Jeep Confirms 5.7L Hemi V8 Won't Return to Grand Cherokee, Hurricane Inline Six Still Possible
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The idea of a Hemi V8 returning to the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been circulating for months. However, Jeep’s parent company Stellantis has now made its position much clearer.
According to Stellantis Head of American Brands Tim Kuniskis, bringing the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 back to the current Grand Cherokee simply “doesn’t make sense.”
Jeep Says The Grand Cherokee and Durango Need Different Identities
During a recent discussion, Kuniskis explained that Stellantis wants to maintain clear differences between its brands and products.
The company currently views the Dodge Durango as its primary V8 focused SUV. Because of that strategy, Stellantis does not want the Grand Cherokee and Durango competing with nearly identical powertrain options.
Kuniskis noted that the long term plan for the Durango remains heavily centered around V8 engines, including:
- 5.7 liter Hemi V8
- 6.4 liter Hemi V8
- Supercharged 6.2 liter Hellcat V8
According to him, once production and supply issues improve, the Durango’s V8 strategy will become even more important.
Stellantis Now Sees Grand Cherokee as a More Premium SUV
The decision is not only about separating Jeep from Dodge.
Kuniskis also suggested that Stellantis considers the Grand Cherokee a more refined and premium product than the Durango.
In his view, the aging 5.7 liter Hemi V8 no longer matches the character of the Grand Cherokee.
That statement is significant because the 5.7 liter Hemi was previously available in the current WL generation Grand Cherokee and was one of the SUV’s biggest selling points for buyers who wanted traditional V8 power.
Grand Cherokee Lost One Major Advantage
Removing the Hemi V8 also meant losing one of the Grand Cherokee’s strongest specifications.
The V8 equipped model offered a towing capacity of up to 7,200 pounds, making it one of the most capable SUVs in its segment.
Kuniskis acknowledged that Jeep lost that advantage but hinted that the company plans to improve performance and capability in other ways.
He made it clear that more power could arrive in the future, just not through the 5.7 liter Hemi.
Hurricane Inline Six Could Be a Better Fit
One of the most interesting parts of the discussion involved Stellantis’ new Hurricane engine family.
When asked whether the twin turbocharged Hurricane inline six would work in the Grand Cherokee, Kuniskis responded positively and said it would be a great fit.
However, he stopped short of confirming any future product plans.
The Hurricane engine has already become a key part of Stellantis’ powertrain strategy. In several applications, it produces more power and torque than the outgoing Hemi V8 while also delivering better efficiency.
That makes it a logical candidate for future Grand Cherokee performance models.
Could an SRT Grand Cherokee Return?
The future becomes even more interesting when looking at Stellantis’ recent product plans.
The company has already confirmed that an SRT badged Grand Cherokee is coming.
At the same time, Stellantis executives have repeatedly highlighted the performance potential of the Hurricane inline six.
This raises an important question: could the next Grand Cherokee SRT abandon V8 power altogether?
While nothing has been officially confirmed, current comments from company leadership suggest that a high performance Hurricane powered Grand Cherokee is becoming increasingly likely.
What About the Grand Cherokee Trackhawk?
Earlier this year, Jeep executives stated that every option remains on the table when discussing future performance versions of the Grand Cherokee.
That includes the possibility of reviving the Trackhawk name.
However, it remains unclear whether the current WL generation platform could accommodate the supercharged 6.2 liter Hellcat V8 that powered the previous generation Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
For now, Jeep is keeping its options open.
Bottom Line
Jeep has effectively closed the door on the return of the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 in the current Grand Cherokee.
Stellantis believes the Grand Cherokee should remain a more premium and refined SUV, while the Dodge Durango continues to serve as the group’s primary V8 performance utility vehicle.
That does not mean the Grand Cherokee will stay unchanged. The company appears interested in adding more performance, and the Hurricane turbocharged inline six looks like the most likely path forward.
For enthusiasts hoping for another V8 powered Grand Cherokee, the future is uncertain. For those interested in modern performance, the Hurricane engine may become the next chapter in the Grand Cherokee story.
Sources and References
Primary Source
- The Drive Article (Original Report)
Original interview and reporting featuring Tim Kuniskis’ comments on the Grand Cherokee and Hemi V8.
Official Jeep Sources
- Jeep Grand Cherokee Official Page (US)
Official specifications, trims, features, and current powertrain information. - Jeep Australia Grand Cherokee
Australian market information and Grand Cherokee lineup details.
Official Stellantis Sources
- Stellantis Corporate Website
Official corporate announcements, investor presentations, and brand strategy updates. - Stellantis Investor Relations
Product roadmap, turnaround plans, and future vehicle strategy presentations.
Additional Industry References
- MotorTrend Jeep News
Industry analysis and coverage of Jeep, Stellantis, and performance vehicles. - Car and Driver Jeep Section
Reviews, news, and analysis covering Grand Cherokee developments. - Road & Track Jeep News
Performance focused reporting on Jeep and Stellantis products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the 5.7L Hemi V8 return to the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
No, Stellantis has said the 5.7L Hemi V8 does not make sense for the current Grand Cherokee.
Why does Stellantis not want the Hemi V8 in the Grand Cherokee?
Stellantis wants the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango to keep different identities. The Grand Cherokee is being positioned as the more refined and premium SUV.
What V8 engines are still tied to the Dodge Durango?
The Durango remains linked to 5.7L Hemi, 6.4L Hemi, and the supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 strategy.
What towing capacity did the Grand Cherokee lose after the Hemi V8 went away?
The V8 equipped Grand Cherokee offered up to 7,200 pounds of towing capacity, which was one of its strongest numbers in the segment.
Could the Hurricane inline six replace the V8 in future Grand Cherokee models?
Yes, that looks possible. Stellantis has suggested the Hurricane twin turbo inline six could be a strong fit for the Grand Cherokee and may deliver more power and better efficiency than the old Hemi V8.
Is an SRT or Trackhawk version of the Grand Cherokee still possible?
Yes, Stellantis has said an SRT badged Grand Cherokee is coming, and Jeep has also left the door open for future performance versions, including a possible Trackhawk return.
