Strengths
- Four-door Unlimited variant
- Rubicon Hard Rock genuinely capable
- 3.8 / 3.6 V6 reliable
Weaknesses
- Pentastar valve-train wear
- Cabin still rough
- Death wobble
Notable tech
- Body-on-frame ladder chassis
- Two-door (JK) and four-door Unlimited (JKU)
- 3.8 V6 (early) then 3.6 Pentastar V6
- 6MT or 5AT
- Rubicon trim with locking diffs
- Two-speed transfer case
Common issues
- Pentastar valve-train
- TIPM electrical
- Death wobble
- Auto torque-converter
Engine derivatives
US-spec trims and engines offered across JK's life. Click any two rows to compare them side-by-side.
Pick two engines to compare
3.8 V6
BHP199
Torque319 Nm
0–608.7 s
Top112 mph
MPG (US)15 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox6MT / 4AT
3.6 V6 Pentastar
BHP285
Torque352 Nm
0–607.6 s
Top112 mph
MPG (US)17 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox6MT / 5AT
2.8 CRD diesel
BHP200
Torque460 Nm
0–608.7 s
Top109 mph
MPG (US)27 mpg
DriveAWD
Gearbox6MT / 5AT