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Who has driven both V6 & V8 WK2's

30K views 188 replies 46 participants last post by  ChrisOC 
#1 ·
Hey Guys -

Yesterday I was dumbfounded at the power of the V6 WK2 motor! My close friends decided to purchase a WK2 after we all got in and drove to dinner and movie. Last night they showed me there True Blue Laredo 4x2 V6.

Long story short, I was blocked in my driveway and took the Laredo to buy some wine. WOW! That V6 feels alive and amplified! I touched the accl. pedal and it just took off, no hesitations, rough shifts, nada!

Mine feels like a dog, it's slow, guzzles gas (I am averaging 11mpg), the trans has rough shifts and delays between gears.

Sorry for the rant, im not a happy camper right now.
 
#2 · (Edited)
Keep in mind that a Overland hemi 4x4 is 740 lbs heavier than a Laredo 4x2. It needs a hemi.

From 2012 spec. sheet:
2WD Laredo 3.6-liter 4470 lbs
4WD Overland 5.7-liter 5210 lbs


Also just noticed something very interesting. If you look at http://www.jeepgarage.org/f108/hemi-torque-curve-from-dyno-21287.html ).

Sorry, looked at the hp rather than torque line, Hemi has over 300 lb-ft over its usable range so must be the weight difference.
Which leads to an interesting thought about the 8speed and same-same gears in 2014. Are they going to slow the V6 down ?
 
#3 ·
I drove both and had the exact opposite experience. You've got to think about, you drove a base 4x2 v6, it likely weighs damn near 1000 pounds less than a v8 4x4 Overland.

I drove a v6 Overland Summit and a v8 Summit, the v6 felt like a dog. It got around town fine, but not with any authority and not with any gusto. Going up hills was a high rpm experience, and I got the distinct feeling that with any additional weight (ie other people, dog, luggage, etc.) that it would have been significantly hampered.

FWIW, a lot of it will come down t driving style as well. If you romp on the loud pedal, it will learn you like to drive fast. When I put mine into "Sport" mode, it's like a whole different (fuel hungry) beast.

Don't you have only a couple hundred miles on yours? It will take a little bit of time for the engine to break in and such. I get about 14mpg, almost all city with very short distances (literally it's like 5 miles each way). When I was on the highways cruising in Florida, I got 24mpg.

EDIT: Padgett beat me to it
 
#4 ·
Weight factors taken into consideration I was just shocked at the lively hood of that V6.
With an Overland beast like mine, I went with the hemi simply because I knew a 4x4 system AND all the optional goodies would add a significant amount to the vehicles curb weight.

Im really hoping that once I get over 1k miles the engine and drivetrain start to level out both with improved MPG and performance. -- Cant wait for my Volant and Gibson systems to arrive!
 
#56 ·
Weight factors taken into consideration ...

Were they?

740 lbs is the weight of almost FOUR LARGE people. Load up that V6 with four additional folks (for a total of 5 including yourself) and drive it again. I'm betting you'll have a better understanding.

;)
 
#6 ·
^^ Me too, my last sports car was a 2012 Mustang GT 5.0 tuned and was a 11 sec car.

All my V8s have been lively and powerful. My Mustang of course was tuned for performance, however my 08 Lexus GX470 has a 4.7 V8, weighs about the same as this car, and I think if we were to drag them, the GX would take the prize. Which when I bought this Jeep was expecting the exact opposite.
 
#10 ·
^^ Me too, my last sports car was a 2012 Mustang GT 5.0 tuned and was a 11 sec car.
I traded my 11 5.0 for mine too lol. The Hemi is no slug but it's definitely not a 5.0. At first mine felt like it was dragging an anchor at times. Now that I have about 2400 miles on and the ECU has learned my driving habits it's a whole different beast and I swear it's getting better every day.

Btw your mpgs should get a little better. My last 3 fill ups averaged 14-15 where in my first 1k miles I was lucky to get 12-13.
 
#7 ·
The Jeep never feels fast, largely due to its weight and suspension tuning. You never feel any weight transfer, and so it feels slower than it is. Once you're out of the break in it will loosen up. You could line my Overland 4x4 v8 up against the GX470 and I can guarantee the Jeep would win.

Back to the suspension tuning, your Jeep also has the air suspension, where theirs does not. So it's highly probable that you feel more weigh transfer in theirs. I bet if you lined the two up, the Hemi would walk away from the V6.

It's all about the perception. Years ago my friend had an Integra LS he modded pretty heavily. When you were in it, you would swear it was hugely fast. But the reality was, my '95 Explorer V6 would roast it in a drag race. But because his car was light, low, and loud, it felt faster by a lot.
 
#8 ·
The V6 has plenty of power for around town family SUV.

IMO
If your looking to tow then you need the V8.
If your looking to race and take the curves, you need the SRT8.
If you need a get around in bad weather get the QT1
If you off-road get the QL2 and 18" rims not 20".

Get my point....sometimes its mental....its a feeling of having the V8....having the off-road capablity...ect.

Its an SUV that has many capabilities but some of them capabilities come with a price tag attached. Get the options you need not the options that give you bragging rights and you'll feel good when the monthly payment is due each month.

For me it was the Laredo E with the V6 4x4 QT1, Nav, sun roof, 20" rims, remote start and cloth seats.
Everything I need and nothing I don't.
 
#9 ·
I had the 5.7 in my 06 WK. When shopping new WK2s I drove the 5.7 first. I was 100% sure I was getting the Hemi. It felt a little more sluggish than the 06 but still smooth. I drove the 3.6 just to say I did. Maybe my expectations were WAY low but the V6 impressed the hell out of me. I never got better than 16mpg out of my 06 Hemi and the V6 had pretty good mileage estimates. I went with the V6 mainly because I hated the trans mounted with the V8. 100% happy. That being said, if the new 8 speed ZF is mated with 5.7 in the newer ones I may go with the 5.7 on next one. I love the 3.6/ZF combo and it's just gonna get better with more gears. If towing go with V8 for sure. Either one you cant go wrong with.
 
#11 ·
For me towing will probably never happen in this car.. If its lucky maybe some jet skis, or a small u-haul tops.

I dont have kids, however I settled on the Hemi because when friends and I go to the mountains or go road-tripping to Vegas I most likely will end up driving. So I wanted to be able to have a bunch of stored power when I need it be it on the highway or mountain pass.
 
#14 ·
This topic come up often here, about every other week or so. There have been some interesting threads in the past, plenty of comparisons. Most here don't bother replying to these threads any more... but they can get entertaining sometimes.

I drive both the V6 company WK2s and my V8 routinely.

The V6 has no knees, always needs revs to make power, always shifting in hilly terrain, annoyingly busy... the transmission/axle is geared to give you that quick off the line feel. It is a great transportation appliance, especially for the casual driver. Much of the driving satisfaction is tuned out in an attempt to maximize mpg but the fuel mileage is nothing to write home about.

The V8 is also a weak kneed high reving engine compared to torque monsters of the past but it pretty much loafs along in comparison to the V6. Its not as tiring to drive. It cruises effortlessly cross country, where the V6s have to work harder most of the time. You can easily squeal the tires for the high school crowd where the V6 is near impossible. You pay the $$$ premium for the V8.

In a 1/4 mile race, the V8 blows away the V6 by several car lengths.

I understand the CRD may be a better motor than either.
 
#15 · (Edited)
I think you need to take the overland into the shop. I don't think I could get my hemi down to 11 mpg if I tried and it has significantly more power than the v6 (my mother has the 3.6).

I honestly think the only way I could get mine down to 11 mpg would be to take it to a track day or leave it sitting idling for hours each day. I get 18 - 19 mpg in 50/50 city highway. The worst I have ever had was 16.6 when I had a ton of short trip city driving.
 
#16 ·
11 MPG is crazy and something is wrong. Maybe the ECO mode is not working right. Saturday we drove to the poconos (long drive) and did just under 20 MPG doing between 75-80 MPH. On the way back (with a lot more level and downhill driving) we managed 22 mpg.
The lowest I saw was beating on the V8 in sport mode on local roads where it fell to nearly 16 MPG. If my Hemi was giving 11 MPG I'd take it back.


Robert
 
#17 ·
+1 for the V8 in the Overland

My friend has a Overland with a V6 and I just bought the Overland with Hemi. Now maybe the V6 works a lot better with a stripped down Laredo since it does weigh quite a bit less, but if you go for the Overland package the V6 is a weaser.

This is most apparent on the highway when you're looking to kick down a gear or on hills. Someone said the V6 is very busy and in truth it's having a regular hissy fit when pushed.

The Hemi is FAR more relaxed and my friend prefers it to his V6 as I do. In fact he's dropping his lease early for a loaded Overland with the hemi.

I keep stressing this point: The Overland and the Overland Summit are luxury editions that compete very effectively against the LR4, Audi Q7 and most other mid sized SUV's. With the Hemi it outclasses many of them. With the air suspension and capable 4x4 system it absolutely outclasses most of them. To put it bluntly, the V6 cripples the Overland package.

BUT...if you're getting the significantly lighter package then the V6 may be all you'll ever need.


Robert
 
#19 ·
i must agree, i have a 2012 overland hemi, my wife has a 2011 overland summit v6, my hemi mpg is 17, my wifes is 24 mpg. all in all around town driving is alot alike. More punch to get out and go on the highway with the hemi. but the v6 to me is no dog.

I agree. my overland v6 moves out when I stomp on it. I drove my coworkers v8 overland. Sure it has some more torque of the line but in all reality, it wasnt much faster 0-60.

I don't tow anything. I have no hills around here either. Good to go and save a bunch of $ in gas.
 
#20 ·
I do wonder how much is perception. The hemi def has a nicer sound and more torque feeling. I drove a 2012 altitude hemi and then a 2012 v6. The hemi seemed to have less lag and more pull, but by no means was the v6 a dog. I'm surprised at how some say its weak or underpowered. The v6 has almost 300hp and is very enjoyable to drive, and while I imagine the 8 speed transmission will be better suited to the pentastar the 5speed has been very smooth. I would like to drive the 2012 v6 again because I ended up buying a 2013 v6 limited and perception must be the reason because the 13 feels like it pulls a little better than the 12. I read through all the changes and I don't think anything changed in the my13 that would confirm this. I'm guessing it was the certain speed I was going on the test drive or way I was driving. Either way my 13 has been a pleasure to drive and to get 26mpg highway on a recent trip, in a rugged SUV this size, that's pretty great. If your stuck between the two choices don't look it at a v6 vs v8 battle, like some treat it on here. Just look at it like jeep is offering two great choices and you can't lose with either one.

The hemi pulls hard, sounds great, tows more, and still manages a decent fuel economy, tow haul mode, 6sp transmission, dual exhaust, takes premium fuel

The pentastar pulls fine, and has all out surprised me off the line and in various driving situations, handles a little better given the less weight in front, is a more modern engine and supposedly less maintenance but only time will tell, and has been getting really great fuel economy. Has tip tronic type shifting, runs great on 87 octane. Both are great, and the wk2 is an awesome ride. Enjoy either one you decide on.
 
#21 ·
Go with whatever you feel is more important, More power + less mpg, or less power and more mpg.

I have the V6 and I feel it is enough power for me. I drive in the mountains a lot (CO) and I do experience what some have brought up about high RPM's when downshifting or having it on cruise control, but it is not happening all the time. Mostly only on the steep 7% grades or something like that.

As far as MPG, with my mostly city driving (9 miles to work each way in pretty much stop and go) my last few tanks have been 19.4, 18.8, 18.5, etc. Lowest was 16.6 but that was my very first fill up.

I see the Hemi as a luxury. If you don't mind the mpg and want a little extra go-power, then get the Hemi. The v6 is fine in all applications otherwise. If not, they wouldn't have made it the Top of the Line engine in the Wranglers. If it has enough power for a Rubicon 4-door, it has enough power for a Grand Cherokee.
 
#22 · (Edited)
My test ride was in a V6 Overland and I was not disappointed with the performance. While I opted for the V8, that was because I have a towing need that is best served by the larger engine and tow capacity. Otherwise, I would have been perfectly happy with the v6. I do get about 16mpg in general driving in this rural area and 20+ on the highway with my Hemi.
 
#23 ·
I test drove both and while the hemi was somewhat more responsive, I was impressed with the V6. I don't tow with my summit and elected to go with the V6 and I'm happy with it.

I feel like I'm driving a rocket ship compared to my last truck.

My last truck weighed in at 8800 pounds, had the Detroit 6.5 turbo diesel coupled to the 4L80E 4-speed trans.

195 HP, 430 lb. ft. torque

0-60 MPH 15.1

Quarter mile 19.7

Not fast by any means, but it sure could tow and performed very well off-road.
 
#24 ·
Having some time on my hands since I got laid off a few weeks ago I went for a drive this morning (V-8). I got on a few straightaways and gunned it while it was simply in Auto mode. Excellent power and it really hauled butt with a very nice rumble. On the way back I put it in Sport mode and by the time I put the brakes on I had a huge smile on my face. I Sport mode you can really feel bit of power that Hemi gives you.

No offense but I think people who say the V-8 is really lacking in power they are downright nuts.
 
#25 · (Edited)
like others I have driven both many times and decided to go with the V6 for my own vehicle as it suits my day-to-day driving style. Correct if I'm wrong but the HEMI alone weighs around 350lbs more than the v6 given the same optioned out overland. This is where I felt the difference when comparing the overland with each motor (not talking HP ;)). I preferred the lighter feel of the V6 overland over the HEMI overland... The hemi overland felt nose heavy and sluggish off the start for a V8. yes, the HEMI has the extra grunt and troque, I'm not deyning it, but for my daily driving and occaisonal tow when heading north, the V6 works. Plus my previous GCs with the 545RFE paired with V8 drove me nuts with the shudder issues and I didn't want to deal with it again. If I had to tow heavy loads frequently or had extreme mtn terrain, I probably would have gone with the Hemi.

The manual mode definitely wakes up the hemi driving experience, but the same can be said with the v6 in manual mode. The V6 is no slug when pushed.
 
#26 ·
Well, I've driven the V8 and the V6. I don't tow much, and when I do, I have the big truck for that. After driving around town, running errands, going to meetings and shuttling people around, I never got anywhere any faster in the V8 than in the V6, and all I had to show for it was a larger, much larger fuel bill. I know everyone who owns the Hemi comes on here and brags about how they get 18-20 MPG's on thier Hemi's. Maybe it is a drving style issue, but when I drive the V8, I get 13.5-14 MPG. All the time. When I drive the V6, I get 18-18.5 MPG. That's not a hypathetical. That's real numbers as the weeks have gone by. 4 miles per gallon in a 23 gallon tank is 92 more miles per tank, that equals a free tank of gas a month. Which covers the car insurance and then some. We haven't even gotten to the 16 spark plug replacement every 30k miles. It all just keeps adding up.
I'll say this , if the Hemi option was say 0-60 in 5-5 to 6 seconds, AND got real world fuel mileage in the 17-18+ MPG range, and no 16 spark plug every 30k mile change out schedule, with a moderate bump in price, as a value, I could see taking that option more seriously. I mean, look at it like this, if I go up against a Kia and get beat, it's no big deal, I only have the small V6, but when the Hemi goes up against one, then what's your excuse when you lose?
 
#34 ·
Won't need any excuses because it won't lose against a Kia....in any situation.
 
#27 ·
In trying to use the build/price feature on Jeep's site, adding Quadra Drive automatically adds the V8 and 6 speed. This is for the '13 model year. Is this a web error, or are the 8 and the QD tied together?
 
#33 ·
On average my friend gets less than 3 MPG better than my V8.

As I pointed out, people STOMP on the V6 to get it up and moving. The V8 rarely needs that and that's why I see so many MPG reports from the V6 that are very close to what I'm getting. The V8 does not work as hard.

My reasoning is simple on this. I bought a expensive SUV with all the bells and whistles. I wanted it to have ample power which is part of the comfort formula. The Overland is heavier. 45K and up on a Overland and you're worried about MPG? You bought the wrong truck I think!

Anyway....V6 or V8, the Overland has few peers.

Enjoy!

Robert
 
#53 ·
That figure is JUST ON THE HIGHWAY. What is your real world MPG? Including city and urban driving with lots of stop and go traffic. You know, the world the other 99.9% of us drive in. What's that number? I know my truck only sees the highway about 25% of the time, and for the big vacation road trips, which happens once or twice a year. The rest of the time, my truck is in the dirt, or trucking around the city doing 25-35 mph, then I get to the suburban areas where it's stop and go to 45 mph alot. You should see the driveway to my cabin in the mountians. Iv'e been there a few times with my V6 WK2. It's deep mud, huge holes and up the side of a river bank, then you have to cross the creek. The lower your vehicle, the further down the side of the creek you have to drive, and all two wheel drive vehicles get stuck. I've had tons of friends try to get to the cabin in their sports cars, pick up trucks, you name it. 2 wheel drives have to park at the creek, and either hike up the rest of the 6 miles or wait until I come down there to get them. I'm not sure of the grade of the bank coming up the other side of the creek is, but it's enough to scare everyone who doesn't drive off road much. The V6 WK2 pulls great up and over, fully loaded with gear and people, and I strap towed a BMW X3 all the way back to the highway because it was having a transmission overheating issue or something and kept freezing up. He had to keep it in neutral until I got him to the road where a tow truck was waiting. Then we transferred all thier stuff to the Jeep, dropped it into 4 wheel Low and rode it like a 4 second bull all the way up the side of the mountain like that. I've even driven it though the middle of the paths to try and get it stuck and we just move right through it. It really is amazing. Iv'e had other 4x4 trucks, but they never made it this dang easy! And this last year was the worst I've ever seen our driveway get. I normally have to have a dirt plow come and regrade the road each spring. Heck, it's more fun to save that money and just take the Jeep! LOL!!!
 
#54 ·
That figure is JUST ON THE HIGHWAY. What is your real world MPG?
My hemi gets 18 - 19 mpg in mixed 50/50 city and highway. Most of my trips are long ( over 10 miles). I work early so traffic is pretty light.

My worst tank was 16.6 mpg (many short trips) and my best tank was 26 mpg (single all highway trip).

The hemi gets great mileage for a v8 as long as you can cruise and keep it in MDS. Very short trips and heavy stop and go drastically reduces the economy. It's under those conditions the v6 does better.
 
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