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2015 Grand Cherokee - V-8 Or V-6 ??

27K views 233 replies 52 participants last post by  BradWK2 
#1 ·
Next month my wife and I have decided we're going to be purchasing a new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would prefer to get the 5.7 HEMI over the Penstar V-6. We want to keep the cost to the mid $30K level if possible.

The problem is availability. V-6's are everywhere. HEMI's.... Not so much. I'm finding when I search dealer inventory here, (Phoenix, Az. area) it's about 40 to 1 V-6's over HEMI's. And when you do find a HEMI, they're usually the higher end models like the Overland or Summit. I don't want all that high priced crap. All I'm looking for is a Limited or a Laredo 2WD with a HEMI and a leather interior. (The cloth looks a bit cheap). I've seen what I want in the mid $30K range, but they're very hard to find. And usually not in the color we want, (red exterior with beige leather interior).

My question is has anyone driven Grand Cherokees with both engines? Is there much difference in performance between the V-6 and the HEMI? I haven't purchased a new vehicle in many years, and I know the newer engines perform much better than the ones manufactured 20 years ago.

I'm not saying I couldn't live with a V-6, I just don't want to regret it 6 months down the road. I would rather not have to order it.
 
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#2 ·
So my sister has the V-6 and I have the V-8. By no means is it a huge difference but I can definitely tell when I use her GC. Both engines are extremely capable but the V8 easily puts a grin on my face everyday. We get comparable mpgs as well, but she does beat me by a mpg or two. In my opinion for how the V8 drives I'm not going to worry about 2 mpgs.

I found a 2014 JGC limited V8 with very low miles. Check the used ones if new is tough to find. Used wasn't the easiest either. Good luck either way you will love the GC.


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#3 ·
Next month my wife and I have decided we're going to be purchasing a new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I would prefer to get the 5.7 HEMI over the Penstar V-6. We want to keep the cost to the mid $30K level if possible.

The problem is availability. V-6's are everywhere. HEMI's.... Not so much. I'm finding when I search dealer inventory here, (Phoenix, Az. area) it's about 40 to 1 V-6's over HEMI's. And when you do find a HEMI, they're usually the higher end models like the Overland or Summit. I don't want all that high priced crap. All I'm looking for is a Limited or a Laredo 2WD with a HEMI and a leather interior. (The cloth looks a bit cheap). I've seen what I want in the mid $30K range, but they're very hard to find. And usually not in the color we want, (red exterior with beige leather interior).

My question is has anyone driven Grand Cherokees with both engines? Is there much difference in performance between the V-6 and the HEMI? I haven't purchased a new vehicle in many years, and I know the newer engines perform much better than the ones manufactured 20 years ago.

I'm not saying I couldn't live with a V-6, I just don't want to regret it 6 months down the road. I would rather not have to order it.
The question is do you plan on doing any modification? What is you purpose of using her? Well I will get a V-8 but I will have to get a 4X4. The only reason why I say that is because you never know when you will go off road and go camping and things like that. I have front will drive suv and boy I had a hard time getting out the snow. I will try 2012 to 2015. The difference between these years are safety features, slight interior and exterior changes. Carmax has alot of jeeps with low mileage for good prices. I bought one new car in my life time, i just can't do it again due to too much negative equity. If you want the power go with the V-8 but if you are concerned with gas don't go with a suv.
 
#4 ·
V8's are hard to come by out here too. We found a '12 Laredo with leather, a few Overlands and then the '13 Trailhawk that we bought. I think you should go and drive both versions, even if the V8 is one to two years old. You'll learn some by reading but more from driving.
 
#5 · (Edited)
V8 is not available on any Laredo trim level. V8 is available as an option on the Limited. The Hemi generally only sells to folks who have towing needs or prefer the performance...why? Fuel economy. The vast majority of the 1200 JGCs that come off the line daily are V6 Pentastar equipped. That's why dealer inventories are lower.

You can always special order a Limited with the V8 if you want that engine choice...4-6 weeks delivery time is average.

My test drive back in 2012 was on a V6 equipped Summit and even then with the older 6 speed transmission, it was pretty impressive. (I'm not a heavy foot driver) The ONLY reason I bought the Hemi was for towing needs. Otherwise, I'd also have the V6. (or the EcoDiesel which wasn't available when I was buying)
 
#6 ·
I drove both and decided on the V6. My 14 with the new ZF transmission is rated to tow 6200lbs and I needed a vehicle that could tow my 3000lb (empty) trailer. Fully loaded should weigh in around 4500lbs.

My round trip to work is 50miles and that will take up the majority of my driving so the gas I don't burn over a V8 will add up to a lot over a year.

The Hemi had more jump off the line but the the V6 felt great and delivered enough jump to put a smile on my face. It's extra fun in Sport mode when you use a heavy foot.
 
#7 ·
Here in Southern California it was even hard to find a V8 in the higher trims. I ended up having to order my 2015 Overland V8 to get exactly what I wanted. And personally, I never even considered the V6; nor did I look at anything other then a 4x4.

BEST advice is for YOU to Drive both and then decide for yourself.
 
#8 ·
In all honesty this vehicle will never go off the pavement. We live in the desert, and it will never see snow. I hate camping. If there is a hotel within 100 miles, I'll be in it. So realistically, I have zero use for a 4WD. I like having the extra power and torque a V-8 offers, so that's why I'm leaning heavily towards it.

As I mentioned, I don't buy new vehicles that often. I'm 62 and retired, and don't drive all that much, so I don't care about fuel economy. Unless this new Grand Cherokee gets demolished or stolen, it could very well be the last vehicle I buy. I would like to think I'll live long enough to wear it out, but that's not being realistic. By the time that happens, I probably won't be able to drive anymore.

My last 2 new cars were 1991's, and I'm still driving both. A 1991 Ford F-150 with a 5.0 V-8, and a 1991 Mustang LX 5.0 V-8. When I bought the truck new I wanted the 5.7 Ford 351 V-8. But the dealer didn't have any, and I let him talk me into the 5.0. BIG MISTAKE! He told me there wasn't much difference in performance, and all I would get is way worse fuel mileage. I believed him.

I've regretted it ever since. My F-150 can't get out of it's own way. 6 months after I bought it, my neighbors son purchased the exact same truck with the 5.7. It ran circles around my 5.0. I should have listened to my instincts. I don't want to make the same mistake twice. That's why I want to talk to people who have driven both.
 
#11 ·
In all honesty this vehicle will never go off the pavement. We live in the desert, and it will never see snow. I hate camping. If there is a hotel within 100 miles, I'll be in it. So realistically, I have zero use for a 4WD. I like having the extra power and torque a V-8 offers, so that's why I'm leaning heavily towards it.

As I mentioned, I don't buy new vehicles that often. I'm 62 and retired, and don't drive all that much, so I don't care about fuel economy. Unless this new Grand Cherokee gets demolished or stolen, it could very well be the last vehicle I buy. I would like to think I'll live long enough to wear it out, but that's not being realistic. By the time that happens, I probably won't be able to drive anymore.

My last 2 new cars were 1991's, and I'm still driving both. A 1991 Ford F-150 with a 5.0 V-8, and a 1991 Mustang LX 5.0 V-8. When I bought the truck new I wanted the 5.7 Ford 351 V-8. But the dealer didn't have any, and I let him talk me into the 5.0. BIG MISTAKE! He told me there wasn't much difference in performance, and all I would get is way worse fuel mileage. I believed him.

I've regretted it ever since. My F-150 can't get out of it's own way. 6 months after I bought it, my neighbors son purchased the exact same truck with the 5.7. It ran circles around my 5.0. I should have listened to my instincts. I don't want to make the same mistake twice. That's why I want to talk to people who have driven both.
I have a 6.4 hemi so i have all the fun in the world but that will be going over what you willing to pay so 5.7 it is.
 
#10 ·
Maybe you did this ... but if not ...

Build what you want on Jeep.com. Expand the search area. If you find one, see if your local dealer can get it for you.

Otherwise, order what you want, particularly if you don't replace vehicles too often. No sense letting a couple of months of waiting give you years of regret.

Good Luck!


---
 
#13 ·
Expand the search area. If you find one, see if your local dealer can get it for you.
That's yet another thing I would like to know more about. How many miles from home will a dealer be willing to go, in order to get one from another dealer who is out of area? 50 miles, 100, 300? I've often wondered about that. If they're willing to get one from out of town, will they charge me more for shipping, etc.?

And for the fellow who has the 6.4 HEMI. Is it in the SRT? How fast have you had it up to? I may be old, but I'm not dead! :D
 
#12 ·
If you are really looking for performance, go for the HEMI.

I can assure you though that the difference in consumption will be greater than '1-2 MPG' as somebody suggested earlier.

For me, going with the V6 was a no-brainer. I have nothing to tow and if performance would have been my most important feature, I wouldn't have gone for an SUV in the first place.

The (low) fuel-consumption on the V6 is just awesome and if I want to have some fun, I put it in 'S' and get the same performance as on a <MY14 HEMI.:thumbsup:
 
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#27 ·
You really need to drive both on roads representative of where you will be driving.
Get similarly equipped models and when testing don't worry about 4x4 vs 4x2 as long as both are the same.

The difference in consumption between the hemi and v6 is largely determined by where you drive and how heavy and steady a right foot you have. The hemi recommends mid-grade vs regular or bushgas for the v6 if that is a consideration.

The V6 is fairly spritely, particularly for such a heavy vehicle--aided largely by the 8 speed. The hemi is notably more spritely if you live at higher altitude or drive where the altitude changes a lot--no way can either the turbodiesel or v6 stay close to a hemi, and the 8 speed in the hemi really helps with mileage unless you have a nervous foot--plus it is a different model 8 speed straight from ZF.

The hemi is not a Daddy Don Garlits grade engine--more like an older reasonably fast 327/350 or modest 396. It does have torque--not as much as the diesel, but has a pretty wide power band.

The V6 is kinda like your mother-in-law on too much coffee. A rather imposing force, but at the cost of possibly a bit too much noise and drama. The hemi is the big gentle retired football center next door--an even more imposing force and incredibly relaxed while putting miles and lesser traffice behind it at very impressive rates.
 
#18 ·
I doubt you'll find a Limited with a V8 for 35K new.


Drive them both. V6 is PLENTY of power for me. The V6 with 8 Speed performs as well as the V8 used to with the 6 Speed. It's that good.


There is a reason why there are 40 V6's for every V8. And it's not due to them all being scooped up.
 
#19 · (Edited)
I agree with those that have suggested driving both the V6 and V8 to see for yourself what the capabilities are. You may be very surprised at the performance of the Pentastar with the 8 speed transmission compared to your experience with older vehicles.

As to 4x2 and 4x4...the latter isn't just for "off road" or snow. It helps a lot in heavy wet conditions, too. And the fuel economy difference is nearly nil in real life.

But in the end, choose what you prefer based on your own needs, desires and test drive experience.

BTW, my JGC was acquired via dealer trade...132 miles of it. My only dissatisfaction with that was it came from Long Island in NY and already had the front bumper drilled to death for NY's front plate requirement which we don't have here in PA.
 
#20 ·
The hemi will not disappoint.
 
#22 · (Edited)
I have a 2012 Overland V8 Hemi. My parents have a 2014 Limited V6.
The gas mileage difference is significant, but I drive mine like a sports car most of the time. Only getting 13 mpg on average around town, 15 with some in town interstate driving, or 18-20 with only highway driving. Parents get 17 mpg or better all the time.
It seemed like a long time to get up to 60 mph driving theirs with the V6, I can get my V8 up to 60 in a very short distnace it seems, and especially quick from say 20-30 to 70. Love driving the Hemi, you should get one you won't regret it.
 
#31 ·
How has the 8-Speed transmission performed for you guys? Good reliability and performance? I can't imagine the complexity of so many speeds. How do the paddle shifters work in "S" Mode? If you select "D", does it work like a normal automatic? They seem to be pretty reliable from what I've read. If you just cruise along in "D", how fast of a speed does it require before you get into 8th gear?
 
#33 · (Edited)
I just did a search on Cars.com guess Jeep.Com is broken because V8 Limited RWD do exist.


The cheapest 2015 within 500 miles of Glendale is $41K


The cheapest 2014 within 500 miles of Glendale is $36K


12 Photos/Video
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Brilliant Black Crystal Pearlcoat, 4 door, RWD, SUV, 8-Speed Automatic, 5.7L V8 16V MPFI OHV, Stock# J43175.
Glendale Dodge Chrysler Jeep ~ 352 mi. away
888-453-3560 Email Dealer

$36,573

MSRP $43,265



http://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...=GN_REFINEMENT#save-vehicle-tooltip-600418933 Save/Compare





1 Photo

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited

Billet Silver Clearcoat Metallic, 4 door, RWD, SUV, 8-Speed Automatic, 5.7L V8 16V MPFI OHV, Stock# 41681DT.
Rydell Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram ~ 363 mi. away
888-274-9262 Email Dealer

$37,365

MSRP $42,365



http://www.cars.com/for-sale/search...=GN_REFINEMENT#save-vehicle-tooltip-625299793 Save/Compare
 
#35 ·
I'm trying to figure out why you need the v8 beyond fun factor.

Personally, I think you are crazy getting 2WD! :eek: That vehicle will be a miserable trade/resale down the road IMHO, and will lack the qualities the Jeep was really built to showcase. But hey, to each their own.

Yes, by all means, drive both engines, it is the only way you will really know the differences between the engines.

I traded a 2006 Nissan Frontier with an incredible engine for my V6 Overland. I do not miss the "pull" or "push" of the Nissan. I drive well over 50 miles a day and can tell you the v6 moves when needed to and still averages around 22 in warm weather (about 20 this winter - love that remote start!). Unless you are pretending to drive in F1, I can't see the need for the V8. That being said, vehicle purchases rarely come down to need, that is a given. ;)
 
#38 ·
I'm trying to figure out why you need the v8 beyond fun factor.

Personally, I think you are crazy getting 2WD! :eek: That vehicle will be a miserable trade/resale down the road IMHO, and will lack the qualities the Jeep was really built to showcase. But hey, to each their own.
Why should I buy a 4WD that I'm never going to need or use? I've already stated the thing will never leave the pavement, or see snow. I could care less about "resale value". I'm still driving my last 2 new cars I bought 24 years ago. I'll most likely drive this one until the wheels fall off, or I'm dead.

4WD gives less fuel economy. It costs more to buy. It has more parts to wear out and fail, and is more costly to repair. Why would I want that? Especially if I'm never going to need it. As far as the V-8. I'll appreciate and use the power it provides every time I drive it.
 
#39 ·
I visited Arizona once. People were sad about a sprinkle. It was barely sprinkling, and people were complaining about "the rain." Very different perspective then where I come from, where rain is considered a blessing most of the time (crops and livestock). If it isn't more than an inch, we complain about the lack of rain.

4x4 is not a necessity down there 99.9% of the time. I saw that first hand. If you don't want it, don't buy it. Just don't visit the northern half of the continental USA, unless you are doing it in June/July. :thumbsup:

As for V8 vs V6, as others have said, its subjective. I won't knock the V6 too badly; with the 8-speed, its definitely more than adequate. However, if gas mileage isn't a concern, the Hemi is fantastic.

Odds are you will have no issues with new 8-speed transmission. However, with that being said, the V6's 8-speed has known to be more problematic than the V8. That may be just because the V6 far outsells the V8, but you do see more of them reported. It is my belief that one reason for that is that the Hemi and diesel transmissions are made by ZF themselves, and are the same as the ones they put into many higher end vehicles (BMW 7 series, BMW X5, Rolls-Royce Phantom). The V6 transmission is a ZF design that Chrysler modifies ("beefs up") and then builds in a Chrysler plant.
 
#40 ·
I don't know if this helps but I traded in a v8 supercharged Range Rover sport with (390hp) for a 14 ecodiesel and I couldn't complain, I thought it was the best compromise between the power mpg, I noticed as I get older I don't really drive super fast on the highway anymore, just speed up for passing at times, most of the times I floor it is at lower speeds and the torque of the diesel is good for that. Before the range I had a coyote mustang hardtop and while I'm used to faster cars I been digging the ecodiesel since I got it.
 
#46 ·
For those of you considering a HEMI simply because it's faster you should reconsider.

That feeling of mass didn't hold the Pentastar-powered Grand Cherokee back at the track, though. Its 0-60 time was 7.7 seconds, and it ran the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 88.4 mph. Braking was quite good; the Jeep needed only 118 feet to stop from 60 mph.

The Hemi got the 5245-pound Jeep to 60 in 6.6 seconds and through the quarter in 14.9 seconds at 92.8 mph. But this Grand Cherokee needed 132 feet to stop from 60.

Less than a second better in quarter is nothing to write home about.
Not to mention the longer stopping distance because of the additional weight.
 
#48 ·
For those of you considering a HEMI simply because it's faster you should reconsider.

That feeling of mass didn't hold the Pentastar-powered Grand Cherokee back at the track, though. Its 0-60 time was 7.7 seconds, and it ran the quarter mile in 15.8 seconds at 88.4 mph. Braking was quite good; the Jeep needed only 118 feet to stop from 60 mph.
The Hemi got the 5245-pound Jeep to 60 in 6.6 seconds and through the quarter in 14.9 seconds at 92.8 mph. But this Grand Cherokee needed 132 feet to stop from 60.

Less than a second better in quarter is nothing to write home about.
Not to mention the longer stopping distance because of the additional weight.
Actually a second faster 0-60, and almost a full second faster in the 1/4 mile is a pretty impressive boost. Especially when you consider the weight of the Grand Cherokee. Also, it's not the most aerodynamically efficient vehicle on the road.
 
#50 ·
I think you answered your own question many posts ago.....
You can afford it, you keep your cars a long time, you want what you want, and it's the time in life to have what you want... Go order it, wait 6 weeks and be happy !
I bought a loaded 4X4 diesel Summit... Did I NEED that? Heck no! Do I tow anything? No... That is what my 2500 RAM diesel is for....
Did I want it? YES...thats all that mattered. It has fulfilled all my expectations even with its recalls ,quirks, and anything the naysayers say about it. I get 30 MPG on vacation trips I take, it has guts off the line, Criuses effortlessly, and I can't put 40.00 a week of fuel in it and I go anywhere I want to go everyday,whatever the weather.
I am retired like you and I don't care about pinching every penny any more, I want what interests me most, weather it make sense to the rest of the world or not.....:thumbsup:
 
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#52 ·
I think you answered your own question many posts ago.....
You can afford it, you keep your cars a long time, you want what you want, and it's the time in life to have what you want... Go order it, wait 6 weeks and be happy !
I bought a loaded 4X4 diesel Summit... Did I NEED that? Heck no! Do I tow anything? No... That is what my 2500 RAM diesel is for....
Did I want it? YES...thats all that mattered. It has fulfilled all my expectations even with its recalls ,quirks, and anything the naysayers say about it. I get 30 MPG on vacation trips I take, it has guts off the line, Criuses effortlessly, and I can't put 40.00 a week of fuel in it and I go anywhere I want to go everyday,whatever the weather.
I am retired like you and I don't care about pinching every penny any more, I want what interests me most, weather it make sense to the rest of the world or not.....:thumbsup:
I couldn't agree more.
 
#54 ·
There were a ton of RWD's at one dealer in Arizona. So there is a Market.
And if you keep your cars forever resale value doesn't matter.


I've actually bought two RWD SUV's when I was younger because I wanted the Utility but could not afford the 4WD. A 85 GMC Jimmy (that thing was bare bones didn't even include carpet). And an 94 (I think) Grand Cherokee RWD. It was a choice between a 4x4 Cherokee Stick or a RWD Grand Cherokee. The Grand had Air Bags and the Cherokee didn't. The Cherokee stick was a blast to drive.


I put Blizzaks on in the Winter and added a limited slip. And squeaked by in MA/NH. No problem selling either one even in New England.


Keep in mind that if you do get RWD, it will even be a little more zippy than AWD and even less need for the V8.
 
#55 · (Edited)
Get the Hemi RWD. Can't go wrong regardless of what others say. Heck, you can even tow more with RWD than the 4x4!!!

On another note, i think its foolish getting a 41k-42k limited when the overland's start at 43k(rwd) with most of the whistles already standard opposed to the limited.
 
#56 ·
Get the Hemi RWD. Can't go wrong regardless of what others say. Heck, you can even tow more with RWD than the 4x4!!!

On another note, i think its foolish getting a 41k-42k limited when the overland's start at 43k(rwd) with most of the whistles already standard opposed to the limited.
He's looking at 35k-ish Limited which is possible if you find a 2014 on the lot. But I agree for a 2015 a modestly loaded Limited gets very close to an Overland. A base 2014 Limited is better equipped too.
 
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