Jeep is reportedly making changes to its powertrain lineup for the Grand Cherokee models next year, according to a report from Mopar Insiders. Currently, the entry-level engine for both the two-row Grand Cherokee and the three-row Grand Cherokee L is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which produces 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. However, the only way to upgrade to a more powerful engine on the Grand Cherokee is to opt for the plug-in hybrid 4xe model, which comes at a significant cost increase of about $24,000. On the other hand, the Grand Cherokee L offers an optional 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine with 395 hp and 410 lb-ft, available for an additional $3,995 on certain trims.
But according to Mopar Insiders’ sources, Jeep’s parent company Stellantis plans to make some bold changes by introducing a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine as the standard option for both the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L next year. If this rumor is true, it means that the 2.0-liter engine will completely replace both the Pentastar V6 and the Hemi V8, making it the only engine offering for the Grand Cherokee L. The standard Grand Cherokee, however, will still be available as a plug-in hybrid.
While it may seem surprising to see a four-cylinder engine replacing the larger six-cylinder and eight-cylinder options, this move aligns with industry trends. For example, Ford offers a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine with similar power outputs in its Explorer model. Additionally, Jeep already uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in the Wrangler, producing 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque.
Many Grand Cherokee owners have been eagerly awaiting news about the introduction of the Hurricane inline-six engine to the lineup. This high-performance engine has generated a lot of excitement, especially considering the success of the Grand Cherokee in the U.S. market. With nearly 245,000 units sold last year, it was the second-best-selling model in Jeep’s portfolio in the past two decades. The addition of the Hurricane engine, even in its standard-output version, would undoubtedly elevate the Grand Cherokee’s performance and appeal to enthusiasts.
While details about the upcoming updates to the Grand Cherokee models are still limited, it is expected that the two- and three-row variants will receive minor refreshes next year. A full redesign is also in the works for 2027, with speculation that the Grand Cherokee might transition to Stellantis’ STLA Large platform from its current WL platform.
As we eagerly await official confirmation from Jeep, it’s worth noting that we have reached out to the company for comment on these reports. Should we receive a response, we will update this article accordingly. The 2025 Grand Cherokee launch will likely reveal more details about the direction Jeep is taking with its powertrain lineup. Regardless, it will be interesting to see how customers respond to the potential shift from larger engines to a smaller, turbocharged four-cylinder option, and if the Hurricane inline-six engine eventually makes its way to the Grand Cherokee family.