Jeep Grand Cherokee L's V8 Engine Option Is Going Away
With the V8 officially out of the Grand Cherokee L lineup, Jeep paves the way for a future focused on smaller engines and hybrid options.
V8 Phase-Out Marks the End of an Era
Jeep has discreetly phased out its 5.7-liter V8 engine from the Grand Cherokee L, leaving the aging 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 as the only powertrain available for now. This move wasn’t unexpected, as Jeep had already removed the V8 option from its Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer models and the two-row Grand Cherokee. The carmaker confirmed the V8 was “phased out” during the third quarter of 2024, although specific details about when the last V8 rolled off the line remain unclear.
V8’s Towing Advantage No Longer an Option
For those in need of power, the V8's impressive towing capacity of 7,200 pounds was its standout feature, a full 1,000 pounds more than the V6-equipped Grand Cherokee L. However, this benefit was only appreciated by a small segment of Jeep’s customer base. With less than 4% of buyers choosing the V8 in its final full year of availability, it became clear that the demand simply wasn’t there to justify keeping it in the lineup.
Remaining Engine Choice: The V6 for Now
Now that the V8 is gone, the Grand Cherokee L comes solely with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, producing 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Like the V8, the V6 can be paired with either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. The shift away from the V8 reflects the broader automotive trend toward more efficient, smaller engines, and Jeep’s focus on modernizing its lineup.
Possible Additions to the Powertrain Lineup
While the V6 is the only option at present, Jeep is expected to introduce more options for the Grand Cherokee L soon. The smaller two-row Grand Cherokee already offers the 4xe hybrid system, which combines a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine with a pair of electric motors for a combined output of 270 horsepower and 279 lb-ft of torque. Many expect this hybrid system to make its way to the three-row Grand Cherokee L in the near future, further expanding its engine options.
What Could the Future Hold for Power?
Jeep enthusiasts are also eyeing the possibility of a more powerful option, such as the 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged Hurricane engine, which debuted in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. This straight-six engine boasts up to 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, making it a potential spiritual successor to the V8-powered Grand Cherokees of the past. Although there’s no confirmation yet, this engine could be a promising addition to the Grand Cherokee lineup for those still craving higher performance.
