When researching my recent new truck purchase, I used this forum quite a bit to help aide my decision, so I wanted to make a quick post and share my experience so far with my 2014 crew cab SLT with the V6 Pentastar. I was really drawn to the V6 because of the fuel economy numbers, but I was worried that the engine might not be big enough for a full size truck.
If anyone else out there is worried about this, let me assure you that it is plenty of motor for day to day driving. I just drove my truck from Denver to Vail, which for those of you not familiar with this stretch of interstate, it is a very steep section of road and crosses two mountain passes that are over 10,000 feet. On the steepest parts of the trip, the truck easily did 80mph and could have done more but the speed limit is only 65 so I didn't want to push my luck too much.
I trust that if I can get this type of performance in the horsepower-robbing high altitude, those of you who live in more normal environments won't have any issues either. I tow fairly often, but not a lot of weight, and I am confident that this motor will easily accommodate my needs. Anyone else who does not tow alot and is worried about day to day driving, don't be!
Also, I got the brown/tan interior and it is awesome. I think that it looks much more upscale than the diesel grey, but both are much nicer than the equivalent trim levels in the F150 or Silverado.
Yeah, I'm pleased with the power too. And I like the stock sound. But then, if I want to go insane speeds, or insane accelleration, or canyon racing, I sure ain't doing it in a truck.
My experience as well. I had a 2011 Silverado with the 5.3 V8. As far as day to day driving I don't feel I've lost any power at all. In fact I feel like my Ram accelerates faster than my Chevy did. I haven't towed with it yet but I have heard good things about the towing experience.
that v6 and the 8 speed trans is a nice combo for sure. the numbers posted are almost as good as the 4.7 8 cyl it replaced. i have no doubt they will have a turbo version in the 5th gen trucks.
I don't normally have a heavy foot but even so I was close to breaking traction leaving a stop light the day after taking delivery. Road was damp at the time but I was still surprised. There was no attempt to launch off the line on my part. Once she is a little more broken in I may give it a try but not just yet...
I bought this truck with the 3.6 and the 8speed Transmission and 3.55 rear end for towing. My travel trailer is only 3200 pounds but still it can be heavier with the right terrain.I was told this combination would do the trick, wow it does.Nice combo.
I can imagine, it looks very small in my Grand Cherokee. Must be plenty of extra room in the trucks.
In the GC with the full time all wheel drive I find the 3.6 somewhat lacking. When I get on it feels like it is accelerating briskly but then someone in and old pick up out accelerates me. May be a function of the full time drive. I did test drive a Pentastar powered truck locally and it went OK, a friend purchased that truck and says it is fine for local use but is somewhat lacking when he gets into the hills. But hey whatever works for everyone. I have 20K+ on the GC now and it does seem to have more zip than earlier. Highway mileage on the GC is good though.
the pentastar is a proving to be a reliable power plant with plenty of pulling power I have one in my challenger, can't burn rubber ,but can keep up with the other guys no problem.
I didn't get to actually test drive a Pentastar, but I did research the heck out of it and was almost certain it would be the engine in my new truck when I bought in 15'. Just turned out the deals on the Express package were too good to turn down and I really liked the options. But yea, Big Horn 4x4 with the Pentastar and 8 speed I think would have been great for my needs. But the Hemi is a lot of fun lol.
My first thought was also, such an 'Itty Bitty Engine' in such a big Engine compartment!!.. There has to be more than a foot of space between the Radiator and front of the block.
But I did (Not Intentionaly) did break the rear tires loose the other day.. Had no intention of doing so, but just jumped on it and squealed the rears. Oh, I've got the RCSB 4X4 too.... So far very happy with the Eng/Tranny combo..
Yeah the techs at the express lube were sure to comment on my "tiny" engine. One said it was the worst decision Dodge ever made, while the other said to drop a 5.9 in it. I politely told them that I am enjoying my nearly 24 MPG highway, and the 305 HP was plenty for my needs.
I remember test driving the v6 8 speed package, my salesman Dillon didn't tell me how much power the truck had. While merging into traffic on Hwy. 7 in Peterborough Ontario the rear wheels broke free and surprised both myself and my wife. All I can say is for now I am quite satisfied with the performance
I have just over 3700 miles on my 2016 Ram 1500 Laramie with the 3.6L/8 speed, and believe it is one of the sleeper models in the Ram stable. I've owned numerous Rams in my life with the 318, 360, Hemi, Cummins and even my last Ram was an Ecodiesel but the best power/weight combination is the 3.6L. The 8 speed makes all the difference and the powerplant has gobs of power. I'm impressed every time I drive it and love the truck. Couple that with the options you get in a Laramie edition plus the significant price reduction for the V6 made it a no-brainer.
I drove a 360 and the V6 when looking for my truck. Love the sound of the V8, but really like the MPG that I'm getting with the V6. The 2014 V6 has 305hp as opposed to the 285hp that my 1998 Ram 1500 had, with the 360. I've not been disappointed with the get up and go. Don't really do a lot of hauling cargo or trailers.
I own a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland High Altitude 4x4, with that same engine. I have a neighbor that has a 2015 Dodge Challenger and his daughter has a 2014 Dodge, I don't know what model but her car has the 3.6L v-6 also.
Speaking for my neighbor he say's the V6 is as much engine as he needs. You did not go wrong with that engine. :smileup:
Mine has really strengthened in the last 5k. I think its got 10 percent more torque and Hp now. I've got 54k on it now and it is real snappy around town. On one 600 mile run I got 27.8mpg. I put the bigger rear sway bar from the hemi on it and doubled up all the power and ground wires so that it hits a steady 14v. With some H-rated tires I found, I can scare most Ford and chevs in a cloverleaf or any set of corners. braking with the same brakes of the much heavier Hemi is nice too. its just a great package. did have to replace front wheel bearings - weird.
That is great Yuma, I can get 27 with the GC now and again on the highway. Usually less than that though, one section of my off island trips has lots of hills. If I did not get into the mountains I probably would see 27 a lot more often.