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2014 V6 owners - how do you like it?

19K views 114 replies 54 participants last post by  Merv 
#1 ·
NOT LOOKING TO START ANOTHER V6 vs V8 war here!!!

After long debate CRD vs V6 (V8 wasn't even in the picture) I ordered V6 Overland. If I had more $$$ I would get CRD just for the performance alone. The fact that nobody can tell me when I can order diesel is also a problem for me as I cannot wait (200K on odo and summer closing fast).

For the people who got 2014 with V6 how do you like it so far? Do you have regrets? What is your experience so far?
 
#2 ·
The powerplant itself is okay and easily does the job. Regrets? Yes I miss the connection I used to have with my Hemi engines. The tranny turns the 3.6 into a very competent V6.
 
#3 · (Edited)
Everyone's going to feel differently about it, but I love it so far. It's responsive and has plenty of power in my opinion. Now of course, if you're coming from something that's lighter or has a lot more power, you might feel differently... ;)

But anyway, nope, I have no regrets at all. I like the idea of having an engine that's no slouch while at the same time saves me money both in the short run (no extra cost of V8 or CRD + Limited Package) and long run (it's more fuel efficient) at least in the case of the V8. Although the CRD would probably only save me money in the very long run since I'd have to pay for the Limited package to get it.
 
#4 ·
Although I cant give experience as an actual 2014 V6 owner, I can chime in as a previous 2012 Overland V6 owner who recently test drove a 2014 Overland V6.

For starters, I would NOT get another 2011-2013 in the V6. Sure the engine itself is decent, but that 5spd tranny just ruins the whole driving experience. Ok since thats out of the way I will give my impressions about the 2014 Overland V6. MUCH MUCH better! After I sold my 2012 I told myself when looking for another WK2 the V6 was not even an option. No I dont tow or offroad, but I have always been into cars and performance, so even in an SUV I wanted something atleast somewhat fun. So after driving the 2014 with the V6 believe it or not I would actually consider the V6 again. No it wasnt noticeably faster or anything like that, but the overall driving experience because of the transmission was greatly improved. When in sport mode it actually woke the car up night and day difference. Sport mode in the 11-13's basically did nothing for performance whatsoever. Huuuugeee difference in the 14. I have yet to test drive the V8, but if you want to get better fuel economy and save a few bucks off the purchase price I dont think I would have any problems recommending the V6.

Hope this helps.

James
 
#5 ·
I'm new here, but I thought I'd comment as I drive a big V8 car as my daily driver, and then hop in my wifes new V6 Overland on nights/weekends, so it's quite a switch. But, I think the V6 is good for our purposes so far.

When it starts up in ECO mode it can feel a little sluggish in the hills around our house, but I've found myself knocking it into Sport mode or using the paddle shifters if I want a bit more get-up-and-go. In these modes, I think it's actually pretty fun to drive. My parents have a '13 V8, and I just didn't feel a huge huge difference to want to get another V8. So, I've been pretty happy with it.
 
#6 ·
I went from a '12 V6 to a '14 V6 - night and day difference. I've never been left wanting with either one, but the '14 definitely has more oomph. The 5 speed in the '12 hindered the V6 in many ways in terms of get up and go power. The 8 speed lets it shine. ECO mode is crap, so I just turn it off when I start the car. If I forget to turn it off, it doesn't take more than a hundred feet or so for me to notice. I made the mistake of flooring it one time to get into traffic and it snapped my head back into the headrest. The back of my head did not appreciate. My '12 wouldn't do that.
 
#8 ·
#12 ·
I have an '11 V6 and just bought the wife a '14 V6. Yes, there is a noticeable difference between the 5 speed and 8 speed and yes it gets a tad more mileage. But it is not a difference I would trade my '11 in to get. In fact, if I could get them to put the '14s dual exhaust and rear valence on mine and maybe change my antenna for the shark fin I would be just as happy as if I had a new one. Oh, I would probably like the new grill to replace my chrome one but I'm too cheap to buy one and have it painted to match.
 
#20 ·
'14 Overland V6 here. No complaints, at all!

In almost 14 years of driving, this is the first time I've had something other than a 4 cylinder - A couple Acura Integras, an Acura RSX Type-S, and an '11 VW GTI. So it's certainly new to me. I feel the power is more than sufficient. The 8 speed is great! I'm glad I went V6. The V8 is just too thirty for me. I'm used to 28mpg - I'm getting 16 now :). 95% city driving.
 
#23 ·
Mine makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Thought about ordering the hemi, but I'm glad I didn't now that I have my V6.
 
#26 ·
Finally took delivery yesterday and was able to play around with V6. To be honest you can always use more power. If money was no issue I would probably go with CRD (nah .. no V8 for me, don't like it).

V6 feels OK, just OK. This is not a sports car guys. Cruising on the highway the car feels like a freaking tank and I think given that V6 is good enough. Sports mode makes HUGE difference in around town. Transmission is much more aggressive, you can see big difference. Again this is not a BMW.

So far happy with my decision.
 
#30 ·
I am very happy with the V6 in my overland. Eco mode can be annoying when it's shifting into 4th gear at 20 mph during easy acceleration, but pulling back on the electronic shifter to change to sport mode is very rewarding. Unless you are doing some major towing I think the V6 is plenty despite the annoying Eco mode.
 
#31 ·
I am very happy with the V6 in my overland. Eco mode can be annoying when it's shifting into 4th gear at 20 mph during easy acceleration, but pulling back on the electronic shifter to change to sport mode is very rewarding. Unless you are doing some major towing I think the V6 is plenty despite the annoying Eco mode.
That's the sore point with the Hemi as well.


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#32 · (Edited)
I Can't tell you how many times I've told my wife how much I love our new GC and we've only had it a couple weeks. Only vehicle I've had that was more enjoyable as a daily driver was my '08 VW R32, which was AWD and had a dual clutch gear box. The GC is actually a little quicker off the line though. I will agree that eco mode kills performance, but a quick flip of the shifter changes that in a hurry. Paddle shift only adds more fun to the driving experience. It may not be a sports car, but it's very enjoyable behind the wheel. Having a moderately built '11 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon on 37s, I now have the best of both worlds.
 
#34 ·
I picked up my 2014 Laredo V6 4x4 last week. I think the engine is a good match for this vehicle. I have had 4 Grand Cherokees before this one, and they were all v8s. The 2014 v6 would be perfect with another 40-60 pounds of torque but the new 8 speed does make it very responsive. Its a smooth driving vehicle that has enough power in reserve to pass and climb hills without issue.
 
#35 ·
The 2014 v6 would be perfect with another 40-60 pounds of torque but the new 8 speed does make it very responsive. Its a smooth driving vehicle that has enough power in reserve to pass and climb hills without issue.
I'm not saying that this will make up that difference by any means. But maybe something that a CAI and a Borla exhaust (or other exhaust) could contribute to give a bit more torque. What you think?
 
#40 ·
How's this: I love the way this V6 pushes my JGC down the highway, I'm glad I bought it, and I'm not missing the V8 at all. Dollar for dollar, it's the best V6 I've owned since I started buying vehicles with a V6 engine. I took a 150 mile trip today on hilly, winding county roads in Western New York farmland, and it was truly a magnificent afternoon of driving. And that ain't no bs! :thumbsup:
 
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#47 ·
Wall the base '12 Laredo was 4475 lbs, it is all the options that other models get, over 850 pounds difference between the heaviest and the lightest.

A second factor is that the 4.7 torque peaked at 3200 rpm and was down to about 257 at 4800 and a Limited 4x4 was 4200 lbs. OTOH a 3.6 has over 234 lb-ft of torque from 2000 to 6400 rpm and is making more torque & hp than a 4.7 from 4800 to 6400.

So in comparison to the 2004 WJ with 4.7 the 2012 is longer, wider, heavier, and can average 20 mpg in mixed driving and even with a five speed has more passing power due to the DOHC with VVi&e. With the '14 8-speed there would be no comparison.

ps looking at the '04 WJ spec it is looks like it had that same double second gear as the "6 speed" with the '11-'13 Hemi.
 
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