In today’s automotive world, diesel engines are often frowned upon as automakers shift their focus to hybrid and electric powertrains. While it’s harder to spot diesel options these days, some people still appreciate their existence because they make a lot of sense in large SUVs and trucks, as they can be more capable under certain conditions. The engine in question is the 3.0-liter V6 EcoDiesel.
First introduced with the Jeep Wrangler, it also found its way under the hood of the Gladiator and Ram 1500. The V6 Eco diesel engine was designed by the Italian company VM Motori SpA, a subsidiary of Fiat Chrysler (FCA), now a subsidiary of Stellantis, known for its expertise in the development of diesel engines. It was produced at VM Motori’s Cento factory in Ferrara, Italy, until it was discontinued in 2023. Interestingly enough, the engine is a redesigned version of the older Jeep diesel engine previously available in the 2018 Grand Cherokee.
A rugged SUV like the Jeep Wrangler was also one of the best choices for a powerful diesel engine. The low-end torque of diesel engines even helps in off-road scenarios. Combined with the Wrangler’s low gearing, solid axles, off-road tires and limited-slip differentials, it becomes a solid choice for driving on off-road surfaces. The icing on the cake was the fuel consumption; the Wrangler equipped with the eco-diesel returned 30 mpg on the highway, according to the EPA. Compared to the Pentastar V6-powered Wrangler’s 20 mpg, it was 50% more efficient, making it significantly more wallet-friendly.
How good is the EcoDiesel?
All told, it served as an effective alternative to the Pentastar V6 and the 5.7-liter HEMI, despite being smaller. All that turbodiesel torque means it can pull like a freight train, with an official towing capacity of 3,500 pounds in the Jeep Wrangler and an impressive towing capacity of 9,600 pounds in the Ram 1500. Additionally, the engine produced 260 horsepower and 446 pound-feet of torque in the Jeep Wrangler. Even more impressive, maximum torque is available at just 1,400 rpm, a significant advantage for large vehicles like the Wrangler and RAM.
What set it apart from older Chrysler diesels was the use of a VGT (Variable Geometry Turbo) that revved up faster than traditional turbos. With a compression ratio of 16.5:1, it was aimed at the enthusiast market. While not an outright replacement for the V8 engines, it certainly deserved a place in the portfolio as it offered one of the best fuel economy figures.
While the engine itself was quite bombproof, owners have reported a few issues that you should keep in mind if you plan to buy one used. For example, the engine is known for derating at high temperatures, which limits the amount of fuel and air that can enter the engine. As seen on the Jeep Wrangler, this results in a top speed of just 70 km/h when the derating kicks in. This can be a problem for people who live in warm climates or for people who regularly strain the engine with towing and heavy loads. However, the reason for its discontinuation could be due to stricter emission standards and the general shift towards hybrid vehicles.
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