Reviews of 2012 or Newer Jeep Unlimited With a 6 Speed Standard Trans

Is the Jeep 3.6 Pentastar a Good Engine?

The 3.half-dozen-liter Pentastar V6 has powered several Jeeps since its 2011 debut, including the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Gladiator. While information technology started off with a few issues, it'due south at present one of the most common engines found in modern Jeeps.

Cardinal Points

• The Pentastar 3.half-dozen-liter engine debuted in Jeeps lineup for the 2011 Grand Cherokee.
• The iii.6-liter Pentastar is found on three Jeep models, the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Gladiator.
• Power figures for the Pentastar three.6-liter range from 260 to 293 horsepower depending on twelvemonth, model, and trim.
• Early on reliability issues for the 3.6-liter consisted of cylinder head and rocker arm failure, and clogs in the cooling system.
• Some owners have reported impressive reliability of 626k, 307k, 175k, and 141k miles on their trouble-gratis engines.

3.6-liter Pentastar Powers Jeep Wranglers, Grand Cherokees, & Gladiators

The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 debuted in the Jeep G Cherokee in 2011, replacing the previous model'south three.seven-liter Powertech. As of 2021, it's still the base of operations engine in the Grand Cherokee, Wrangler, and Gladiator. The three.half-dozen-liter was beginning available on the Wrangler in 2012 and has been in the Jeep Gladiator since its 2020 launch.

While information technology may exist the base offering on these models, its specs make it anything but.

Pentastar 3.half-dozen-liter Engine Specs, Performance & Fuel Economy

Horsepower has always been a strong signal of the iii.6-liter, which ranges from 260 to 293 depending on model, trim, and yr. Nonetheless, gas mileage was less impressive on early models, ranging from a low of sixteen/22 city/highway on a 2011 M Cherokee to 19/26 on 2021 models.

In Motor Trend's start drive of a 3.6-powered 2018 Wrangler, it took 6.9 seconds for their Unlimited to go from zero to 60. That'southward non bad because it's mainly designed for off-road applications.

3.6-liter Bug Include Premature Vesture and Overheating

Things started off a bit rocky for the iii.half dozen-liter. A number of 2011-2013 Jeep vehicles experienced issues upon launch, especially in the left cylinder caput. Failure was generally signaled past engine knock coming from the left side of the engine and was due to excessive premature wear.

In 2012, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the and so-parent company of Jeep, revised the heads by calculation hardened valve guides and seats, which alleviated the trouble. In addition, FCA extended their factory warranty on left-side cylinder heads to 10-yr/150,000-miles for all 2011 and 2012 vehicles as well every bit select 2013 vehicles.

Another issue for the 3.half-dozen-liter Pentastar stemmed from rocker arm failure. The issue caused cylinder misfires resulting in a ticking sound coming from the engine. A service message was issued in March 2014, but no additional warranty has been offered to three.six-liter engine owners to date.

Lastly, owners experienced bug with the engine's cooling systems, and, according to Repair Pal, with their Jeeps overheating. Consequently, owners have reported bringing their vehicles to dealers for multiple replacements of thermostats, water pumps, oil pumps, oil coolers, and radiators.

Should Y'all Buy a Jeep with the three.6-liter Pentastar Engine?

Despite initial hiccups, three.half dozen-liter Pentastar has proven to be a solid and reliable center for many FCA vehicles, including Jeep. Most failures tend to occur in auxiliary engine equipment such every bit h2o pumps and radiators, just the block, internal components, and cylinder heads accept far surpassed expectations in terms of reliability.

As for performance, the Jeep 3.6-liter still has enough power and grunt to exist considered competitive. Even a decade later, this engine offers adequate performance.

Overall, if y'all're in the market for a Jeep or other FCA vehicle, grab the 3.6-liter Pentastar with an extended warranty and yous'll have plenty to grin almost for years to come up.

Photos: Stellantis

Frequently Asked Questions

Mar 27, 2022

How many miles can y'all put on a iii.6 Pentastar?

The Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar engine can exist found beyond many unlike vehicles from Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, and Ram and information technology is known to be a proficient motor when information technology comes to longevity. These engines should have no problem going over 200,000 miles as long as you lot take care of them, and there are a few that have traveled much farther than that.

The three.6L Pentastar is the latest development on Chrysler's V6 lineup that they have been building since 1989. They have had some issues in the past with the earlier years of their V6, but they have improved a lot and the latest iii.6L is known to be a bully choice to get with if you are looking to become decent power out of a naturally aspirated vi cylinder engine.

As long equally you have care of your three.6L engine it should exist able to last a very long time. These engines are considered to be some of the last not bad naturally aspirated V6 engines available on the marketplace today every bit more than brands move to turbos.

How much HP can a three.6 Pentastar handle?

The Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 is used in many dissimilar vehicles and that has led to an enthusiast group forming effectually the engine. These are known to be robust engines that can last a long time, and with some modifications can make a decent corporeality of power. Information technology is mostly accustomed amongst tuners that a three.6L can make about 450 horsepower with stock internals.

To get to the 450 horsepower level yous will usually demand to go with forced induction on your engine, so you lot will need either a turbo or supercharger kit. These can aid ameliorate performance, but the extra pressures do put more wearable and tear on your engine which tin can touch its reliability in the long run.

Whatsoever time that yous modify an engine you are trading off reliability in the pursuit of performance. If you are fine with this then the Pentastar 3.6L V6 is a great platform to showtime with since at that place are enough of aftermarket parts available from intakes and tunes through to forced consecration kits.

Does the 3.6 L Pentastar have a timing belt?

The Chrysler 3.6L Pentastar V6 comes standard with a timing chain instead of a timing chugalug. Timing chains are a amend selection than a belt because they usually do not need to be inverse throughout the life of the vehicle, and do not break equally often as belts exercise.

Chrysler chose a unique approach with the 3.6L Pentastar because it has four total timing chains. This design was used to provide better engagement between the sprocket and the concatenation. The added do good is that using more chains leads to less concatenation slap and that reduces the dissonance, making this a much quieter engine than some of the chain-driven competition.

Even though you take a timing chain you may still need to access things under the timing comprehend and supersede them from time to time. This can exist a tricky task since the timing embrace is not very accessible on a 3.6L V6, and so expect higher labor rates if something does need to exist replaced.

Owner Reviews

Richard Grey on October 24, 2021

Amazing ability and gas milage

2016 Dodge Charger three.half dozen Fifty V6. I accept base model charger that is far from just a plain sometime V6. This car with some modifications that I have done myself can run with the big dogs. It's difficult to believe at 85 miles an hour I can still brew information technology and the car will jump up and respond. All the time getting over xx miles to the gallon of fuel. Practice yourself a favor and effort information technology for yourself.

Tony C on Baronial 13, 2021

Smooth ride, corking look. 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo Altitude.

Very reliable vehicle. It is a comfortable drive and I have had very minimal bug with it over the years. It does pretty well on gas since it is only a v6, is very good at keeping up speed on the highway.

Kevin G on July nineteen, 2021

2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara pros and cons over 100,000 miles.

For performance the 3.6 liter V6 has done very well for me, with just regular maintenance it has never given me whatsoever uncertainty about completing a road trip or making it to work in any weather conditions.

Steve D on April ten, 2021

2014 Jeep Wrangler maneuverability and the unique customization power.

Jeep wrangler unlimited has great handling for off-road capabilities and has great engine power in its v6. The ability to perform maintenance on the vehicle was a big selling point for me.

Randall B on March 31, 2021

Why the 2015 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon is a good daily driver.

The three.vi liter Pentastar v6 power plant seems to be refined and produces more than enough ability to become the little jeep up the route although you lot practise suffer some lose in gas mileage.

Jeremy B on August 19, 2021

2017 Jeep Wrangler sport 2 door.

Keeping upwardly with traffic with ease thanks to the powerful v6 motor but where it actually shines is on the weekend when I get to lock it in 4x4 and play in the mud and hills.

Travis N on June 30, 2021

What I dearest most my 2015 Jeep Wrangler Willys Wheeler, I definitely recommend

I'd recommend to anyone who loves off-roading and too the v6 is astonishing and powerful with wonderful fuel mileage. Corking daily driver and besides 4x4 works excellent!

Sergio on March nineteen, 2022

iii.6L penta

I have 30k on my gladiator without whatsoever engine bug. Strong engine. Even towing half dozen rolls of hay about 450lbs a piece. Easy to change oil. Easy maintenance

Phillip H on May 1, 2021

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo all wheel drive, stability and treatment.

The 3.half dozen v6 is a powerful engine with in my opinion is very fuel efficient for the size of the vehicle even pulling a trailer with a 2000 pound tow capacity.

Raquel M on Baronial 13, 2021

The 2014 Jeep Thou Cherokee Laredo interior is cute, I love the look of the dashboard and leather seats.

Drives overnice, quiet, enough of power and tows our boat very well. Great car for traveling, hauling and towing. Base of operations v6 and 8 speed trans are splendid match.

Lori T on July v, 2021

2011 Jeep Wrangler Sport V6 4 wheel drive 18 inch rims

No problems good on gas mileage, performance is outstanding. Jeeps are reliable on and off road with the most condolement and awesome legroom for tall people.

William South on July 3, 2021

All-time on and off road vehicle! 2012 Jeep Wrangler Sahara.

Very reliable with many great features. Non a fast car or a motorcar with good gas mileage. Has a 3.6 liter v6 gas engine and automatic manual.

Brain G on July 10, 2021

In that location's nothing like a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sport.

My 2015 wrangler has been a fun and reliable vehicle. The v6 engine is not exactly peppy, but it provides enough power to tow a pocket-sized trailer.

Christian Due west on March 25, 2021

Can never go wrong with a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo.

Disappointed in the V6 3.6L powertrain. Lacks truthful performance and speed when needed, but still get fantabulous MPG (23-26) for a mid size SUV.

M D on March 31, 2021

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee LAREDO: Great SUV for the value in its class.

Wish that the v6 was more powerful as it tends to hesitate when accelerating which is needed in high traffic times on the interstate.

Dennis Y on June 30, 2021

2012 Jeep K Cherokee is fashionable and sleek look with first-class functioning.

V6 that puts out more than than enough power to drive off-road or on the road with good miles to the gallon.

Andrew Z on July 22, 2021

2020 Jeep Wrangler Sport Southward reviewed.

The treatment was peachy. In everyday driving, the v6 power is spot on and gives you the power you need.

Vandy C on May thirteen, 2021

2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport extremely reliable except on gas.

It is a pretty bones wrangler but 4 wheel bulldoze is corking and had astonishing torque for the 3.6 liter.

Twenty-four hours G on June 9, 2021

2017 Jeep Wrangler love the body type and size.

It actually gets pretty good gas mileage for its size/shape, weight and v6 engine.

Ryan W on June two, 2021

The 2017 Jeep Chiliad Cherokee has been reliable and comfortable for all of our long trips.

The engine is a V6 and so the operation is great. Wish information technology had meliorate gas mileage.

Katie K on May 22, 2021

2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - I have never had to take it in for repairs.

I have had no problems with this vehicle. It is extremely reliable. V6 engine.

Kimberly Z on June 30, 2021

2015 Jeep k Cherokee, great first SUV purchase.

For a v6, it has quite a bit of ability and can comfortably fit a family of 4!

Peter P on May vii, 2021

2017 Jeep Wrangler Sport - Not Built for Comfort.

Equipped with a three.6L V6 Engine it is quite peppy. 260 horse 4800 rpm.

Emily B on June 29, 2021

My vehicle is a white 2016 Jeep Wrangler Sport edition.

The air conditioning works actually well and the v6 engine is powerful.

Colena Westward on May vi, 2021

For it being a v6, 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo has a lot of go up and go from a dead stop.

Performance is dandy! Information technology has been super reliable!

Lynn Thousand on May 21, 2021

Power and size brand the2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee OVERLAND worth the buy.

I love the power of the v6 engine.

Karyn J on April 13, 2021

2011 Jeep Thou Cherokee, seven years with very few maintenance problems

The gas mileage is good for a V6.

Tyler Linn

Tyler joined Vehicle History as a contributing writer in 2021 and has worked in the automotive manufacture as a journalist since 2019. His area of expertise lies in '80s and '90s Japanese imports and Toyota/Lexus vehicles. When he'south not writing, Tyler likes to jam out to screamo or synthwave in his '94 Toyota Soarer as he pushes it through the twisties with his car gild. Cheque out his poor taste in photography and Christian memes via IG: @tylerlinn5

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