[rummage]

So I've been thinking about possibly getting a Limited Cherokee (even though I was originally shopping for the Grand Cherokee) The lower price is attractive and means I can get more features out of the Cherokee.

Does anyone else feel like the 2.4L will be underpowered for offroading?

I'm reading conflicting info on the 2.4L engine.

It is standard on the Sport and Latitude.

Do the Trailhawk and Limited both come with the Pentastar V6 or the Tigershark 2.4L?

The 2.4L on the Trailhawk would seems odd. Such a small engine in a car meant for off-roading.


The 2.4L TigerShark has 184HP and 171lb-ft of torque vs the 271hp and 239 lb-ft of torque.

 

[brianch]

The only reason I'd get the 2.4L would be for gas mileage and lower purchase price.

I am happy with the mileage of the V6 and don't mind paying the little bit extra for the V6. I do agree that it is stealing to offer the V6 as an option on the trailhawk model.

 

[brianch]

can't edit my post.

Sorry the TrailHawk does not come standard on the TrailHawk. The TrailHawk comes with the V6 standard.

I meant to say V6 as an option on the Limited*

The 4 cylinder has it's place. It sure beats the inline-4 from the 90s Cherokee.

The tigershark gets 31mpg. You gotta give it a pat for that.

 

[Cherokee Steve]

can't edit my post.

Sorry the TrailHawk does not come standard on the TrailHawk. The TrailHawk comes with the V6 standard.

I meant to say V6 as an option on the Limited*

The 4 cylinder has it's place. It sure beats the inline-4 from the 90s Cherokee.

The tigershark gets 31mpg. You gotta give it a pat for that.

You sure? I could swear when spec-ing vehicles that they all came with the Tiger and you had an optional $1500 upgrade for the V6.

I seriously wouldn't consider a Trailhawk without a V6 - I wish we would get a diesel. I was reading somewhere that diesel and manual are both "export" only.

 

[barnettd]

V6 is an option

The 4 cyl is standard on all models.

If you do a lot of highway travel you'd probably consider the V6 for highway speeds.

If I got a Trailhawk I'd definitely get a V6 for trails.

The 4 cyl is great for all versions if you are a mall crawler.

 

[GunninIt]

I think I read the V6 tops out at 29 mpg? That's no slouch MPG, and certainly would mean that the Tigershark should be skipped.

 

[Cherokee Steve]

I think I read the V6 tops out at 29 mpg? That's no slouch MPG, and certainly would mean that the Tigershark should be skipped.

I think the I4 is fine for a grocery getter or around town but any towing or off roading and I would recommend upgrading to the V6. Just my opinion.

 

[GunninIt]

I think the I4 is fine for a grocery getter or around town but any towing or off roading and I would recommend upgrading to the V6. Just my opinion.

Agreed.

And, as I would be leaving a V8 behind for this vehicle, I still want a bit of oomph.

 

[jeep]

any towing or off roading and I would recommend upgrading to the V6. Just my opinion.

I wouldn't say 'ANY'. I have an I4 Ford Ranger and I've towed uhauls all over the country and camped / festival'd with it for years.

I posed the I4 underpower question to the product buyer here at the dealership. It really seems to come down to a matter of overall usage. How many times will 'you' be off-roading a year? If you go all the time; you probably wouldnt be asking this question about the I4 in the first place

But if you're like me - I'll appreciate the 31mpg of the I4 much more than I will any off-roading power issues, which will be a few times a year only as a byproduct of going camping or to a festival - not really off road haha.

Plenty of people walk in a dealership wanting a Rubicon because they 'want to be ready for anything', but they dont ever go off-road. And the trim ends up hurting them as they thump down their perfectly paved suburban commutes everyday.

The I4 will be fine for casual off-roading on established trails, but anyone going over uncharted boulders will probably be eying the V6 anyway.

 

[barnettd]

The umph test

I have an 08 JK Unlimited with the 202HP 3.8 V6, 6 speed manual... I love it but it can barely get out of it's own way.

Now around town and bumping around trails I don't have much complaint. But when you are traveling and you need some umph to get to highway speed or finish a pass or giddy up and go moving out from behind a crawling semi... my JKU struggles

So when I test drive vehicles I go get into to situations I have described and tell the salesman to hang on.

so I hope the 4 cyl works well, I am not a speed racer, but I want a little reserve power... I have hopes for the 9 speed. The grand Cherokee 3.6 5 speed felt sluggish... I test drove the 8 speed 2014 and it is a big step up in performance.

 

[brianch]

the best way to find out is to just test drive both when they are available.

 

[jeep]

I've heard whispers around the dealership that if the response to the I4 is found too underwhelming, Jeep could possibly release a Turbo version. It's not beyond the realm of possibility at least. A Turbo I4 Cherokee would be pretty sweet : )

 

[Moab]

I've heard whispers around the dealership that if the response to the I4 is found too underwhelming, Jeep could possibly release a Turbo version. It's not beyond the realm of possibility at least. A Turbo I4 Cherokee would be pretty sweet : )

Respectfully, dealer guys usually do not have an accurate pulse on future products, unless they're part of the engineering teams.

 

[jeep]

Respectfully, dealer guys usually do not have an accurate pulse on future products, unless they're part of the engineering teams.

Oh for sure!

These guys were not implying (nor was I), that we had some insider info re: turbo. Just that in their experience when an engine is deemed poor - adding a turbo can be a viable option from a PR and Engineering standpoint.

I hope the Tigershark is fine. if not I hope they add a turbo

Also trying to add to the thread that hey, if the engine does suck - there are options that Jeep could roll out for us.

 

[rummage]

I've heard whispers around the dealership that if the response to the I4 is found too underwhelming, Jeep could possibly release a Turbo version. It's not beyond the realm of possibility at least. A Turbo I4 Cherokee would be pretty sweet : )

Isn't the 4 cylinder already turbo? :s

 

[racedriver9]

Just a note to everybody ! You can not get the 4 cyl with a Tow package. They require the 6 cyl when upgradeing to the heavy duty suspenson and tow package which gives you 4500 lbs towing rates. They also automatically are changing the final drive ratios to a 3.51!!. Less gas efficiency !!.

 

[brianch]

well its not like the 4 cylinder was designed to tow. So no point getting the tow package. It makes sense.
But a good headsup nonetheless..

 

[Fat Tony]

Isn't the 4 cylinder already turbo? :s

wouldn't that be a better engine option for the so called baby cherokee?

 

[barnettd]

A lot of people that this vehicle is aimed at will come see it because of the gas mpg of the I4. They are not really worried about power and speed... Look at the sales stats of CRVs, RAV4s etc... Others will come because they can get this size vehicle with a V6.
My wife and I drove a V6 then V8 Grand Cherokee. Mistake of course. So we went away with the impression the 6 wasn't enough. So we drove competitors like the ford explorer and they felt like a dogs. About a year later we found a beautiful GC overland used V6. Drove it and thought it was great for power. So we bought it. I have never felt a need for more power... And i like the mpgs
Final thought. If you get the 4x4 and actually go off roading... Get the v6. It gets great mpg for a vehicle of that capability and you'll want the power.

 

[brianch]

agreed. I am very impressed with the mileage of the 4x4 V6

at least the CLAIMED mileage

looking forward to reported mileage.