Given some of the discussion, and debate, on the 3.6L V6 Pentastar: here is my review after one year with this engine.
I purchased my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with ORA I in August of 2013. Since then, I have logged 12k miles in a variety of conditions--but primarily as a single driver commuter.
Driving has been done in a mountainous region in the NW of the country experiencing conditions from over 100 F to -20 F.
Mixed mileage has been 22 MPG on average across the seasons, with less in the winter, more in the summer. Recently, I've seen increasing mileage as the engine breaks in.
All told, I am quite content with this choice, and would recommend the 6 to anyone who doesn't plan to regularly tow or haul heavy loads of cargo as I do not have experience with heavy loads to speak for the 6 in those conditions.
As I am a "light" user I cannot speak for the capabilities of this engine under heavy loads. That said, I drove a brand new Ram V8 HEMI for almost two weeks in the last month (warranty rental) with the 8 speed for comparison.
So what I can conclude is this: If you are a single commuter or light load driver then there is NO DOUBT that the V6 Pentastar is more than capable for your needs. In fact, this engine is down right NASTY when pushed into higher RPMs.
Coupled with the 8 speed, I can push this rig around with AUTHORITY. We're talking passes at 95+ in short seconds after putting the hammer down at 70 and getting pressed into the seat like a rocket takeoff from 0.
So, it is clear that this is a serious contender and by no means is anyone gimped by choosing the Pentastar.
That said, the experience with the quad cab big horn Ram with the 5.7L V8 is equally enlightening.
You do not have to flog it into the higher RPMS like the Pentastar unless you REALLY mean business. I was impressed with the extra torque available and would seriously consider this if towing or hauling heavy loads were regularly on the agenda. Especially at higher than usual speeds.
However, this engine felt like overkill 95% of the time based on my light usage. But damn, it was satisfying to go deep into the pedal and feel a monster come to life at my call.
So in summary, I would purchase the V6 Pentastar again without hesitation--it REALLY is a more than capable engine with the 8 speed. Even downright CRAZY when pushed to the limit, and I understand Jeep offering this engine in all trim levels (CAFE aside).
Certainly go for the 8 if you plan to haul or want bottomless power to tap into, but this Jeep is one heck of a ride either way!
I purchased my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with ORA I in August of 2013. Since then, I have logged 12k miles in a variety of conditions--but primarily as a single driver commuter.
Driving has been done in a mountainous region in the NW of the country experiencing conditions from over 100 F to -20 F.
Mixed mileage has been 22 MPG on average across the seasons, with less in the winter, more in the summer. Recently, I've seen increasing mileage as the engine breaks in.
All told, I am quite content with this choice, and would recommend the 6 to anyone who doesn't plan to regularly tow or haul heavy loads of cargo as I do not have experience with heavy loads to speak for the 6 in those conditions.
As I am a "light" user I cannot speak for the capabilities of this engine under heavy loads. That said, I drove a brand new Ram V8 HEMI for almost two weeks in the last month (warranty rental) with the 8 speed for comparison.
So what I can conclude is this: If you are a single commuter or light load driver then there is NO DOUBT that the V6 Pentastar is more than capable for your needs. In fact, this engine is down right NASTY when pushed into higher RPMs.
Coupled with the 8 speed, I can push this rig around with AUTHORITY. We're talking passes at 95+ in short seconds after putting the hammer down at 70 and getting pressed into the seat like a rocket takeoff from 0.
So, it is clear that this is a serious contender and by no means is anyone gimped by choosing the Pentastar.
That said, the experience with the quad cab big horn Ram with the 5.7L V8 is equally enlightening.
You do not have to flog it into the higher RPMS like the Pentastar unless you REALLY mean business. I was impressed with the extra torque available and would seriously consider this if towing or hauling heavy loads were regularly on the agenda. Especially at higher than usual speeds.
However, this engine felt like overkill 95% of the time based on my light usage. But damn, it was satisfying to go deep into the pedal and feel a monster come to life at my call.
So in summary, I would purchase the V6 Pentastar again without hesitation--it REALLY is a more than capable engine with the 8 speed. Even downright CRAZY when pushed to the limit, and I understand Jeep offering this engine in all trim levels (CAFE aside).
Certainly go for the 8 if you plan to haul or want bottomless power to tap into, but this Jeep is one heck of a ride either way!