Jeep Garage  - Jeep Forum banner

2500 mile review

3K views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  rybocf 
#1 ·
I wanted to share my report for the first 2,500 miles.

First, I have never owned a JGC. Our family has had other Jeeps in the past, but never this model.

I have owned my WK2 for about 6 weeks. I have a Black on Black Limited V6 with Lux II and ACC package. Added items are Mopar roof rails and slush mats. I live near Boston, MA.

Fit and Finish
Overall I'm very pleased. I have owned the spectrum of vehicles over the past 20 years, complete beaters to a few nice vehicles. The WK2 ranks in the upper group. There have been no squeaks or rattles, and the components "feel" secure. I do think the plastic buttons are cheap have a flimsy resistance, but the interior design and finish have been good.

Driving
If there is anything I can compare it to, it feels closest to my VW Touareg, and that is a complement for the Jeep. There is a rugged and confidence-inspiring component to being behind the wheel. The steering is very "thick", which I really like, with solid resistance, unlike vehicles meant to drive like cars.

The suspension is tight, but just recently as I closed in on 2,500 miles I'm starting to feel it breaking in, and it's getting better. It seems to be loosening up in the right places, namely road feel. It could also be me getting more used to how the WK2 feels on the road in various conditions. Either way I feel an improvement in the driving.

I moves along at 90-100 mph without any issues, visibility isn't bad for an SUV, and it is comfortable for long trips. The seats are hard, but they are comfortable.

Power / Mileage
I am in mostly stop and go traffic, getting about 17 MPG in these conditions, and around 21-22 on the highway at 70-75 sustained speeds.

Power seems fine. It's no V8, but if you step on it she moves pretty good for the weight. I wasn't expecting a torque monster, so I'm more than satisfied with the Pentastar for what I need.

Snow
I have the stock 18" (Michelin Lats I think?) from the Limited and have a lot of opportunity to test snow conditions, as Boston received over 60" snow from Christmas to early Feb. I was in Vermont during the 24" storm in mid January.

I think overall the performance is very good, although I can definitely feel the limitations in the tires. I had no problem getting through anything, but these tires scare me a little on ice. Snow was no problem, and I felt safe in almost all conditions.

Dedicated winter tires would have been a nice improvement, but those specific conditions are generally rare, and since 95% of my driving is on relatively clean roads throughout the year, it doesn't seem warranted for me at this time.

Off Road
Sorry, no opportunities for this yet.

Value
Here is where the Jeep really shines. I looked at the features I got on my WK2 (ACC, Ventilated seats, top quality 4WD system, Nav, etc) and I don't think I could find a vehicle in this class with these features for the price. (Negotiated less than $40k). It was a great option for the money relative to the competition. Price out an Acura MDX with the same features and it's $10K more, The Ford Edge isn't in the same class (IMO), the list goes on.

Problems
Both Key FOB batteries died with about 3 weeks of use each. I've replaced the batteries and waiting to see if the problem is resolved or I have a different issue.

I have a "moaning" sound at very low speeds. Others have reported this as well. I'm waiting to see if there is a preferred resolution before starting the process with the dealer.

I'm a little underwhelmed with the quick shift into 2nd or 3rd which really gives you sluggish response in favor of fuel economy. It's not a big deal, but you definitely notice it. I have heard there is a TSB for this, so I'll probably get that done when I have my first service and bundle up my issues.

Bottom Line
Very happy with the purchase in terms of value. Yes, there are sportier, more luxurious, better appointed vehicles out there, but I don't think you will find anything for the price that has all the same pieces. It does, at times, feel like a poor man's Touareg (from my experience), but I'm glad I saved $15k over a comparable VW, that I bought American, and my long-term maintenance/costs will be much lower.

Just my $.02

-Ryan
 
See less See more
#5 ·
I just hit 2500 miles today (had it for 8 weeks tomorrow) I have the Hemi overland and your review would mirrior mine. The fuel mileage in mine is a little less but other than that its the same no problems. I'm in Kansas in the snow.:thumbsup:
 
#6 ·
Great review and confirms a lot about how I feel about the WK2. Just froma perception standpoint, I would not have thought a Toureg in the same class as the Jeep. I've heard some pretty good things about the interior, but if I had to venture a guess based on appearance I would have figured about $35K for that truck. I understand now they go closer to $65K. Kinda the same thing with the Phaeton - it was built better than a S-class but still a VW. Cool that you are happy...enjoy!
 
#8 ·
Same thoughts here. I have the V6 in Dark Charcoal Pearl and love the WK2.

Although I'm a bit pissed that someone backed up into my drivers side door and caused a dent....never left a note. Right in fornt of my house no less parked directly across the street from my neighbors driveway. Hmmmm. Let's see, neighbor backs out of driveway, the streets are snow covered from being snow plowed, tight turn and my Jeep is in it's path. I have a hunch who it may have been....didn't see it happen so can't be 100% sure.....the dent wasn't there prior to parking their so......
 
#12 ·
I wanted to share my report for the first 2,500 miles.

First, I have never owned a JGC. Our family has had other Jeeps in the past, but never this model.

I have owned my WK2 for about 6 weeks. I have a Black on Black Limited V6 with Lux II and ACC package. Added items are Mopar roof rails and slush mats. I live near Boston, MA.

Fit and Finish
Overall I'm very pleased. I have owned the spectrum of vehicles over the past 20 years, complete beaters to a few nice vehicles. The WK2 ranks in the upper group. There have been no squeaks or rattles, and the components "feel" secure. I do think the plastic buttons are cheap have a flimsy resistance, but the interior design and finish have been good.

Driving
If there is anything I can compare it to, it feels closest to my VW Touareg, and that is a complement for the Jeep. There is a rugged and confidence-inspiring component to being behind the wheel. The steering is very "thick", which I really like, with solid resistance, unlike vehicles meant to drive like cars.

The suspension is tight, but just recently as I closed in on 2,500 miles I'm starting to feel it breaking in, and it's getting better. It seems to be loosening up in the right places, namely road feel. It could also be me getting more used to how the WK2 feels on the road in various conditions. Either way I feel an improvement in the driving.

I moves along at 90-100 mph without any issues, visibility isn't bad for an SUV, and it is comfortable for long trips. The seats are hard, but they are comfortable.

Power / Mileage
I am in mostly stop and go traffic, getting about 17 MPG in these conditions, and around 21-22 on the highway at 70-75 sustained speeds.

Power seems fine. It's no V8, but if you step on it she moves pretty good for the weight. I wasn't expecting a torque monster, so I'm more than satisfied with the Pentastar for what I need.

Snow
I have the stock 18" (Michelin Lats I think?) from the Limited and have a lot of opportunity to test snow conditions, as Boston received over 60" snow from Christmas to early Feb. I was in Vermont during the 24" storm in mid January.

I think overall the performance is very good, although I can definitely feel the limitations in the tires. I had no problem getting through anything, but these tires scare me a little on ice. Snow was no problem, and I felt safe in almost all conditions.

Dedicated winter tires would have been a nice improvement, but those specific conditions are generally rare, and since 95% of my driving is on relatively clean roads throughout the year, it doesn't seem warranted for me at this time.

Off Road
Sorry, no opportunities for this yet.

Value
Here is where the Jeep really shines. I looked at the features I got on my WK2 (ACC, Ventilated seats, top quality 4WD system, Nav, etc) and I don't think I could find a vehicle in this class with these features for the price. (Negotiated less than $40k). It was a great option for the money relative to the competition. Price out an Acura MDX with the same features and it's $10K more, The Ford Edge isn't in the same class (IMO), the list goes on.

Problems
Both Key FOB batteries died with about 3 weeks of use each. I've replaced the batteries and waiting to see if the problem is resolved or I have a different issue.

I have a "moaning" sound at very low speeds. Others have reported this as well. I'm waiting to see if there is a preferred resolution before starting the process with the dealer.

I'm a little underwhelmed with the quick shift into 2nd or 3rd which really gives you sluggish response in favor of fuel economy. It's not a big deal, but you definitely notice it. I have heard there is a TSB for this, so I'll probably get that done when I have my first service and bundle up my issues.

Bottom Line
Very happy with the purchase in terms of value. Yes, there are sportier, more luxurious, better appointed vehicles out there, but I don't think you will find anything for the price that has all the same pieces. It does, at times, feel like a poor man's Touareg (from my experience), but I'm glad I saved $15k over a comparable VW, that I bought American, and my long-term maintenance/costs will be much lower.

Just my $.02

-Ryan
The ESC tsb will take care of the 1st to 2nd shift problem and also will increase overall performance. The one thing if you could decribe in detail is the moaning issue. I think I have the same issue and all I can say is good luck in getting it resolved. Mine has had everthing in the rear end replaced and have had engineers from chrysler drive it and I still have the noise. I know there have been a couple posts about it. The one thing they seem to have in common is they are all the 3.6 with qudra trac II. Also if you know what month was yours built?
 
#14 ·
I could swear I'm getting better gas mileage after the TSB update. Then again, it could be that I have about 3500 miles on it now.

Great review!
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top