Wrangler Engines

[ROUGHRIDER3]

Which is the better engine for the new Wranglers, the 4 cylinder or the six cylinder? Seems from reading different things the 4 cyl. is the way to go. The Wrangler is lighter and handles better and the 4 cyl. is more spirited than the 6 cyl.

Thanks for your input and opinions.

[mg2016]

I have the 4 cylinder in my 2020 wrangler. Did some research and read the jeep forums before i made the decision. The 8 speed auto transmission that comes with the turbo charged 4 cylinder makes for a pretty aggressive machine. Been very happy with it, purchased it back in May.

[CWSWine]

I think the best choose is the 3.6 with OUT ETorque and 8 speed transmission. Looks like Jeep is now locking you out of that option. My second choice would be turbo with OUT ETorque and 8 speed. I purchased a Rubicon Jan 2020 because that was the only trim level you could get my first choice and I'm really happy with the Rubicon.

[mike brez]

i just had a CIL come on in my 3.6 was told it was the oil pressure switch or oil pump. ripped top of motor apart to get to the pressure switch after changing CIL came back in 10 miles. just last weekend ripped bottom of motor apart to change oil pump. what a pita. been 5 days now commuting back and forth to work about 500 miles and no more CIL so far.

[Dsrtrider]

I would get the 3.6 the 4cyl turbo is noisy and runs out of power on the top end but thats just my opinion .

[twojayhawks]

I have the 2.0L in my 21 JLU no etorque. Only have 4K miles on it but I love it. Equipped for towing I'm 4420 lbs. and it is returning 24-25 mpg. BTW the best 0-60 time is with the turbo over the V6. If course I'll need to record many more trouble free miles to post any kind of endorsement.

[paul65k]

I have a 2014 Rubicon with the 3.6 and 5 speed automatic. The engine is so much better than the 4.0 Six we had in our 2006 Unlimited and has been rock solid with good power....even with our 35" tires and 4" lift!

I will say however that we vacationed with our friends last summer that have the new JLU with the 2.0/8-speed auto and it is really quite a nice improvement over the 3.6 in our Rubicon. If I were purchasing a new Wrangler I would definitely opt for the 2.0....... now on the other hand I would like to drive the new V6 diesel when it is available as that would probably be a true beast and way fin to drive especially with the 8-speed auto!!!

[Maik]

The 4 cylinder is a good option if you are not keeping it for the long run. Turbos need to be driven a certain way or it will burn out the bearing and cause low oil pressure. I would for one go for the 3.6L w/o E-torque.
Myself (&DW) are looking at the Eco diesel option in the next year. We plan to keep it for the rest of our RV adventures

[CoolTech]

Originally Posted by ROUGHRIDER3

Which is the better engine for the new Wranglers, the 4 cylinder or the six cylinder? Seems from reading different things the 4 cyl. is the way to go. The Wrangler is lighter and handles better and the 4 cyl. is more spirited than the 6 cyl.

The Wrangler is MUCH, MUCH heavier than it looks. There's no way you can think of it as a "light" vehicle.

The SHAPE of the HP/TQ curves for different engines is going to tell you a LOT more about how an engine is going to feel. Internet is populated with HP/TQ PEAK numbers from which you really can have no idea of comparing one to another.

[Lt Dan]

I love my 3.6 but might be interested in the diesel in the future.

[77Travco]

Originally Posted by ROUGHRIDER3

Which is the better engine for the new Wranglers, the 4 cylinder or the six cylinder? Seems from reading different things the 4 cyl. is the way to go. The Wrangler is lighter and handles better and the 4 cyl. is more spirited than the 6 cyl.

Thanks for your input and opinions.

What year models are you talking about? What do you mean by new?.. 2018 and up?

My past 1991 Wrangler had a 4 cylinder that was reliable but anemic.
My 2003 Rubicon has my favorite engine... the 4.0 inline 6.
My 2016 JKU has the 3.6 V6... it's got more power than my 4.0 but higher up on the tach where as the 4.0 pulls better down low. All are manual trannys.
I would personally stay away from any turbo engine in a Wrangler but that's just my opinion.

[mike brez]

My 2001 4.0 was a dog

[ROUGHRIDER3]

I am talking about a "New" 2021. I have drive the "old" 4 cyl. and yes they were simple and reliable, but very lacking in power by today standards for 4 cyl.

[Weeds636]

Originally Posted by Maik

The 4 cylinder is a good option if you are not keeping it for the long run. Turbos need to be driven a certain way or it will burn out the bearing and cause low oil pressure. I would for one go for the 3.6L w/o E-torque.
Myself (&DW) are looking at the Eco diesel option in the next year. We plan to keep it for the rest of our RV adventures

I have the Eco diesel in my Grand Cherokee, 60,000 miles.

The engine has a turbo!!!