In 1998, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offered several gasoline engine options: primarily the 4.0-liter inline-six and the 5.2-liter V8, with a rare 5.9-liter Magnum V8 available on select models.
The 1998 Grand Cherokee sits in the ZJ generation, and engine availability varied by trim, market, and production date. This article outlines the main options and how to identify which engine your specific vehicle has.
Engine options for 1998 Grand Cherokee
Before listing the options, note that availability depended on trim level and production date; the 4.0L inline-six was the common base engine, while V8 options appeared on higher trims.
- 4.0-liter inline-six (AMC/Jeep) — approximately 190 horsepower and around 235 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.2-liter V8 (318 cu in) Magnum — approximately 230 horsepower and around 300 lb-ft of torque.
- 5.9-liter Magnum V8 (360 cu in) — a rare high-performance option on certain late-1997/1998 models, roughly 245–260 horsepower and 345–360 lb-ft of torque.
In summary, most 1998 Grand Cherokees used either the 4.0L I6 or the 5.2L V8, with the sporty 5.9L V8 appearing only on a limited subset of builds.
How to identify the engine in your 1998 Grand Cherokee
To confirm which engine your Jeep has, use a combination of hardware and paperwork checks:
- Inspect the engine cast-in code on the block near the valve covers to determine the displacement and family.
- Check the VIN and the vehicle's original window sticker or owner's manual for the listed engine option.
- Look for engine badges or distinctive air intake/valve covers that match 4.0L I6, 5.2L V8, or 5.9L Magnum configurations.
- If in doubt, consult a Jeep specialist or pull the door tag/RPO code sheet to confirm the exact engine.
This approach helps ensure you’re referencing the correct engine configuration for your specific 1998 Grand Cherokee.
Summary
The 1998 Grand Cherokee offered a practical mix of engines: the baseline 4.0L inline-six, a more powerful 5.2L V8, and a rare 5.9L Magnum V8 on select models. Identifying the engine involves checking the block stamping, VIN/RPO codes, and available documentation.