
 
#23 ·
I like reading this (sorry wk2 guys, but I know I know your interior is a lot better) because it eases my pain as I wait for the 2012 SRT8...my wk is 4400 pounds (2wd :)) and with my mods close to the hp if not the same. I am sub-6 sec 0-60 now...I do not off road, obviously, and enjoy going quicker rather than slower haha! I am very impressed with the wk2 platform and fit/finish, especially when compared to my wk :( and can't wait for the 6.4 :)
 
#26 ·
I had a 1998 Limited with the 5.9. My 98 was far quicker off the line than the Hemi I have now. I think once they come out with a programmer it will give the engine some more attitude. It's all about the computer, if they can de-tune it someone will find a way to go the other direction. I'm sure it had something to do with fuel economy and advertising. Ram trucks have the same Hemi but I bet it's setup a lot differently. 360 to 390 HP, must be something right?
 
#27 ·
I own the V6, but test drove the Hemi (from two different dealers).

My experience was definitely *not* the same. It pressed my back into the seat and performed better than I expected! (but I still settled on the V6) Perhaps it's a programming issue, it's certainly not the engine. I recall getting into the Hemi and being more than surprised from the response of the engine. (but, to be fair, I was coming from a Tahoe Hybrid which responds differently from a standing start than the hemi)
 
#28 · (Edited)
^agreed with goul, jake, and wjs, it's not the engine, it's the ETC. the Hemi rocks, only complaint is off the line due to the drive by wire. whether a tuner or module to fool the ETC, it's the next performance mod.

my underwhelming hemi will stomp on your hybrid, v6 pentastar, x5, v6 exploder, cadillac, or grand marquis. it's the mustangs and camaros that give a beating though they sure are surprised that a 5k SUV wants to dance.

it takes a big hammer to drive a big nail.
 
#47 ·
x2

On paper the Hemi is a beast. In practice, it doesn't knock your socks off like you would expect. Compared to a 4.7HO WJ you would never think the Hemi had 100 more horses. If anything, you'd think it was down 40 to the HO from stoplight to stoplight. Gearing, weight, and programming all come into play here.
 
#32 ·
comparing the WK2 Hemi with the BMW 335i is, well ridiculous. Very different configurations. Again, my 5th Jeep and 2nd Hemi. The WK2 is doing what is what designed to do. IMO.
 
#36 ·
Very happy with the WK2 Hemi and it's performance, acceleration, throttle response and NVH… I tow my boat quite a bit and it also does a good job at that as well... A speed deamon it is not, nor was it designed or intended to be one. It is a very capable SUV with overall good performance at a resonable price. I have owned many performance cars including several SRT8s...
 
#45 ·
LOL at the Sonata comparison. Load up the Sonata with four 200lb guys and then do the same in the 5000lb Jeep and do a comparison. The Sonata will fall way behind. Although many if us lament the weight and gearing of the WK2 in that it doesn't help performance, what it DOES do is make the performance difference less noticeable when it's loaded with passengers and gear compared to when it's only carrying the driver. I would bet my jewels that a loaded-down Sonata would be quite the pokey vehicle compared to a Hemi WK2 loaded the same way.
 
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