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We've mentioned enough that the V8 is dead at Stellantis, but the downsizing spree isn't over––the Pentastar V6 could be on its way out too. The rumor mill is buzzing with intel about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with claims that it might lose its V6 option and switch to a new turbocharged four-cylinder instead. But before the blame goes directly to Jeep, Moper Insiders has a viable reason for the change.
Citing "insider sources," it says the rumored changes are a result of CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations. In a nutshell, this U.S. agency sets an average fuel economy standard that automakers are required to meet for their entire lineups. That means the Grand Cherokee's V6 is falling victim to save the larger engines found in the popular pickups and large SUVs from Jeep and Ram. This usually isn't an issue for other automakers that offer smaller, more fuel-efficient models to properly balance things out.
However, with the addition of a Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid for the 2022 model year––not to mention the upcoming launches of several new electric Jeep models––you have to wonder if Jeep is in fact dropping the Pentastar engine voluntarily. It already removed the larger 5.7 liter V8 option for 2024, and that should've been enough. But even if it wasn't, there are solutions beyond a bland turbo-four. C'mon Jeep, you could've at least stuffed the Hurricane turbo-six into that engine bay.
It's also worth noting that the larger Grand Cherokee L still offers the 5.7 liter V8 alongside its standard 3.6 liter V6 for 2024, and it has yet to follow the two-row model in offering a PHEV variant. However, Mopar Insiders claims that the three-row SUV won't be immune to the engine downsizing for 2025, saying it will drop both its V6 and V8 options to embrace that turbo-four. It won't be the only family SUV to feature a smaller engine under the hood, but we're willing to bet that some of its punch will be lost. To make things worse, the addition of a more powerful 4xe plug-in hybrid isn't likely, as the Grand Cherokee L's stretched chassis would be exceedingly heavy with such a powertrain. Jeep also wants to save some breathing room for its upcoming fully-electric options.
But let's all remember that this is all just a rumor for now––Jeep hasn't yet confirmed whether it will indeed be replacing the Pentastar with a new turbo-four. However, considering the recent trend that led to the death of the Hemi V8, this report sounds like it could be true.
Image Credits: Jeep
Report
May 17, 2024
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Soon, The Jeep Grand Cherokee Might Come With Only Four Cylinders
Rumors suggest that the SUV's Pentastar V6 will be following the V8 to the grave.
We've mentioned enough that the V8 is dead at Stellantis, but the downsizing spree isn't over––the Pentastar V6 could be on its way out too. The rumor mill is buzzing with intel about the Jeep Grand Cherokee, with claims that it might lose its V6 option and switch to a new turbocharged four-cylinder instead. But before the blame goes directly to Jeep, Moper Insiders has a viable reason for the change.
Citing "insider sources," it says the rumored changes are a result of CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) regulations. In a nutshell, this U.S. agency sets an average fuel economy standard that automakers are required to meet for their entire lineups. That means the Grand Cherokee's V6 is falling victim to save the larger engines found in the popular pickups and large SUVs from Jeep and Ram. This usually isn't an issue for other automakers that offer smaller, more fuel-efficient models to properly balance things out.
However, with the addition of a Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid for the 2022 model year––not to mention the upcoming launches of several new electric Jeep models––you have to wonder if Jeep is in fact dropping the Pentastar engine voluntarily. It already removed the larger 5.7 liter V8 option for 2024, and that should've been enough. But even if it wasn't, there are solutions beyond a bland turbo-four. C'mon Jeep, you could've at least stuffed the Hurricane turbo-six into that engine bay.
It's also worth noting that the larger Grand Cherokee L still offers the 5.7 liter V8 alongside its standard 3.6 liter V6 for 2024, and it has yet to follow the two-row model in offering a PHEV variant. However, Mopar Insiders claims that the three-row SUV won't be immune to the engine downsizing for 2025, saying it will drop both its V6 and V8 options to embrace that turbo-four. It won't be the only family SUV to feature a smaller engine under the hood, but we're willing to bet that some of its punch will be lost. To make things worse, the addition of a more powerful 4xe plug-in hybrid isn't likely, as the Grand Cherokee L's stretched chassis would be exceedingly heavy with such a powertrain. Jeep also wants to save some breathing room for its upcoming fully-electric options.
But let's all remember that this is all just a rumor for now––Jeep hasn't yet confirmed whether it will indeed be replacing the Pentastar with a new turbo-four. However, considering the recent trend that led to the death of the Hemi V8, this report sounds like it could be true.
Image Credits: Jeep
