What is the difference between the 3.8L and 3.6L Jeep Wrangler engines: Side-by-Side Comparison
Both 3.8L & 3.6L engines have the qualities and power to become the best ones. Users find them up to the mark from different angles. Some say the 3.8L is the best engine they ever use; others go for the 3.6L engine. Mainly, these two are different because the 3.6L is the upgraded version of the 3.8L engine.
So, What is the difference between the 3.8L and 3.6L Jeep Wrangler Engines? These two have different power, torque, price, and durability. The 3.6L engine has more power, torque, and durability than the 3.8L; whereas the 3.8L is a budget-friendly and reliable engine. You can repair this engine better than 3.6L.
Today, I’ll show you all the differences between the Jeep 3.8 engine vs 3.6. Keep on reading & explore all the differences to make a sound decision.
5 Differences Between 3.8L vs 3.6L Jeep Wrangler Engines
As I said Before, you’ll get five significant differences between these two Jeep Wrangler engines. After getting the differences, you can make the best decision and go for a particular engine for smooth off-road riding.
Watch this video to get all the differences and have a clear idea of both the Jeep Wrangler engines.
Torque & Towing Capacity
The very first thing you’ll notice is the torque power differences between these two engines. The 3.8L engine has 232 torque and 2500 pounds of towing capacity. It might be enough for off-road driving. What if you need a capable engine that can tow more than 3k pounds?
In that case, the 3.6L engine is for you. It has 260 torque and 3500 pounds of towing capacity. That means this engine is more capable than the 3.8L Jeep Wrangler engine. As a result, it offers you a smoother driving experience than the first one.
Horsepower
This is another crucial factor in comparing two similar branded Jeep Wrangler Engines. Here, the 3.8L engine has 199 HP, which is pretty enough for driving an off-road vehicle. In contrast, the 3.6 upgraded engine has 285 horsepower. That means the 3.6L engine has 86HP more horsepower than the 3.8L engine.
Price/Cost
Another difference between the 3.6L and 3.8L engines is the price. The first is more pricey than the second one. For instance, the average price of a 3.8L engine is $2500 to $3500 though it depends on engine condition and other replacement costs. To get the perfect budget idea about the replacement cost of the 3.8L Jeep Wrangler engine, give this article a read. It’ll clear off everything and give you the optimum budget to get a new one.
Besides, the 3.6L engine is around $4000. The price will be costlier if you add the labor cost and other parts. It might be up to $5000. You must read this write-up to get more info about the 3.6L engine replacement cost. I’ve talked about every ins out here.
Reliability & Durability
You won’t find any difference between the durability of these two engines. Look, the 3.6L & 3.8L both will last for 200k miles or 20-30 years, depending on your driving frequency.
Regarding reliability, the second one can’t beat the 3.6L engine because it is lightweight and it uses aluminium. Therefore, it can ensure optimum fuel usage and become the most reliable engine. In contrast, the 3.8L comes with cast iron, a durable engine material.
Maintenance
Another difference is the maintenance cost. Since all the parts of the 3.6L engine are updated, you need to spend more bucks on them. That means the maintenance cost would be higher for a 3.6L engine.
At the same time, the 3.8L engine has budgeted-friendly parts. You can repair the entire engine with some DIY skills and the necessary tools. That way, the 3.8L engine is better than 3.6L in terms of repair & maintenance costs.
The major differences between the 3.6L and the 3.8L Jeep Wrangler engines are here.
| 3.6L Jeep Wrangler Engine | 3.8L Jeep Wrangler Engine |
| 285 Horsepower | 199 horsepower |
| 3500 pounds Towing Capacity | 2500 pounds of towing capacity |
| Lasts for 200k Miles | Lasts for 200k miles |
| Replacement cost & repairing cost is higher. | Replacement cost & repair cost is Budget-friendly, |
| Reliable & Durable engine performance. | Durable but not reliable as the 3.6L engine |
People Also Asked
Is the jeep 3.8 v6 a good engine?
Yes, the 3.8L V6 engine is a good engine since it has a strong build and great performance. If horsepower and towing capacity are not a major concern, you can go for this engine.
Which jeep engine is better, 3.8 or 3.6?
Both 3.8L & 3.6L jeep engines are better compared to their performance and durability. Only power and reliability create the difference between them. In that case, the 3.6L engine is a powerful Jeep engine since it has 85HP & 1000 pounds more towing capacity than the 3.8L engine. So, the 3.6L is a better option.
Which Lasts for Longer Time?
Both 3.8L & 3.6L engines last for around 200k miles. They have the good build quality and durable materials; therefore, you’ll get the perfect lasting time from both engines. So, go for anyone since they provide the same durability.
Is The 3.6L Jeep Wrangler more reliable than 3.8L?
Yes, the 3.6L jeep wrangler is more reliable than the 3.8L. It’s lightweight, and the materials are good enough. Apart from that, this engine has more power, towing capacity, and torque than the 3.8L engine. Therefore, the 3.6L jeep wrangler engine is more reliable than the 3.8L engine.
Closing Words
What is the difference between the 3.8L and 3.6L Jeep Wrangler engines? Torque, horsepower, towing capacity, and price are the major differences between these two Jeep Wrangler engines. Considering all of them, you’ll find the 3.6L engine as the best one since it offers you a more reliable performance than the first one.
In contrast, the 3.8L engine comes with durable & better performance. In Particular, the price & repair costs are cheaper than the 3.6L engine. So, consider these factors and choose the best one.
