Jeep Commander Engine Options and Gas Prices

When it comes to deciding on a Jeep Commander engine option, it is common to hear this: "I won't buy the Hemi because it uses too much gas". However, if you run the numbers, the price of gas is a mute point.

I decided to do some comparisons, using Edmund's True Cost to Own feature, and here is what I found:

• The average fuel cost per year of the 3.7L V6 is $1904.50 (5 year average, assuming 15,000 miles per year).
  
• The average fuel cost per year for the 4.7L V8 and the 5.7L Hemi V8 it is $2064.00 (exactly the same for both).
  

Bottom line, the cost of gas for a Hemi compared to a 3.7L V6 is just $113.60 a year more!!!! Most people blow out more than that in a couple of hours on a Friday happy hour...

So, if the cost of the car is not an issue and you enjoy a more powerful ride, by all means go with the Hemi, and don't let common misconceptions about gas prices influence your decision. Also, I don't know why anybody would opt for the 4.7L V8, unless they are into flex fuel engines.

Just my 2 cents...

Related: Hemi Fuel Saving Tips

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander daimlerchrysler Hemi

Chrysler Group 5.7-liter HEMI(R) and 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel Take Two Spots in Ward's 10 Best Engines Awards

This year it is not only the HEMI that has earned a Ward 10 best engine ranking, but also the 3.0L CDR Turbo Diesel that Jeep enthusiasts are eagerly waiting to be available in U.S. Jeep Commanders.

From DaimlerChrysler's press release:

For the fifth year in a row -- and every year since its 2003 re-introduction -- Chrysler Group's famous 5.7-liter HEMI(R) engine has earned a place on Ward's 10 Best Engines list. Joining the HEMI in winning the award is DaimlerChrysler's 3.0-liter V-6 Turbo Diesel, available in the 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The 5.7-liter HEMI V-8 achieves power and fuel economy thanks to its Multiple Displacement System (MDS). The HEMI is power-dense, perfectly sized and incorporates sophisticated-yet-straightforward efficiency-enhancing technology to help it stay relevant in a market that is becoming increasingly conscious of fuel economy.

The Mercedes-built 3.0-liter CRD is one of the most advanced power plants available in the marketplace today. It is designed to deliver more torque than many V8 engines, while remaining efficient, with up to 30-percent improved fuel economy without sacrificing performance.

Read DaimlerChrysler's Press Release

Tech Tags: jeep jeep+commander jeepcommander hemi crd ward diesel daimlerchrysler jeep+xk

Jeep Commander to the Rescue

Off-Road Adventures magazine and the Placer County Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team came together to build the ultimate Jeep Commander rescue vehicle. The idea was to take a stock, Hemi-equipped Commander and turn it into an uncompromising off-road machine. During five months (between July and November 2006) the Commander underwent a significant transformation, as it was lifted, equipped with bigger tires, fitted with performance intake and exhaust kits, and many other serious mods. You can read about the project from beginning to end by following these links:

Part I: Suspension, Wheels and Tires
Part II: Performance Intake and Catback Exhaust
Part III: Bumpers, Rock Sliders and Skid Plates
Part IV: Essential Gear for the Back Country
Part V: Hitting the Trail

We thank Off-Road Adventures magazine for the comprehensive write-up and detailed pitcures of this remarkable project.

Technorati Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, DaimlerChrysler, Off-Road

Hemi Fuel Saving Tips

The 5.7L V8 Hemi comes standard with the MDS (Multiple Displacement System) feature, seamlessly alternating between smooth, high-fuel-economy four-cylinder mode when less power is needed, and V-8 mode when more power is in demand. This optimizes fuel economy when V-8 power is not required, without sacrificing vehicle performance or capability.

Watch this video to see the MDS at work

Jeep offers the following fuel saving tips for owners of Hemi-powered vehicles:

• Keeping speeds to 65 mph or below — MDS uses four cylinder mode most at these speeds
• Use cruise control — this helps maintain a steady speed, generally allowing the HEMI to run on four cylinders for longer periods
• Accelerate more gradually — the HEMI will provide V-8 power whenever it is requested by the driver
• Use a steady throttle whenever possible — this maximizes four cylinder mode

For more on the MDS and the Hemi engine visit the newly revamped Hemi.com, DaimlerChrysler's official site for the Hemi engine.

Technorati Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, DaimlerChrysler, Hemi

K&N Air Charger Intake Kit for the 5.7L Hemi

Some time ago, I posted about the K&N performance intake kit for the 4.7L V8. Now, K&N has launched its new AirCharger Intake Kit for Jeep Commanders with the 5.7L V8 Hemi. Here is what K&N has to say:

"K&N Engineering, Inc. has made its first 63 Series AirCharger Intake Kit (63-1549) for the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.1L V8, the 2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8, the 2006 Jeep Commander 5.7L V8 and the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L V8. K&N test have shown a horsepower gain of 15.30 at 5046 RPM with the 63-1549 Intake Kit.

K&N’s (63-1549) rotationally molded polyethylene Intake Kit uses a conical shaped High-Flow Chrome Top Air Filter (RF- 1048) that can fit into the engine compartment using factory holes and mounting points.

It takes less than an hour to install this kit and the lifetime K&N Air Filter performs for up to 100,000 miles before service is required depending on driving conditions."

You can follow this discussion thread in Jeepforum.com to read Jeep Commander owners' experiences with this performance intake kit, and to see pictures of it already installed in the Commander's engine bay.

Technorati Tags: Jeep, Jeep Commander, Jeep XK, DaimlerChrysler, Off-Road, KN