Dodge vs Jeep: Which Is More Reliable?
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Dodge and Jeep have a lot of things in common. While it is true that Jeep doesn't build compact cars, both brands have a reputation for building rugged cars with impressive off-road driving capabilities.
It is important to mention that Jeep and Dodge aren't the best options when it comes to reliability, but it does not harm to decide which one is more reliable than the other.
With the experience of driving Dodge and Jeep vehicles, we can say that reliability is the same for both brands. Dodge and Jeep have the same repair and maintenance cost, but Jeep beats Dodge with higher safety ratings. However, Dodge has better engine performance, more towing capacity, and more speed and torque.
Here's a detailed comparison of the Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability.
Table of Contents
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: A Detailed Comparison
| Features | Dodge | Jeep |
| Design | ||
| Repair and Maintenance Cost | ||
| Gas Mileage | ||
| Safety | ||
| Engine Performance | ||
| Technology | ||
| Durability |
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: Which Is Better?
Dodge and Jeep are two popular brands of automobiles that have been around for decades. Their strengths, off-road performance, and durability make them an appealing option for users.
However, when comparing the reliability of Dodge and Jeep, it's evident that Dodge and Jeep are just as good as the other.
Both brands have the same repair and maintenance cost, they share similar warranty coverage, and the gas mileage is almost the same on both cars, depending on your chosen model.
The striking difference in the reliability of Dodge and Jeep is that Jeep has higher safety ratings, whereas Dodge has more powerful engines. Both brands have a 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain limited warranty and a 3-year/36,000-mile limited warranty.
According to RepairPal, Jeep has a reliability rating of 3.5/5.0, ranking 15th out of 32 car brands. On the other hand, Dodge ranks 19th out of 32 car brands with a 3.5/5.0.
It's an entirely different case from the 2022 JD Power dependability survey. Dodge has better dependability scores, taking the 8th position as against Jeep, which falls below the industry average.
Dodge's most popular models, such as the Charger and Challenger, are known for their powerful engines and sleek designs. However, they have a reputation for being unreliable, especially when it comes to their electrical and transmission systems.
Some owners have reported issues with engine misfires, faulty sensors, and other electrical problems. These issues can be expensive to repair and can cause significant downtime for the vehicle.
On Consumer Reports, Jeep is the second to the least reliable brand, whereas Dodge is nowhere to be found on the list.
Considering the varying reliability reports, we'll need to study the different features of Dodge and Jeep against the different factors to consider when selecting a reliable car brand.
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: Design
Design is subjective, and it depends on personal preferences. However, design reliability is strictly based on the standards and engineering principles of each car brand.
The truth is, irrespective of the fact that Dodge and Jeep have different approaches to designs, you'll get amazing cars with superb standards of durability.
For instance: Jeep's design philosophy focuses on the need to build vehicles that capture the interests of users; freedom, adventure, authenticity, and passion. The only problem with this design ideology is that Jeep adopts a limited lineup.
Jeep vehicles are usually SUVs and trucks, and although the brand has integrated hybrid models, you won't get sports cars, midsize cars, or muscle cars. However, a few Jeep vehicles can pass for performance and sports cars, like the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT and the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
Jeep's design philosophy revolves around the need to embrace form and functionality. From their historic role in World War II to their ability to withstand the toughest road conditions, Jeeps are designed to withstand anything you throw at them.
With the aesthetics, round headlights, seven-slot grille, and trapezoidal wheel arches, Jeep hasn't failed in adopting a unique Identity for all of its cars.
On the other hand, Dodge is interested in building muscle cars that integrate different design elements to look bold, sleek, and modern.
While Jeep prioritizes the need to build rugged cars, Dodge emphasizes performance and versatility. You'll find vehicles with Dodge that can adapt to different driving conditions. Jeeps are usually for off-road driving and adventures.
Winner: Both
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: Engine and Performance
Dodge and Jeep offer a variety of engines for their vehicles. Ranging from four-cylinder engines to V6 and V8 engines, you'll always get amazing engines that deliver a burst of power and impressive drive experience.
Jeep also uses HEMI engines just as found in Dodge, although the power output is not as high as what Dodge delivers. However, there are rare cases where Jeep delivers up to 700 hp.
The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has a 707 HP supercharged Hellcat V8 engine option. This shouldn't come as a surprise because Dodge has a lot of vehicles that beat the 700 hp.
For instance, the 2023 Dodge Durango has five engine options with the following performance ratings;
- 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine -293-hp
- 3.6-liter, V6 Cylinder Engine - 295-hp
- 5.7-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine - 360-hp
- 6.4-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine - 475-hp
- 6.2-liter, 8 Cylinder Engine - 710-hp
This is impressive compared to the 2022 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4xe, which only has a 2.0L 4-cylinder engine that delivers 375 hp. The 2022 Jeep Wrangler also performs poorly as against the 2022 Dodge Ram 1500. You are getting 305 horsepower on Dodge and 260 on the Jeep.
It's a tie for the 2022 Dodge Durango and 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee, with both cars delivering 293 hp. The engine difference is also noticeable in terms of their towing capacity. The 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee has a max towing capacity of 7200 pounds, while the Dodge Durango delivers 8700 pounds with its 5.7L engine.
Don't forget that the reliability of these engines varies depending on the model and the year of production.
Winner: Dodge
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: Gas Mileage
It's a clear win for Dodge in terms of engine performance, but when it comes to gas mileage, it's a tie for both brands. Both Dodge and Jeep have almost similar gas mileage. Sometimes Jeep does it better, and in other cases, Dodge is a close alternative.
For instance: in the 2023 Dodge Durango vs. 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison, both Dodge Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee return a fuel economy of 19/26 MPG for city and highway.
But the 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee beats the 2022 Dodge Durango with a better 18/26 MPG gas mileage, compared to Dodge's 13/26 mpg.
As for the 2022 Jeep Wrangler vs. 2022 Ram 1500, the Dodge Ram has an impressive 20/25 mpg while Jeep gets 17/25 mpg.
Winner: Both
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: Safety and Technology
When it comes to safety and technology, Jeep beats Dodge with higher safety ratings, but in terms of technology, it's a tie for both brands.
Jeep has one vehicle earning the 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick (+) Award. This isn't an impressive feat compared to the fact that most brands have as high as 10 to 15 vehicles with the same award. However, the ratings are higher than Jeeps, which don't have any.
You are getting almost the same thing from Dodge and Jeep in terms of technology. Both brands feature the award-winning Uconnect system and impressive driver assistance and navigation systems.
Winner: Jeep
Dodge vs. Jeep Reliability: Repair and Maintenance Costs
It's quite a rare scenario, but for Jeep and Dodge, both brands have the same repair and maintenance costs.
According to RepairPal, Dodge's vehicles have an average annual repair cost of $634, while Jeep's vehicles also have an average annual repair cost of $634.
You must understand that irrespective of the fact that both brands have the same average repair cost, the cost of maintenance and repairs will vary depending on the model and extent of the damage.
Winner: Both
Conclusion
Jeep and Dodge aren't our favorite brands, especially regarding reliability. They don’t have a consistent record of appreciating reliability. Sometimes, it gets better, and other times, it's as worse as you can imagine.
However, there are a lot of reasons why you'll love to drive a Dodge or Jeep. These reasons can include their off-road performance, engine strength, or even towing ability.
To get the best from these brands, it is advisable that you compare the different models available for purchase to decide which one perfectly captures your needs.
