Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 vs V8: Which Engine is Right for You?

If you’re looking to buy a Jeep Grand Cherokee, one of the biggest decisions you’ll need to make is whether to go for the V6 or the more powerful V8 engine. The 3.6L V6 Pentastar is the base engine offered in most Grand Cherokee trims, while the 5.7L and 6.4L V8 HEMI engines offer extra horsepower and torque – but at a higher cost.
So should you spend the extra money on the V8, or will the V6 provide enough power for your needs? This comprehensive comparison of the Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 and V8 engines will help you decide which option is the best match for you.
Table of Contents
Overview Of The Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 And V8 Engines
The base engine in the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a 3.6L V6 “Pentastar” engine making 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This engine provides a good blend of power and fuel economy.
For buyers wanting more performance, Jeep offers two HEMI V8 options:
- 5.7L V8 making 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft torque
- 6.4L V8 making 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft torque (Grand Cherokee SRT and Trackhawk models only)
The V8 engines add substantially more power, at the expense of lower fuel economy. The 5.7L HEMI is popular for Grand Cherokee buyers who do moderate towing or want stronger acceleration. The high-output 6.4L V8 is designed for performance enthusiasts.
Fuel Efficiency And Everyday Driving
One of the biggest differences between the V6 and V8 engines is fuel economy. Here’s how they compare on MPG:
- 3.6L V6: Up to 19/26 mpg city/highway
- 5.7L V8: 14/22 mpg city/highway
- 6.4L V8: 13/19 mpg city/highway
So while the V8s offer more horsepower, they come with a significant drop in fuel economy compared to the standard Pentastar V6. This can add up to hundreds of dollars per year in extra fuel costs.
For buyers who do mostly city and highway driving, the V6 has plenty of power while saving you money at the pump. The low-end torque of the V6 makes it feel responsive around town and when accelerating up to highway speeds.
Only buyers who frequently need to accelerate quickly with a full load of passengers and cargo will really benefit from the extra muscle of the V8 for everyday driving.
Power And Performance
If you want maximum acceleration and passing ability, the V8 engines have a clear performance advantage:
- 3.6L V6: 0-60 mph in 7.5 seconds (est)
- 5.7L V8: 0-60 mph in 6.3 seconds
- 6.4L V8: 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds
The V8s also offer substantially more torque for towing boats, ATVs, snowmobiles, etc. Here are the max tow ratings by engine:
- 3.6L V6: 6,200 lb towing capacity
- 5.7L V8: 7,200 lb towing capacity
- 6.4L V8: 7,200 lb towing capacity
While the V6 can handle moderate towing needs, the extra torque of the V8s give you more power when accelerating while towing up to 7,200 pounds.
So for buyers who want maximum towing ability or who regularly need strong acceleration with heavy loads, the V8 engines deliver the performance you need.
Off-Roading Ability
A key reason many buyers choose the Jeep Grand Cherokee is for its serious off-roading capabilities. When comparing the V6 and V8 engines for off-road use, there are a few factors to consider:
- Low-end torque – The V8s produce more torque at lower RPMs, which helps provide control and traction on steep, rocky trails.
- Ground clearance – Same for all engines, so no advantage for the V8s here.
- 4WD systems – Identical advanced 4WD systems available for all engine options.
While the extra low-RPM torque of the V8 can help slightly in very rough terrain, both engines offer robust off-road performance and capability. For all but the most extreme rock crawling, the V6 has plenty of power.
So most buyers don’t need to step up to the V8 solely for off-roading reasons. Only if you frequently drive up steep grades and rocks where low-end power is very helpful is the V8 worth considering.
Price And Value Comparison
One of the biggest factors when choosing your Grand Cherokee engine is cost:
- 3.6L V6 – Comes standard on most Grand Cherokee models at no extra cost.
- 5.7L V8 – A $3,295 upgrade on most trims. Significant extra cost.
- 6.4L V8 – Only available on high-end SRT and Trackhawk models starting around $69,000 and $87,000, respectively. Much more expensive.
Given the substantial upgrade cost of the V8, it’s important to weigh its benefits against the standard V6.
For many buyers, the V6 offers plenty of power and capability at lower cost. Unless you’ll frequently tow heavy loads near the max rating or crave faster acceleration, the V6 may be the better value and save you money.
However, the 5.7L V8 is a smart upgrade for buyers who need to tow heavy trailers and loads. The extra power and torque can justify the added cost if you need to tow near the Grand Cherokee’s 7,200 lb max capacity.
Reliability And Ownership Costs
When choosing your engine, it’s also helpful to consider long-term reliability and ownership costs.
The 3.6L V6 Pentastar engine has proven very reliable, and is used across many Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep vehicles. Minor issues like oil leaks may occur, but there are no widespread problems with this engine. It should last well beyond 100,000 miles with proper maintenance.
The 5.7L V8 also has a good reliability track record, and shares the basic design with the proven 5.7L Hemi in Ram trucks. Potential issues to watch for are lifter tick noise at start-up and occasional oil leaks. Overall it’s solidly reliable for a V8.
Maintenance costs are close between the engines. The V6 takes regular gas, while the V8s require premium fuel. The V8 engines may also have higher maintenance costs than the V6 due to more frequent oil changes, spark plug replacements, and brake pad replacements.
In summary, both the V6 and V8 are reliable options that should serve you well for years. The V6 may have a slight maintenance cost advantage.
Driving Experience
The V6 and V8 engines deliver noticeably different driving experiences:
- The V6 accelerates smoothly if not rapidly. It sounds refined at speed. Performance is perfectly adequate for commuting and everyday driving.
- The V8s are simply livelier, with effortless acceleration. The HEMI V8 growl adds to the sensation of power. The performance jump is immediately obvious.
The light steering and supple ride make the Grand Cherokee easy to control regardless of engine. But there’s no denying the V8 is more fun to drive for those who enjoy acceleration and power. The upgrade cost may be worth it for driving enthusiasts who relish the HEMI’s quick responses.
On the other hand, buyers less concerned with performance may be perfectly happy saving money with the very capable V6. Test drive both to see if the V8’s fun factor is worth the cost for you.
Which Jeep Buyers Should Choose The V6 Or V8
With all of the above factors considered, here are some recommendations on which Grand Cherokee shoppers should opt for the V6 or V8 engines:
Go for the V6 if you:
- Are focused on good fuel economy
- Plan to use your Jeep as a daily driver
- Want to save money on purchase and fuel costs
- Do light or only occasional towing
- Value a smooth, refined driving experience
Choose the V8 if you:
- Regularly tow heavier loads near the max rating
- Want maximum acceleration and passing ability
- Plan to go off-roading on steep, challenging terrain
- Are willing to pay more for the HEMI V8 performance and sound
As you can see, certain buyers will benefit far more from the V8’s power, while the V6 offers plenty for most drivers. Think carefully about your needs to choose the best engine for you.
Pros And Cons
V6 Pros:
- Better fuel economy
- Lower purchase cost
- Smoother, quieter operation
- Adequate power for most needs
- Proven reliability
V6 Cons:
- Less torque for heavy towing
- Slower acceleration
- Not as exciting to drive
V8 Pros:
- Strong acceleration and torque
- Higher towing capacity
- Improved off-road traction
- More exciting driving experience
- Legendary HEMI V8 sound
V8 Cons:
- Substantially lower fuel economy
- Higher purchase cost
- The 6.4L and 6.2L V8s require premium fuel
- Added maintenance costs
Conclusion And Final Thoughts
The Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers legendary capability and luxury either way, but choosing between the V6 and V8 engines depends on your specific needs and budget.
For many buyers, the standard 3.6L V6 offers an excellent blend of power and fuel economy. It can handle most towing and off-roading duties, while costing significantly less in purchase price and gas.
On the other hand, the 5.7L V8 is clearly superior for heavy towing and performance. If you’ll frequently carry or tow near-max loads or crave acceleration, the upgrade may be justified.
Consider your priorities carefully when choosing your Grand Cherokee engine. And don’t forget to test drive both the V6 and V8 – the driving experience can help make your decision. With your needs in mind, you can select the Jeep engine that’s the best match for you.