You don't have to have a V6 Penstar to achieve 20-22 MPG.I just needed a truck large enough to carry my family around, it gets better gas mileage and that’s really that.
I honestly never thought a full size truck could get 20-22 average miles per gallon, it’s amazing.
No regrets at all, my next will probably be another V6 unless the Hemi is cheap enough/major extra incentives.
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I agree that the Pentstar shifts a lot more. My limited test drive between the 2 trucks (Laramie's with either the v6 or hemi, same 4x and 3.55 vs 3.21 gears on the trucks). I just couldn't deal with all the downshifting, and that was with an empty bed truck with 2 people.I got my truck with a V6 because it was cheaper, 300hp is enough, and I have a BMW convertible that will go faster in a straight line and especially around turns than trucks with a hemi. I kind of wanted to own 1 V8 in my life but I just didn't think it was necessary. So far I have changed the radio, put on side bars (my 12 inch tall dog doesn't need them nor do I but some people complained), and a soft tonneau.
My only regret is I've noticed a lot of shifting on the interstate. I haven't gone far in it yet but have driven to Rock Hill, SC a couple times, about 100 miles each way. I deliberately set the cruise on 65 last time because I left early and wanted to see what effect it had. I came back with the cruise on 70+ and got better mileage. The truck downshifted for hills less a little higher in the rpm range. But the elevation of rock hill is higher than the Columbia area where I live and that had an effect too. I need to do round trips both ways but I am not sure I can do 65 for that long.
I'm not sure if the hemi would shift less on the highway but if it does it would help mpg and also be less annoying. Part of the shifting is just the transmission has a lot of gears and wants the engine to turn the lowest rpm possible. There aren't big hills on the interstate between Columbia and Rock Hill SC. I think the V6 is just a little low on torque at slightly above idle speeds.
2wd or 4wd?You don't have to have a V6 Penstar to achieve 20-22 MPG.
I have a V8 HEMI and I'm sitting at 20.9 MPG which is right in the sweet spot of the 20-22 MPG.
Now I do not have my foot in the engine but I have the extra power & towing capacity when needed.
The V8 and the 3.21 rear end make a good combination IMHO.
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Mpg’s can be very different, check some of the fuelly’s. Most that are disappointed have 3.92 gears or lifts/big tires however I cannot say that the hemi is particularly “thrifty”. Now the folks that put a Pentstar in a Limited 4x CC may be pushing the engine a bit hard, don’t know anyone that has one but they are out there.I have a Grand Cherokee Summit with the Pentastar V-6 it has been outstanding. I tested the Ram V-6 eTorque and loved it. That extra boost from a stop reminds me of my supercharged Range Rover. Its plenty to get you started and i'm always first when the light goes red to green. Now with all this being said, I regret not getting a Hemi eTorque. I could have gotten one slightly cheaper than my V6. I don't think the mpg's are much different.
I have a Grand Cherokee Summit with the Pentastar V-6 it has been outstanding. I tested the Ram V-6 eTorque and loved it. That extra boost from a stop reminds me of my supercharged Range Rover. Its plenty to get you started and i'm always first when the light goes red to green. Now with all this being said, I regret not getting a Hemi eTorque. I could have gotten one slightly cheaper than my V6. I don't think the mpg's are much different.
I get 23 mpg highway with my 5.7 Hemi with etorque & 3.92 gears. I average 19 mpg slamming on the gas driving around the city. Gas is $1.50/gallon. Dirt cheap. I'd rather have the power whether I technically need it or not. Resale value on the V-6 is horrendous ! Nobody buys them unless they are used as fleet vehicles for business use. That being said the Pentastar engine has been around along time. It's a good engine, just more suited for my mom or my wife than me.