The 2002 Dodge 4.7-liter V8 is rated at 235 horsepower.
This article explains that figure, what it meant for drivers in 2002, and how performance translated into everyday use across the Dodge lineup that year.
The official rating in 2002
In 2002, the 4.7L PowerTech V8 used in Dodge Ram pickups, Durangos, and Jeep Grand Cherokees carried a SAE net rating of 235 horsepower. Torque was typically about 295 lb-ft, with peak power coming in the mid-range RPMs. These numbers represented stock, factory specifications, and served as a baseline for performance and towing capability.
While the 4.7L was not offered with a high-output designation in 2002, later model years introduced a high-output variant that increased horsepower into the mid-260s. For 2002 specifically, the widely cited figure remained 235 hp across the major 4.7L applications.
To give a quick snapshot across the lineup, here are the typical figures for 2002 models that used the 4.7L PowerTech V8:
- Dodge Ram 1500 (2002) — 235 hp
- Dodge Durango (2002) — 235 hp
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ, 2002) — 235 hp
These numbers reflect the era's engineering priorities: solid low- and mid-range torque for towing and everyday driving, rather than peak horsepower for sprinting. Real-world performance could vary with payload, drivetrain, and vehicle condition.
Notes on power delivery and context
In testing and road-use contexts, drivers often perceived strong mid-range torque from the 4.7L, which helped with climbing and merging even if peak horsepower didn’t seem high by modern standards. The engine was paired with a range of transmissions and gearing that influenced how well the 235 hp translated into acceleration and towing performance.
It’s important to distinguish that horsepower ratings are model-year specific and can vary slightly by market and emissions equipment. The 2002 Dodge 4.7L figures cited here reflect the SAE net horsepower ratings used by Chrysler at the time.
Summary and context for buyers
In 2002, the Dodge 4.7L PowerTech V8 delivered 235 horsepower (about 176 kW) with torque around 295 lb-ft. This setup was common across Dodge Ram 1500, Durango, and Jeep Grand Cherokee equipped with the 4.7L V8, providing reliable mid-range power suitable for everyday driving and towing duties. Later years would see higher-output variants, but the 2002 specification stands as the baseline for that year.
Summary: 235 horsepower is the established figure for the 2002 Dodge 4.7L V8, with typical torque near 295 lb-ft, across the primary models that carried the engine that year.