Jeep Stopped Offering the Hemi in the Grand Cherokee
If you were looking to get the two-row Grand Cherokee with the 5.7 liter Hemi V8, you’re too late. Jeep silently removes the V8 from their configuration page.
Now, the only gasoline powered option for the large SUV is the 3.6 Pentastar V6 or the 4xE. The hybrid version utilizes two electric motors paired with a 2.0 liter turbo-four, but neither option offers as much power as the Hemi. Jeep’s axing of the V8 was so slick, dealerships weren’t even notified — they just weren’t able to get their hands on any of them for the past few months.
The V8 was a potent option for Grand Cherokee customers, since it offered a respectable amount of horsepower and torque, as well as a handsome towing capacity of 7,200 lbs. The V6 has impressive towing numbers at 6,200 lbs, but 293 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque is weak compared to 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque in the V8. As far as the 4xE, two electric motors are mated to a 2.0 liter turbo-four, making for a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The numbers are definitely in the hybrid’s favor, but many gasoline diehards will be upset to see the V8 option disappear. Though, the towing capacity is a little disappointing at 6,000 lbs.
V8s have been an integral part of the Grand Cherokee’s identity since 1992, offering more power for those who wanted the family SUV to have that little bit of extra towing capability. Since 2005, a 5.7 liter V8 was an option. So, Jeep silently executing the Hemi from the powertrain options list feels very close to sacrilegious.
Though, not all hope is lost. If you’re willing to get the Grand Cherokee L with an extra row of seats, you can still get the 5.7 liter Hemi V8 as an option. Though, it’s only an option as long 4×4 is equipped on Overland or higher trim levels. But the purchase must be made with haste, since Jeep was at least open about the fact that 5.7 liter V8 will be dropped from the Jeep lineup altogether by 2025 — likely to be replaced by a twin-turbo V6.
