Jeep 3.6L Pentastar® V6 Vehicles in Western PA

For drivers in Western Pennsylvania who prioritize proven reliability over turbochargers, the Jeep 3.6L Pentastar® V6 remains the gold standard. It is the heartbeat of the Jeep lineup, powering everything from the iconic Wrangler crawling trails in Butler County to the Grand Cherokee hauling families in Cranberry Township.

This naturally aspirated engine is famous for its linear power delivery. Unlike turbo engines that can surge unexpectedly, the Pentastar provides smooth, predictable torque, making it ideal for navigating slippery winter roads in Hermitage or towing a camper to New Castle.

3.6L Pentastar V6 Specs

While the core engine is the same, Jeep tunes the horsepower and towing capabilities differently for each vehicle to match its purpose.

Feature	Wrangler	Gladiator	Grand Cherokee / L
Horsepower	285 hp	285 hp	293 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft	260 lb-ft	260 lb-ft
Towing Capacity	Up to 5,000 lbs	Up to 7,700 lbs	Up to 6,200 lbs
Transmission	6-Spd Man / 8-Spd Auto	6-Spd Man / 8-Spd Auto	8-Spd Auto
MPG (Hwy)	Up to 23 MPG	Up to 22 MPG	Up to 26 MPG
Oil Capacity	5 Quarts	5 Quarts	5 Quarts

Expert Insight:

ESS vs. eTorque: What is the Difference?

You may see "eTorque" listed on some build sheets but not others.

ESS (Electronic Stop-Start): Standard on almost all 3.6L models. It turns the engine off at red lights to save fuel.

eTorque Mild-Hybrid: From 2021-2023, most automatic Wranglers used this system. It replaces the alternator with a belt-driven motor generator to smooth out the stop-start transitions.

Available Models with the 3.6L Pentastar

The V6 is the volume seller for a reason. It offers a balance of capability and cost that fits the Western PA lifestyle.

Jeep Gladiator (2020 – Present):

The 3.6L V6 is the standard engine. When paired with the Max Tow Package (Sport/Sport S), it achieves best-in-class gas towing of 7,700 lbs, allowing you to tow heavy trailers that other midsize trucks cannot.

Jeep Wrangler (2018 – Present):

The V6 is the only engine available with a 6-speed manual transmission, making it the choice for purists. It now offers towing up to 5,000 lbs on 4-door Rubicon models with the correct axle ratio.

Jeep Grand Cherokee & Grand Cherokee L (2021 – Present):

The V6 is standard across the lineup. It provides 293 horsepower and is rated to tow 6,200 lbs, perfect for hauling jet skis or utility trailers.

Note: Jeep discontinued eTorque for the Wrangler in 2024, returning to the standard ESS system.

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Comparison: 3.6L V6 vs. 2.0L Turbo

This is the most common question we get on the lot. Here is how to decide for your Western PA driving needs.

Feature	3.6L Pentastar V6	2.0L Turbo I4
Best For...	Towing heavy loads (Gladiator), manual transmission fans.	City driving, torque off-road, fuel economy.
Horsepower	285 - 293 hp	270 hp
Torque	260 lb-ft	295 lb-ft
Transmission	Manual or Automatic	Automatic Only
Complexity	Simple (Naturally Aspirated)	Higher (Turbocharged)

Why Buy a 3.6L Pentastar from Us?

The Pentastar engine is reliable, often lasting over 200,000 miles, but it has specific wear points. Buying from a private seller carries risk if they ignored the "ticking" sounds of early wear.

We verify the engine's health. At Mike Kelly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, we inspect the components that keep a V6 running smoothly.

Certified Pre-Owned Program Search Pre-Owned Inventory

CPO Safety Net

Most of our V6 inventory qualifies for our Certified Pre-Owned program.

Oil Cooler Inspection: The oil filter housing sits on top of the engine. We check for pooling oil in the engine valley and replace the seals if needed.
Valvetrain Check: We listen for rocker arm noise on cold starts. Addressing this early prevents camshaft damage, ensuring your engine stays quiet and powerful.
Warranty: You receive a 7-Year/100,000-Mile Powertrain Limited Warranty, covering the engine, transmission, and 4x4 system.
Roadside Assistance: Includes towing, battery jump-starts, and flat tire service in Sharon, New Castle, or Butler.

Owner’s Corner: Maintenance Mike Kelly Pro-Tips

To keep your Pentastar V6 running for years, follow these rules from the Mike Kelly Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Service Center:

Check Your Oil Cap: Many 2020+ models require 0W-20 Synthetic, while older models used 5W-20. Always use exactly what is printed on your oil cap.
Coolant Matters: Jeep uses OAT coolant (usually purple). Never mix it with green or orange coolant, as this can gel and clog your heater core.
Spark Plugs: The V6 is easy on plugs, but they should be changed every 100,000 miles to maintain that 20+ MPG highway rating.

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Serving New Castle, Butler, Hermitage, Sharon and All of Western PA

The Jeep 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the engine that built the modern Jeep brand. Visit us in Hermitage to test drive a Gladiator or Grand Cherokee and experience the capability for yourself.

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Picture may not represent actual vehicle. Price varies based on Trim Levels and Options. See Dealer for in-stock inventory & actual selling price. Online pricing subject to verification by dealership and subject to errors and omissions. All prices plus tax, title & Doc Fee ($490), with approved credit.