Opinions on the 3 0L EcoDiesel

[Martin]

I'm in the hunt for a new 4x4, and the new Wrangler Rubicons with the 3.0L EcoDiesel look to be outstanding for what I want. I remember hearing some "horror stories" about that engine in Ram trucks and Grand Cherokees, and I'm curious if anyone on this forum had one of those and what they thought about it. I'm not new to Jeeps - they have their quirks... What I am new to is a Jeep with an Italian-made engine in it, especially one of the new diesel engines. Last thing I want is a long hike out of the woods to get cell phone reception when my car stops working, or, even worse, a car that's in the shop more than it's on the road.

Thanks in advance.

[JonB ~ PartsRack]

'Diesel Doris' here has had two of them, 75K miles traded in for another, more options, also now at 75k. She LOVES the Ram Eco-D. Lots of drives to Montana, great fuel mileage. Often tows a trailer too. Torque Galore.

There was some controversy about emissions fines, that PAID HER a $3000 rebate mid-ownership, that was pure candy, out of the blue....

Call her here Friday AM if you like.....Mostly PRO, very few CON...

[Martin]

Thanks! That's good to know. I've been waiting for a diesel Wrangler for a long time, and I'm really hoping that this engine is a good one. I've had diesels in the past that went 300k miles without a problem (as long as I took care of them), and for an off-roader, the torque numbers for these little engines look amazing. Almost the same amount of torque out of a little 3L engine that a Gen I V10 had.

[Joemama]

I have a 2016 Ram Ecodiesel. It's been a great vehicle, great fuel mileage even when towing and it good off road. I have only have 50,000 miles on it and never had a problem.

[BlknBlu]

I would like that motor in a Gladiator.

Bruce

[Martin]

I would like that motor in a Gladiator.

Bruce

From what I understand, it's most definitely going to be in the Gladiator. I think they're putting the first run of vehicle out there, and then they're going to announce the additional engine mid-year or for 2021. I like the Gladiator, too, but I figure I can tow a medium sized utility trailer with the Wrangler when I need it. I do that now with my Grand Cherokee, and it is so much more versatile than having a full-time pickup (more interior space for me to throw crap around in).

What I started looking at (while my Viper has been in the shop for a month and I've made multiple trips to the dealership) was a Ram 2500 4x4 with the Cummins Turbo. That would be exactly what I would want all around, but those things are crazy expensive for what you get. Since most of my 4x4 driving is into really rugged and narrow roads requiring articulation and shorter wheelbase, I figure the Rubicon Unlimited would do the job. I was also looking at a new Grand Cherokee, but it has just way too much "nicety" to it, it's also super expensive for what you get, and I don't like the platform (my WJ has the best "real Jeep" chassis of all the Grand Cherokees in my opinion - so I'll just keep it and drive it into the ground).