The Jeep Grand Cherokee is at the top of the Jeep SUV food chain, so if you’re in the market to buy one, you may wonder which engine you’ll have to choose from. The 2018 Grand Cherokee comes in two models, the X and Limited, and both are available in V6 and V8 engine versions.
We compared the two to determine which engine is a better fit for you.
Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 vs V8: Which One Is Better?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 is a great choice for those looking for a luxurious SUV that gets good gas mileage. The V6 engine offers plenty of power and the Grand Cherokee suspension is extremely capable.
On the other hand, the V8 has more torque and is more capable off-road. It has the same gas mileage as the V6, though it has more of the Jeep feel and sounds better.
Jeep Grand Cherokee V6
The Jeep Cherokee V6 specs are above average in just about every category, but it’s the fuel efficiency that’s the real winner. Despite weighing in at a hefty 4,189 lbs and featuring massive 22-inch alloy wheels that add even more heft, the V6 gets a very respectable EPA estimated rating.
Jeep Grand Cherokee V8
The V8 Cherokee has a 5.7-liter engine that produces an impressive 285 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque. The engine has Flex Fuel capability, which allows you to use E85 fuel if you want.
The Cherokee SRT8 also features a track-tuned suspension that reduces body roll while enhancing handling.
Major Differences Between The Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and V8
The main difference between both these engines is the displacement; the V8 engine is 2.5 liters bigger than the V6. This is the main reason of the V8 engine being heavier than the V6 engine.
The V8 engine has longer wheelbase than the V6 engine. However, that are some other main differences in the two Jeep Engines that are more comparable than the engine size and Power they each produce.
Fuel Efficiency
Cherokee V8
You can get a lot of power out of Jeep Cherokee V8 engine. But if you want great fuel efficiency, you need to make some small adjustments.
These are the things you can do to improve the mileage of your Jeep Cherokee. Get the right tires: for the Cherokee, you need to install the right tires.
Tires have a great deal of influence on fuel efficiency. If you have Original Equipment tires, you can get around 20 miles per gallon.
However, if you have a fuel-efficient tire, you can easily get more than 25 miles per gallon.
Cherokee V6
The base engine is a 2.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 172 horsepower and 165 pound-feet torque. The optional engine is a 3.2-liter V6 that makes 271 horsepower and 239 pound-feet of torque.
The V6 is more powerful and fuel-efficient than the base engine, delivering an EPA-estimated 21 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. The four-cylinder delivers an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Engine Performance
Cherokee V8
Fitted with a new 3.2-liter V8 engine, the Jeep Cherokee is a powerful SUV that has been designed to handle all terrains. The engine provides a maximum output of 271 horsepower and 305 pound-feet of torque.
The vehicle can accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 7.3 seconds, faster than ever before in the Cherokee series. The engine is fitted in a five-speed automatic transmission system, which provides a smooth and quiet driving experience even when the car travels on rough terrains.
The vehicle can also tow up to 4,500 pounds and carry almost 1,300 pounds.
Cherokee V6
The Jeep Cherokee is a sport utility vehicle that can seat five. It is available in two trims, the Latitude and the Limited.
The Latitude trim offers a 2.4-Litre, four-cylinder engine that produces 184 horsepower and 171 lb-ft of torque. The 9-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Limited offers a 3.2-Litre V6 engine that produces 271 horsepower and 239 lb-ft of torque.
Both trims also offer the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a nine-speed automatic transmission.
Noise Production
Cherokee V8
The noise levels on the V8 engine are pretty loud compared to any other SUV of its class. The noise is attributed to the powerful engine that the car comes with.
However, this noise is appreciated by engine enthusiasts who; love to hear the engine rave when speeding down the highway. The new models have been made to produce less noise for those who love a quieter ride, and you can have a decent conversation in your cabin while driving down the highway.
Cherokee V6
The Jeep Grand Cherokee with the 3.6L engine is a favorite for those who like to drive long distances. The engine is robust enough to handle the stress of constant high speeds and long hours behind the wheel.
However, the engine is not without its faults. For instance, some consumers have noticed a slight rattle or noise while driving the vehicle.
The noise is generally considered normal and is not an indicator of a problem. The reduced noise will not cause nerve fatigue while driving, even for long-distance.
Handling and Stability
Cherokee V8
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a capable, off-road vehicle, a comfortable, stylish family cruiser, and a rugged and powerful hauler. It’s also a vehicle built around a solid foundation, which is a good thing since it is a front-wheel drive.
It handles well, has great power and towing capacity, and can go anywhere. The steering is responsive and well-tuned, and the chassis offers a smooth ride with responsive handling.
Cherokee V6
The engine is powerful and responsive; the Jeep Grand Cherokee offers three engine options, with the V6 being the most popular. It has an impressive 280 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque.
With a great power-to-weight ratio, the Grand Cherokee feels powerful and responsive on the road.The V6 model’s handling is superior to the four-cylinder; however, the V8 is better in handling capabilities considering the more power-packed the V8.
The Pros And Cons Of The Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 and V6 Engines
These two engine variants have a lot of similarities but still manage to maintain their uniqueness. The newer versions are made of lightweight material, making them produce more power and avoid weighing down the car.
This also improves the stability of the vehicle with major design changes.
When shopping for a new Grand Cherokee, you should consider the advantages and disadvantages of an engine variant.
Advantages of a Jeep Grand Cherokee V8
This engine has more power, thus increasing towing and carrying capacity. The vehicle has a higher ceiling giving you more space for your cargo.
The powerful engine is also compatible with driving through offroad terrains comfortably.
Disadvantages of Jeep Grand Cherokee V8
Because of the powerful and heavy engine, the driver can easily lose stability when driving. The engine is also noisy compared to the V6 engine, displacing many quiet drivers, especially long-distance driving.
The huge engine also consumes more power than the normal 4-cylinder and the larger V6 engine.
Advantages of Jeep Grand Cherokee V6
The handling capabilities are commendable for this variant because of the lighter engine. The smaller engine also reduces fuel consumption compared to the V8.
The noise production in this variant is also minimal, and the driver is comfortable for long distances.
Disadvantages of a Jeep Grand Cherokee V6
The smaller engine offers less performance in towing and the general amount of luggage it can carry. The acceleration is also on the lower side compared to a V8 engine.
Compared with the larger V8, this engine will not perform as much in rough terrain such as the muddy and rocky African roads.
Conclusion
There are a lot of SUVs out there, and they come in a lot of shapes and sizes. But the Jeep Grand Cherokee is one of the best SUVs currently available and is the go-to vehicle for a lot of families.
It’s a large family car with tons of space for people and cargo, and it drives like a car. It also has Jeep’s legendary off-road capabilities, and it can handle a wide variety of terrains.
The Grand Cherokee is available in a number of trim levels, including the Summit and the Limited, which provide additional luxury and off-road features. You have to know what you want and the special needs to decide whether to get V6 or the V8 variant when trying to figure out what is best for you.
