The debate comparing V6 and V8 engines would always point down to individual preferences; however, from a professional view, there are many factors to consider before picking up a V6 or a V8 engine for the same car model/make – in this case, Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep Grand Cherokees are majorly built as rear-wheel drives with off-roading capabilities; they can also be used for towing and hauling loads.
Cherokees are relatively spacious and they are, of course, reliable – both the V6 models and V8 models. However, the V8 models deliver better performance on/off road.
That said, let’s quickly compare between Jeep Grand Cherokee v6 vs v8 in detail!
Jeep Grand Cherokee Engines Overview
Ranked among the top five mid-size SUVs in the United States by US News & World Report, Jeep Grand Cherokees are powerful rides that provides enough space for everything you’d need a SUV. Cherokees are built as 5-door SUV with rear-wheel drive or 4×4.
Currently, Cherokees are on the fifth-gen, which started with the 2021 model. Inside the engine bay of 2021 and 2022 Grand Cherokees lie a 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine or a 5.7L Hemi V8 engine – depending on the configuration you choose.
Regardless of the engine type in your Cherokee, the engine would be paired with an 8-speed Torqueflite 850RE automatic transmission.
There are other engine options available (for the newer models); the options are a 6.4L SRT V8 and a 6.2L Supercharged V8. 2021 – 2022 Grand Cherokees are available in up to seven trims: Laredo, Altitude, Limited, Overland, Trailhawk, Summit, and Summit Reserve.
The Trailhawk trim is remarkable for its outstanding off-roading capabilities.
Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 vs V8: The Comparison
Choosing between engine options is one of the most challenging decisions to make when buying a brand new Cherokee.
With V6 engine, you’d be paying a cheaper price, but why not add up and have a V8 engine installed for you? Here’s what you should know.
1. Fuel Efficiency and Engine Performance
If you care more about saving fuel as you drive, a V6 engine would give you higher fuel efficiency. The base V6 engine in Cherokees is a 2.4L four-cylinder that delivers 172hp and 165 lb-feet torque.
Another optional V6 engine for Cherokees is a 3.2L engine that produces 271Hp and 239 pound-feet of torque.
On the other hand, the V8 engine available for Cherokees is a 5.7L HEMI V8 engine that produces 360 HP with 390 lb.-ft torque. You’d get 19mpg – 24mpg with the V6 engines and 14 – 22mpg with the V8 engine. Apparently, you’d save more fuel with the V6 engine.
2. Towing Capacity
Basically, V8s are built for towing; they are “heavy-duty” engines with extreme sturdiness for hauling.
For Jeep Grand Cherokees, the towing capacity of the V6 engines is 6,200 lbs. maximum, while the V8 engine allows you to tow up to 7,200-pound weight. If you’d be towing large campers or any other heavy “stuff,” V8 engine is the better choice.
3. Off-Roading Capabilities
Both the V6 and V8 engines can take you through any off-road path; yes, they are both built strongly, however, the V8 engine would let you drive seamlessly on rough, rocky paths.
A Grand Cherokee with a V8 engine would give you more stability when you drive through paths that are quite rocky.
4. City Driving
Well, the V8 engine wins the comparison for off-roading, but for city driving, the V6 engine is the best. The V6 engine is lighter and provides more stability while drifting on city roads.
Also, V8s do not accelerate as fast as V6s; if you love cars that accelerate quickly, the V6 engine is a perfect option.
5. Noise Level
Typically, V8 engines produce throaty, deep sound when you rev or accelerate; a lot of drivers love this sound, but some other driver do not like it. Also,
V6 engines are less noisy when driving; so, if you love quiet driving, you may just have to pick a Cherokee with the V6 engine option.
Related Questions
Are Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 Engine Reliable?
Yes, most Cherokees come with the 3.6L V6 engine as the standard engine option; the engine delivers enough power for all kinds of driving. You only need the V8 engine if you’d be towing heavier weights and driving off-roads frequently. The V6 engine in Cherokees is decent and sturdy.
Which Grand Cherokee Comes With V8?
The higher trims of the 2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee come with the V8 Hemi engine as the standard option. If you’re getting the Grand Cherokee SRT trim, you’d get the fine-tuned 6.4L HEMI V8 that outputs a whopping 475 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque; that’s so much power for any type of driving.
Can You Get a Grand Cherokee L With a V8?
Yes. But it is available as an optional add-on; the standard engine on the lower trims is the V6 3.6L powerhouse. If you want a V8 on your Grand Cherokee L, you’d get the 5.7L Hemi V8 on the Overland trim with a 4×4 powertrain. You can also get the V8 engine on the Summit and Summit Reserve trims.
Is The Grand Cherokee Hemi V8 Engine Reliable?
For sure, it is a powerful engine for any off-road trip. The Hemi engine tows larger loads and it is reliable. The Hemi V8 engine can go over 200,000 miles before showing serious symptoms; however, it has to be properly maintained to achieve this.
Summary
In summary of the Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 vs V8 comparison, both engines are decent and produce sufficient power for on-road and off-road tours.
However, if you want a fuel-efficient, lighter-weight, and fast accelerating engine, then the V6 is a perfect option. On the other hand, if you would always hit rough off-road terrains and tow heavy loads, the V8 engine is an ideal choice.