Two engine choices were offered in 1998: a 4.0-liter inline-six and a 5.2-liter V8. There was no factory V6 option that year—the inline-six is not a V6, and the V8 option is the 5.2-liter Magnum.
Engine lineup for 1998 Grand Cherokee
The 1998 Grand Cherokee (ZJ) offered two powertrains. The 4.0L inline-six provided solid daily performance and reliability, while the 5.2L V8 delivered stronger acceleration and towing capability.
- 4.0-liter inline-six (I6) — about 190 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque
- 5.2-liter Magnum V8 — about 230 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque
Note: A larger V8 option, the 4.7-liter PowerTech, was not offered in the 1998 model year; it was introduced later with the next generation.
Choosing between the engines: what to consider
For everyday driving and better fuel economy, the 4.0L I6 is typically preferred. For more power, towing, and off-road capability, the 5.2L V8 is favored. Engine choice also affected weight and maintenance considerations.
How to identify your engine
To confirm which engine a particular 1998 Grand Cherokee has, check the engine code on the engine itself, refer to the vehicle’s VIN, or look for badges and the original window sticker. Jeep's VIN decoder resources and service manuals can help map the VIN to an engine option.
Summary
The 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee offered two engines: a 4.0-liter inline-six and a 5.2-liter V8. There was no V6 option in that year; the I6 is inline, not V, and the V8 option is the 5.2L Magnum. If you’re shopping for a 1998 model, verify which engine is installed, as this affects performance and maintenance needs. The 4.7L V8 did not appear until the following generation.