Is it me, or does the JT really struggle...

[dcmdon]

Driving at low speeds requires very little power or torque. That's what gearing is for.

The need for power comes from use in day to day life. Getting on a highway merging with traffic for example. The pentastar is fine as long as you let it rev.

If you are afraid to put your foot in it, government mandated fuel economy prioritized shift point mapping will short shift the engine and you won't get anywhere.

In vehicles with engines like this, its useful to pop it over into manual mode when getting on the highway. That lets you hold a gear if you back off momentarily. Then the motor is still spinning when you need the power again. When you are up to speed, move it back into D.

I've gotten to a point where I do this almost automatically when I'm getting on the highway.

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[Litfuse]

The Pentastar motor is for global use over many platforms. It wasn’t designed for the Wrangler (this is clearly evident), but be universal enough that it can serve a wide model range. Although it has proven to be fairly reliable, it’s not a very good choice for the wrangler, and an even poorer choice for the gladiator. No truck guy has ever said they want their rig to have its power in the peak of the rev band. This is for sports cars on the track. Obviously the 2.0 and the diesel were developed to provide torque low in the rev band. The 3.6 was developed with efficiency and emissions in mind. With current restrictions and regulations, Jeep’s only option is to spend more time on the development of their electric/hybrid capabilities.

FCA, or whatever they are called now is in trouble. They have put all their eggs in one basket. Over the last ten plus years, they have created a reputation of all muscle with their big V8 choices. I love they are doing this, but their time is out and they are behind other manufacturers on development of next generation powertrain choices. Next few years will be interesting for them.

 

[River2016]

I read about this on here a lot. I don’t have any issues with the power of my gladiator nor the delivery or transmission. I drive mostly in NC, SC, and GA. Lots of highway and back roads, basically lots of driving. I’ve done 20k miles since may of this year.

I don’t drive lightly and I don’t have any issue getting deep in the throttle or red lining it in traffic or merging off exits, especially in Atlanta and Charlotte.

Every car I have ever had could have more power and that would be fine with me (even my 6.4L 470hp one) but to me, my truck is fine and it’s not an issue. If they come out with a v8 option I will be fist in line to have one but if they don’t I don’t feel the need to get rid of it or something due to a lack of power.

 

[sharpsicle]

The Pentastar motor is for global use over many platforms. It wasn’t designed for the Wrangler (this is clearly evident), but be universal enough that it can serve a wide model range. Although it has proven to be fairly reliable, it’s not a very good choice for the wrangler, and an even poorer choice for the gladiator.

What is this based on? Because I disagree completely with this statement. It's a perfectly valid choice for the Gladiator, and even better than some of the choices you get in competitors like the Ranger. Remember what this platform is: mid-size. It's not an F-150 or Silverado competitor, it's a Ranger/Tacoma/Colorado competitor.

And nobody designs a motor for a specific vehicle anymore, they develop an engine and then place it into the models they choose. None of the engines offered in the JL were designed specifically for the JL. Same thing here for the JT. That doesn't mean the engines don't work for them.

This is for sports cars on the track.

Might be the first time I've seen someone refer to the Pentastar as a sports car engine.....

FCA, or whatever they are called now is in trouble. They have put all their eggs in one basket.

Again, based on what? They have strong sales and are developing more electric powertrains as we speak. They have diversification and are balancing out their high-end offerings with things like this and the 4xe to maintain CARB compliance. They're doing just fine. Where is this coming from?

Sounds like you're just salty about something and are overflowing it into this thread.

 

[Litfuse]

What is this based on? Because I disagree completely with this statement. It's a perfectly valid choice for the Gladiator, and even better than some of the choices you get in competitors like the Ranger. Remember what this platform is: mid-size. It's not an F-150 or Silverado competitor, it's a Ranger/Tacoma/Colorado competitor.

And nobody designs a motor for a specific vehicle anymore, they develop an engine and then place it into the models they choose. None of the engines offered in the JL were designed specifically for the JL. Same thing here for the JT. That doesn't mean the engines don't work for them.


Might be the first time I've seen someone refer to the Pentastar as a sports car engine.....



Again, based on what? They have strong sales and are developing more electric powertrains as we speak. They have diversification and are balancing out their high-end offerings with things like this and the 4xe to maintain CARB compliance. They're doing just fine. Where is this coming from?

Sounds like you're just salty about something and are overflowing it into this thread.

It all comes down to tolerance. Can you tolerate the 3.6 in the JL/JT? From this thread, some can, some can’t. Sure it works for the vehicle, but it’s power delivery is not the most ideal for the size and weight. Midsize trucks have creeped up in size of yesterday’s full size trucks, but still offering less power and torque. To meet manufacture fuel ratings, they have to offer V6 options, I get it. This is where hybrid and electric choices come in. Although they are working on it, FCA is behind other manufactures on this work.

 

[Deleted member 30519]

Manual transmission comes in handy with grades and power. My JL auto was bad on steep curvy back roads with lots of grades but my 6spd in 3rd is like instant power going up anything steep.

 

[john#21]

...going up hills. I swear, I could be driving it empty and it still drops the mpgs and sounds like it struggles even up small grades. Today I drove it up a park road (pavement) ranging from 9-11 degrees and it dropped all the way down to 2nd gear.

On highways, any hill requires pretty good gas pedal depression to maintain speed. I can IMMEDIATELY feel when there is even a slight slope because the Jeep will slow down in 2 seconds.

ETA: paved road hills. Off road it is great!

i may have missed it, what gear ratio is in your axles?

 

[ShadowsPapa]

How fast do you need to go off road anyway, the thing tops out at what 97mph (?)

Depends on the model JT. Mine is somewhere over 100. I've had it into the mid-90s easily on a good interstate and it's smooth as silk.

There’s also a major power difference between the two 6-cylinders, the 4.0L as stock was rated at 185 horsepower compared with the stock 3.6L at 285 horsepower

The 258 which was very similar to the shorter stroke 4.0 red-lined at 4500 rpm.
I've had my 4.0 wound out that tight and could go more since it's shorter stroke - but prefer not to. It's really screaming at that point.
They are lower RPM engines that build their real torque down low. I can go up a 4% grade at about 1400 rpm or so and even accelerate without lugging it. Can't take those same hills at the same speed and RPM without lugging the 3.6 - it wants more RPM.

My 4.0 gets me mid-20s mpg in a car weighing a bit over 3,300 pounds. (but it's no longer the stock 185 hp, either)

I have no fear of winding up my 3.6 at whatever it takes - well over 4,000 when needed, towing I'd routinely hit 3300 rpm, a couple of times about 4300 rpm and it wasn't breathing hard.

The 3.6 is no slouch, it just likes different RPM ranges than other engines, depending on what you are doing. Don't be afraid to wind it up some - it'll take it.

 

[MrJeep]

Part of what op described is the stock gas pedal mapping. You really have to push the gas to open the throttle. This is for mpg reasons. A hikeit made this truck much easier to drive all around, including up hills.
Will make mpg slightly worse though as you will open the throttle more.

 

[Mac]

I had a bunch of new Toyota trucks when I was younger, an ‘84, ‘86, ‘89 and a '91 Looked up the specs on the ‘91 it was an extra cab 4x4 with the 2.4l four cylinder 5 speed. These are the numbers, wheelbase 121" overall 193", weight 3060lbs, GVWR 4550lbs, HP 116, torque 140. Never had any issues with power, they all did fine and went of the highway fine.

 

[dcmdon]

Might be the first time I've seen someone refer to the Pentastar as a sports car engine.....

Again, based on what? They have strong sales and are developing more electric powertrains as we speak. They have diversification and are balancing out their high-end offerings with things like this and the 4xe to maintain CARB compliance. They're doing just fine. Where is this coming from?

Sounds like you're just salty about something and are overflowing it into this thread.

I can't wait for a Gen 2 4xe system. The power of a 5.7L V8, the torque of a 6.4 L V8 and the fuel economy of a diesel.

Re it being a sports car engine. Though that's not true, its actual tuning would work great in a small manual transmission sports car. It revs freely and rewards drivers who aren't afraid to spin it.

This is similar to the direct injected GM V6. My nephew has it in a Camaro with a MT and its a joy to use. It feels like a nice European V6. But it doesn't make much torque.

My in-laws have the same engine in a Cadilax XTS with an auto trans that in constantly 1 or 2 gears too high. It feels like a dog. I taught my in-laws how to put it into Sport mode and they said its like a new car.

 

[UnforseenWeather]

It’s revvy but I don’t mind the power. I know I wasn’t buying a sports car when I got this thing. It gets out of it’s way - loudly, but well enough - better than my old Dakotas with V6s and V8. Once I get my headliners installed hopefully the noise won’t even be as bad.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I can't wait for a Gen 2 4xe system. The power of a 5.7L V8, the torque of a 6.4 L V8 and the fuel economy of a diesel.

Re it being a sports car engine. Though that's not true, its actual tuning would work great in a small manual transmission sports car. It revs freely and rewards drivers who aren't afraid to spin it.

This is similar to the direct injected GM V6. My nephew has it in a Camaro with a MT and its a joy to use. It feels like a nice European V6. But it doesn't make much torque.

My in-laws have the same engine in a Cadilax XTS with an auto trans that in constantly 1 or 2 gears too high. It feels like a dog. I taught my in-laws how to put it into Sport mode and they said its like a new car.

I guess if you consider any of these to be "sports cars" then it's a sports car engine................. (of course, ignore the minivans, etc.)

These get the Pentastar engine - is the Challenger a sports car? The Charger?

• Chrysler 300.
• Chrysler Pacifica.
• Chrysler Voyager.
• Dodge Challenger.
• Dodge Charger.
• Dodge Durango.
• Jeep Gladiator.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee.

 

[sharpsicle]

I guess if you consider any of these to be "sports cars" then it's a sports car engine................. (of course, ignore the minivans, etc.)

These get the Pentastar engine - is the Challenger a sports car? The Charger?

• Chrysler 300.
• Chrysler Pacifica.
• Chrysler Voyager.
• Dodge Challenger.
• Dodge Charger.
• Dodge Durango.
• Jeep Gladiator.
• Jeep Grand Cherokee.

That's a thin list compared to what I've got:

• 2011–2014 Chrysler 200[7] (Models: LX, Touring, Limited, S, and C)
• 2011–2016 Chrysler Town & Country (Models: LX, Touring, Touring "L", Limited, S, Limited Platinum)
• 2011–2014 Dodge Avenger (Models: SE V6, SXT, R/T)
• 2011–present Dodge Challenger (Models: SE, SXT, SXT +, SXT Rallye Edition, GT)
• 2011–present Dodge Charger (Models: SE, SXT, SXT +, SXT Rallye Edition, GT)
• 2011–present Dodge Durango (Models: Express, SXT, Crew, Crew Lux, Citadel, ACT Plus, Limited, GT)
• 2011–2020 Dodge Grand Caravan (Models: SE American Value Package (AVP) or Canadian Value Package (CVP), SE, Crew, Crew Lux, SXT, R/T, SE Plus, SXT Plus, GT)
• 2011–2019 Dodge Journey (Models: SE American Value Package (AVP) or Canadian Value Package (CVP), Mainstreet, Crew, Crew Lux, SXT, R/T Crossroad)
• 2011–2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Models: Laredo "E", Laredo "X", 70TH Anniversary Edition, Trailhawk, Altitude Edition, Limited, Overland, Overland Summit Edition)
• 2011–2014 Volkswagen Routan (Models: S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium)
• 2011–present Chrysler 300 (Models: 300 Base, 300 S V6, 300 C w/ V6, 300 C Glacier Series w/ V6, 300 C Luxury Series w/ V6)
• 2012–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (Models: Sport, Unlimited Sport, Sport "S", Unlimited Sport "S", Freedom Edition, Unlimited Freedom Edition, Altitude Edition, Unlimited Altitude Edition, 70TH Anniversary Edition, Unlimited 70TH Anniversary Edition, Sahara, Hard Rock Edition, Unlimited Sahara, Moab, Unlimited Moab, Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon, Rubicon 10TH Anniversary, Unlimited Rubicon 10TH Anniversary) Jeep Rubicon Recon 2017
• 2019-present Jeep Wrangler JL (Models: Sport, Willy's Sport, Sport S, Islander, Willy's, 80th Anniversary (2021), Freedom, Sport Altitude, Unlimited RHD, Sahara, Rubicon, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude
• 2020-present Jeep Gladiator JT (Models: Sport, Willy's Sport (2021), Sport S, Willy's (2021), Overland, Freedom, 80th Anniversary (2021), Rubicon, Mojave, High Altitude, California Edition (California dealer only), Texas Trail (Texas dealer only)
• 2011–2015 Ram Cargo Van (Models: C/V Base, C/V Tradesman)
• 2012–2015 Lancia Voyager (Models: Limited)
• 2012–2014 Lancia Thema
• 2012–2015 Fiat Freemont
• 2012–present Ram 1500 (Models: Tradesman, SLT, HFE)
• 2013–2021 Ram ProMaster
• 2014–2017 Chrysler 200 (295-hp, 262-lb ft)
• 2016–present Chrysler Pacifica (RU) (287-hp, 262-lb ft) (Hybrid: 260-hp combined, 230-lb ft)
• 2020–present Chrysler Voyager (287-hp, 262-lb ft)

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That's a thin list compared to what I've got:

• 2011–2014 Chrysler 200[7] (Models: LX, Touring, Limited, S, and C)
• 2011–2016 Chrysler Town & Country (Models: LX, Touring, Touring "L", Limited, S, Limited Platinum)
• 2011–2014 Dodge Avenger (Models: SE V6, SXT, R/T)
• 2011–present Dodge Challenger (Models: SE, SXT, SXT +, SXT Rallye Edition, GT)
• 2011–present Dodge Charger (Models: SE, SXT, SXT +, SXT Rallye Edition, GT)
• 2011–present Dodge Durango (Models: Express, SXT, Crew, Crew Lux, Citadel, ACT Plus, Limited, GT)
• 2011–2020 Dodge Grand Caravan (Models: SE American Value Package (AVP) or Canadian Value Package (CVP), SE, Crew, Crew Lux, SXT, R/T, SE Plus, SXT Plus, GT)
• 2011–2019 Dodge Journey (Models: SE American Value Package (AVP) or Canadian Value Package (CVP), Mainstreet, Crew, Crew Lux, SXT, R/T Crossroad)
• 2011–2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Models: Laredo "E", Laredo "X", 70TH Anniversary Edition, Trailhawk, Altitude Edition, Limited, Overland, Overland Summit Edition)
• 2011–2014 Volkswagen Routan (Models: S, SE, SEL, SEL Premium)
• 2011–present Chrysler 300 (Models: 300 Base, 300 S V6, 300 C w/ V6, 300 C Glacier Series w/ V6, 300 C Luxury Series w/ V6)
• 2012–2018 Jeep Wrangler JK (Models: Sport, Unlimited Sport, Sport "S", Unlimited Sport "S", Freedom Edition, Unlimited Freedom Edition, Altitude Edition, Unlimited Altitude Edition, 70TH Anniversary Edition, Unlimited 70TH Anniversary Edition, Sahara, Hard Rock Edition, Unlimited Sahara, Moab, Unlimited Moab, Rubicon, Unlimited Rubicon, Rubicon 10TH Anniversary, Unlimited Rubicon 10TH Anniversary) Jeep Rubicon Recon 2017
• 2019-present Jeep Wrangler JL (Models: Sport, Willy's Sport, Sport S, Islander, Willy's, 80th Anniversary (2021), Freedom, Sport Altitude, Unlimited RHD, Sahara, Rubicon, Sahara Altitude, High Altitude
• 2020-present Jeep Gladiator JT (Models: Sport, Willy's Sport (2021), Sport S, Willy's (2021), Overland, Freedom, 80th Anniversary (2021), Rubicon, Mojave, High Altitude, California Edition (California dealer only), Texas Trail (Texas dealer only)
• 2011–2015 Ram Cargo Van (Models: C/V Base, C/V Tradesman)
• 2012–2015 Lancia Voyager (Models: Limited)
• 2012–2014 Lancia Thema
• 2012–2015 Fiat Freemont
• 2012–present Ram 1500 (Models: Tradesman, SLT, HFE)
• 2013–2021 Ram ProMaster
• 2014–2017 Chrysler 200 (295-hp, 262-lb ft)
• 2016–present Chrysler Pacifica (RU) (287-hp, 262-lb ft) (Hybrid: 260-hp combined, 230-lb ft)
• 2020–present Chrysler Voyager (287-hp, 262-lb ft)

My list is only current model year - and obviously doesn't include RAM. Oddly that source also left off Wrangler - an obvious one! Geesh, should have cross-checked it with other lists.

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