Better engine 2.0T or the 3.2 V6?

That's right up there with "which one of your children do you like better?"

Hawkedd said:

Thanks,
I know the turbo is supposed to use 91 octane (good luck finding 91 around here in Indiana) and I assume high performance oil like the Dart needed as well as more expensive plugs etc.
The 2.0 has had a few years under its belt, unlike the Dart 1.4, so its long term reliabilty is something I want to know. Any major issues inherent to the 2.0?

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You don't need to use 91 octane in the 2.0T. I've used 87, 89, 90, 91. Truth be told, mileage about the same unless heading to the mountains (Arizona has a few), or it's really hot (Arizona, well, you know).

Two points often overlooked - 1) the latest 2019 or 2020 Owner's Manual states 87 octane is OK but 91 or higher will allow the engine to operate to optimal performance, and 2) the 2.0T was tested by the EPA using "Regular Gasoline", i.e. 87 octane. So the EPA's mileage figures are based on 87, not 91. Interestingly, the 3.2L was tested using "Midgrade Gasoline" (89 octane) through 2019, then the 2020 numbers have it as "Regular Gasoline". Mileage didn't change, but Annual Fuel Cost went down (duh). The manual states 87 octane for the 3.2 and has for a while.


The engine oil for the 2.0T needs to be "API SN PLUS certified and meet the requirements of FCA Material Standard MS-13340. An equivalent full synthetic engine oil can be used if it meets API SN PLUS Certification." Many full synthetics meet this requirement. The 3.2 can use dino oil, but many users prefer synthetic.

I'm not aware of any major issues inherent to the 2.0T. There's been no recalls on my 2.0T, though there's been two "campaigns" - U75 to replace wrong engine oil from the factory, and U77 to replace the EGR hose. Both were for early versions of the motor.

I'm very happy with the 2.0T. Way more pep than my 1500 RAM with the 5.7 Hemi!

I love the 2.0T. When I was shopping, I was adamantly opposed to buying a Trailhawk with the 2.0T. I had the same mindset that it was a new engine, it's a 4cyl, and all the rest of the same arguments. Having spent some time driving a friend's 3.2 equipped Trailhawk, both on, and offroad, and renting one for a few days, I had made my decision, V6. Now having never driven a 2.0T, I shopped around for the whole year, and just didn't pull the trigger because I couldn't find one speced to my liking without special order. Fast forward to November 2019, mine kinda fell in my lap. Had everything right, except it was a 2.0T. 10 minute test drive, and I could already tell the whole "drivability" thing and better shifting, and absolute torque difference. It was the last 2019 on the lot, and I got it for the price of a base model equipped 2020. That was a huge insensitive!!! Bought it. Glad I did. The whole drivability thing really shines offroad. Everything is much better, smoother than the exact V6 equipped Trailhawk. Most of the JL guys feel the same way. Plenty of power, especially in the torque department. Ya, it tows 500# less, but who cares? Not me, I love it, it's the perfect Cherokee in my honest opinion.

AlbertaCherokee said:

Before you buy take the 2T out of town and try it out for a few hours at high cruising speeds plus mountains where it has to work. If you can stand the whine of that little overworked engine or not. Do the same drive with the 3.2 to compare.
So if you like touring 3.2 gets my vote.

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As mentioned in my post above, I live in Arizona. We regularly take the 2.0T TH/E up to our cabin at 7000' (~2134m), and cruise the roads up to 10,000' (~3048m). Also, the speed limits in AZ are 75 MPH (~120 kph) on some freeways. That translates to 85 MPH (~137 kph) if you drive in the slow lane. I never once noticed the "whine" or the "overworked engine". Heck, I can't even get it into 9th gear!

I had other small-cylinder engines that clearly were overworked and had an unbearable whine when climbing and/or driving at freeway speeds - and they weren't turbos. Also, my impression of the 2.0T is it that it's hands-down the best I've had at holding cruise-control speeds at freeway speeds - maybe +/- 1 MPH (+/- ~1.6 kph).

Is there a whine? Yes. You can hear the turbo when you have your windows open and you are cruising down a narrow country lane with high solid fences to reflect the noise back. Other than that, it's been an exceptionally quiet vehicle.

I'll be the first to admit that while I've driven a 3.2, I haven't taken one to the mountains. Freeway at speed? Yes. I can't say I noticed a significant sound difference. However, I have to say the KL TH/E is up there with the quietest vehicles I've owned.

So, I'm guessing you never actually drove one in these conditions or you had a defective vehicle. Certainly "whine of that little overworked engine" is not my experience. I hope other's will chime in.

its odd but the 2.0t is more like a small diesel or v8, high torque , low rpm redline,

the 3.2 acts more like the "4 cylinder small car engine" and revs to 6500 to get max power.
I dont feel either felt esp. "overworked", yes a turbo engine you hear the turbo.
but I'm not trying to whip out my E-peen here. I owned both engines for years.. so I think my opinion has decent merit as opposed to people who heard about it, or test drove it for 5min etc.
With the 3.2 i had plenty of instances where it would drop 3 or 4 gears down on a small hill with cruise control. I live in ohio no mountains here, but even moderate hills could see it jump from 8th to 5th.
meanwhile the inlaw's 2.4 equinox with 6speed would hold 6th(top gear) on most of same hills -cleveland to buffalo I-90
this is with 4 large people and 4 suitcases.. loaded down.
the 2.0t has no such issues and returns 2-3mpg better than the 3.2 in same conditions with 87 octane.

I also find that the 2.0 is much better suited to the 9speed than my 3.2 ever was. Of course the 2.0 also has better axle gearing(higher numerically) being the 4cyl.. which makes no sense because it has more torque than the 3.2 but I'm just glad for it.

Now if they want to redesign the cherokee and put the zf-8speed in and make it primary rwd chassis I'd be the first in line.