Jeep SUVs that ditched the V8 could soon get the iconic engine back
Not that long ago, it seemed like the iconic Hemi V8 engine used in multiple Stellantis products was living on borrowed time. Dodge discontinued its Challenger and Charger models, many of which used the Hemi V8, and Jeep stopped selling Grand Cherokees with the Hemi V8. Ram then followed by discontinuing the use of the Hemi in the 1500 pickup truck.
Over the last few months, we’ve seen a complete reversal, with the Hemi regaining prominence in various Stellantis products. Jeep is the latest automaker to say it will be expanding the use of its Hemi V8, which affects several Jeep SUVs. This resurrection of the V8 will spill over to the Gladiator pickup, too.
Related: Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 392 Brings Back the V8 to Midsize Pickups
Wrangler V8 Isn’t Going Anywhere
2023 Jeep® Wrangler Rubicon 392 – Rubicon 20th Anniversary edition
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At a media event this week, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf expressed his admiration for the Hemi V8.
“After being out at the Rubicon Trail, it’s clear just how much people love the roar of the 392,” said Broderdorf, according to Car and Driver. “We will extend the availability of the 392 Wrangler, and in fact, we will tap the power and performance of the Hemi across Jeep products as new projects are already underway. Jeep fans, don’t worry, the 6.4-liter Hemi V8 will have a home at Jeep.”
This will be music to the ears of Wrangler Rubicon 392 fans—at least, for those who can afford the raucous Jeep. Starting at just below $100,000, the Wrangler Rubicon 392’s 6.4-liter V8 makes 470 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. It’s a brute of an SUV off-road, and will leave many sports cars eating its dust on normal roads.
After the Wrangler Rubicon 392 Final Edition was launched for 2025, many expected this to be the final model year for the V8 Jeep, but that’s no longer the case, and Jeep will continue producing it indefinitely.
What Other Jeep SUVs Could Get The Hemi V8?
2024 Jeep® Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve Stellantis
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The other part of Broderdorf’s statement implies that most, if not all, other large Jeep SUVs will get the Hemi V8. An obvious recipient of the V8 would be the Grand Cherokee, which only has a V6. The V8 was dropped from the two-row Grand Cherokee first, followed by the three-row Grand Cherokee L.
Asked if either the 5.7- or 6.4-liter Hemi V8s could make it into the Grand Cherokee once more, the CEO said, “people want options”, which sounds to us like a tacit “yes”.
Jeep’s larger Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer transitioned to the brand’s twin-turbo six-cylinder engine exclusively in recent years, so bringing back the Hemi V8 as an option now also seems likely for these full-size SUVs. After all, rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Chevrolet Suburban still have naturally aspirated V8s.
Ram admitted that it made a mistake by dropping the V8 from the 1500 pickup. It reversed this decision, a move that quickly resulted in a storm of new orders for the truck.
The Trump administration’s plan to remove emissions restrictions is another factor that could see engines like the Hemi V8 stick around for far longer than anticipated.