WL Jeep Forum

Welcome to WLJeepforum.com! Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

V6 Hesitation

WhyNot904

Member
Currently very interested in the new GCL and one of the main elements I am hung up on is the V6 vs. V8 engine choice. I really don't care/need a majority of the features that come with the top trim options but am concerned the V6 engine will leave a lot to be desired from a driving standpoint. Is the V6 still a suitable choice if you don't need the power for towing, or is it going to feel overwhelmed in a larger vehicle like this?
 

RDS

Member
I've driven several of these V6's in jeeps and more recently a crew cab 1500 Ram with that same exact engine. For daily driving they are very pleasant, and no lack of power for normal use. If you want to get a better feel for it, just go to your closest Ram dealer and chances are they'll have a Ram 1500 "classic" with the same motor you can test drive.

The other consideration is, my current truck has the 5.7 Hemi, and it's a gas hog. The 3.6L V6 easily gets 2-3 MPG better on daily commute. Trust that helps.
 

canesice

Well-known member
Ive been driving the V6 in my pacifica for 3.5 years. No major complaints. The GCL is a similar weight vehicle, and I believe that Jeep has tuned the engine further. (I hope!)
I will not be towing regularly, but want the extra tow weight capability if I need it.
I also had a 2014 and 2016 RAM 1500 with the V8. this was a nice engine option at the time. But for me I think its overkill on the GCL.

If I were towing regularly or wanted extra speed on the pedal, Id opt for the V8.
For my needs, I want the better gas mileage with extra towing capabilities (vs. what I currently have) if I need it.
And I do plan to use the 4wd /offroad options to a minor degree. I am looking forward to having that back (I had air-ride on My 2016 ram, and really liked it). I also wasnt able to do certain backroad trips for the last 3.5 years given the pacfiica..
(and I got the pacifica as the best FCA option for 6+ since I didnt like the durango)
 

dsgcobra

Well-known member
Coming from someone who drives a RAM 1500 with the Hemi and 3.92 gears, the GLC with the v6 for a daily driver is fine. if you need the towing capacity of the V8 thats a different story like others mentioned. I order a GLC Limited which has the V6 and I have also driven one with the V6. I didn't feel the 6 was under power for the size of the GLC. I but the AC on max and still felt that that if I needed to pace someone I would have no problem doing so. That is a big test for me when test driving, I have test driven some smaller cross overs and other vehicles especially with 4 cylinders that once you put the AC good luck getting the car to move.
 

WhyNot904

Member
Really helpful feedback and love the real world experiences referenced. Easy to get caught up in the opinions of a few commenting it feels underpowered to start questioning something that is likely fine. While I would love the Hemi from a driving/fun standpoint, the V6 fits all of my true needs fully and is much more practical in my situation.
 

dsgcobra

Well-known member
Really helpful feedback and love the real world experiences referenced. Easy to get caught up in the opinions of a few commenting it feels underpowered to start questioning something that is likely fine. While I would love the Hemi from a driving/fun standpoint, the V6 fits all of my true needs fully and is much more practical in my situation.
Completely understand. Believe me, if it was going to be my daily drive and not my wife’s, I would want the hemi. And just for the a fun stand point like you said. To me, to go up a model a model from the limited plus adding over 3K for the hemi on top really isn’t a needed in my option.
 

stephen.wascak

Well-known member
Completely understand. Believe me, if it was going to be my daily drive and not my wife’s, I would want the hemi. And just for the a fun stand point like you said. To me, to go up a model a model from the limited plus adding over 3K for the hemi on top really isn’t a needed in my option.
I have to disagree about the v6 being sufficient and Aldo about the MPG. I just traded in 2x 2019 ram limited that were driven almost the same way every day. One was the v6 and the other the v8. The v6 got 15mpg and the v8 got 22mpg. I drove the v6 and regularly discussed it with the dealer and they told me the v8 gets better gas mileage if you regularly go over 45 mph.... seriously?

Additionally, if you watch ANY of the review videos, everyone says get the v8 for a vehicle of that size (the GCL) as the V6 leaves something to be desired. I got the v6 on my ram to save 3k and gas mileage and regretted it every time I drove it.
 

JeepVet

Member
If you’re already getting the Overland and/or Summit models, I’d definitely swing for the 8 cylinder. It’s worth the upgrade IMO.

If you’re getting the Limited and/or lower models, the 6 cylinder will have to do since you have no other choice.
 
Top