The 2021 Grand Cherokee offers multiple gasoline engine options depending on trim, ranging from a efficient 3.6-liter V6 to high-performance V8s in SRT and Trackhawk variants.
Engine lineup at a glance
The 2021 Grand Cherokee could be equipped with several gasoline powertrains. The base engine is a 3.6-liter V6, and higher trims add larger V8s, with the most powerful variants using a supercharged or naturally aspirated V8 for peak performance.
- 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine: around 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque; paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. This is the standard engine on most trims and is often equipped with a 48-volt mild-hybrid eTorque system on many configurations.
- 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine: roughly 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque; available on higher trims, providing a substantial boost in acceleration and towing capability.
- 6.4-liter Hemi V8 engine: about 475 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque; reserved for the Grand Cherokee SRT performance variant, offering significant on-road performance.
- 6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 engine: approximately 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque; used exclusively in the high-performance Trackhawk model.
Across these options, all engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, and availability varies by trim and market. The lineup reflects Jeep’s emphasis on providing both everyday efficiency and high-end performance within the same model family.
Engine specifics by model and trim
3.6-liter Pentastar V6 (with eTorque)
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 is the standard powerplant for most Grand Cherokee trims in 2021. It delivers solid everyday performance and improved efficiency thanks to the optional 48-volt eTorque mild-hybrid system on many configurations. Expect around 295 hp with torque in the mid-260s, routed through an 8-speed automatic transmission.
5.7-liter Hemi V8
Available on higher-end trims, the 5.7L Hemi V8 adds a substantial jump in power and torque, typically around 360 hp and 390 lb-ft. It provides stronger acceleration and greater towing capability while maintaining a conventional V8 character.
6.4-liter Hemi V8 (SRT)
The 6.4L Hemi is the engine that powers the Grand Cherokee SRT, delivering roughly 475 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque for a markedly more aggressive driving experience, with chassis and suspension tuning to match the power output.
6.2-liter supercharged Hemi V8 (Trackhawk)
Top-tier performance comes from the 6.2L supercharged V8 in the Trackhawk, yielding about 707 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque. This variant is designed for extreme straight-line speed and track-oriented performance.
Summary
For the 2021 model year, the Jeep Grand Cherokee offered a range of gasoline engines—from the efficient 3.6L V6 with optional eTorque to the powerful 5.7L and 6.4L V8s, culminating in the Trackhawk’s 6.2L supercharged V8. Engine availability depends on trim, and all engines pair with an 8-speed automatic transmission, giving buyers a broad spectrum of performance and efficiency within a single model line.