The Jeep Grand Cherokee has been offered with both V6 and V8 engines over its history. The exact powertrain depends on model year and trim, and today the lineup emphasizes a V6, a diesel V6, and a plug-in hybrid rather than a traditional V8.
Current engine options
The latest Grand Cherokee lineup in the United States offers several powertrain choices, with a focus on efficiency and electrification. The following engines are available in recent model years, varying by trim and market.
- 3.6L Pentastar V6 (gasoline) delivering around 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque
- 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 (diesel) delivering around 260 hp and 442 lb-ft of torque
- 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 with electric motor (4xe plug-in hybrid) delivering around 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of combined torque
Note: There is no standard gasoline V8 option in the current Grand Cherokee lineup. V8 power has appeared in the model's history but is not part of the present production slate.
Historical V8 and performance variants
For reference, the Grand Cherokee has carried larger V8 engines and high-performance variants in prior generations. The following engines have appeared on various trims over the years.
- 5.7L Hemi V8
- 6.4L Hemi V8 (392)
- 6.2L Supercharged Hemi V8 (Trackhawk)
Note: The high-performance Trackhawk equipped with the 6.2L supercharged V8 was produced during the late 2010s and was not part of the standard current lineup. It represents the peak of Grand Cherokee V8 performance in its history.
Trackhawk: the extreme variant
The Trackhawk model used a 6.2L supercharged V8 producing 707 horsepower, making it one of the fastest SUVs of its era. It was offered for a limited time and is not a contemporary option in the latest Grand Cherokee lineup. Prospective buyers seeking that level of V8 performance should look to historical used examples or special edition imports, rather than a new vehicle.
What this means for buyers
If your priority is a traditional V8, you should know that it is not a standard option in the current Grand Cherokee lineup. For those seeking modern power with efficiency, the current options include the V6 gasoline, the EcoDiesel V6, and the plug-in hybrid 4xe. Used or older-generation Grand Cherokees may offer V8 configurations, but they will come with older technology and different emissions and efficiency profiles.
Summary
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has never been limited to just one engine; it has offered both V6 and V8 options across its history. In recent model years, Jeep has shifted toward a trio of modern powertrains: a 3.6L V6, a 3.0L EcoDiesel V6, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe with a 2.0L turbo engine and electric motors. V8 power remains a hallmark of past performance variants (notably the 5.7L, 6.4L, and the Trackhawk 6.2L), but it is not part of the current production lineup. Buyers today should consider whether they want efficiency and electrification or nostalgia for V8 performance, recognizing that configuration availability varies by year and market.
Are grand Cherokees V8 or V6?
The new Jeep Grand Cherokee engine options include the choice of two engines, each designed to deliver exceptional power and efficiency. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine comes standard on most trims. Or you may opt in to the Jeep Grand Cherokee 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo Engine if you are looking for increased power.
Is a V6 just as good as a V8?
V6 engines typically have better fuel economy than a V8, while V8 engines generally have more power than V6 engines. If you're in the market for a vehicle, knowing the differences and advantages of the V6 versus V8 engine can be helpful when you are trying to make a purchase decision.
Which Grand Cherokee to stay away from?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee years that buyers most often try to avoid are 2011, 2012, 2013, and 2014 because these model years are more commonly associated with reliability concerns and owner complaints.
When did Jeep discontinue the V8 Grand Cherokee?
The three-row Jeep Grand Cherokee L is following in the tire tracks of the Wagoneer twins and the shorter two-row Grand Cherokee by quietly removing the V-8 option from its lineup. In November 2023, Jeep removed the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8 engines from the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer and 2024 Grand Wagoneer.