Jeep fans, brace yourselves. The Grand Cherokee L, once synonymous with its powerful 5.7-liter V-8 engine, is saying farewell to the eight-cylinder powerhouse as of late 2024. Jeep initially phased out the V-8 in the standard Grand Cherokee in 2022, followed by the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Now, the Grand Cherokee L has followed suit, leaving the lineup without its signature muscle.
Once available in high-end trims like Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, the V-8 was quietly discontinued during the third quarter of this year. The news, confirmed by Jeep to Motor Authority, signifies a broader trend of downsizing and efficiency in the automotive industry. However, the impact may not be as significant as expected, given that less than 4% of buyers opted for the V-8 in the 2024 model year.
With the V-8 gone, the Grand Cherokee L’s towing capacity drops to 6,200 pounds when equipped with the 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, a reduction of 1,000 pounds compared to the previous model. Furthermore, the horsepower has taken a dip, with the V-6 offering 293 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque—far less than the V-8’s 357 hp and 390 lb-ft.
But that’s not all. The Pentastar engine itself is rumored to be on the chopping block for the 2025 model year. According to Mopar Insiders, Jeep plans to replace it with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder Hurricane engine, already featured in the Wrangler. This turbocharged unit delivers 270 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque, but whispers suggest an enhanced Evo version could push those numbers beyond 300 hp.
Despite this shift, the Grand Cherokee L will reportedly not adopt the 4xe electrified system, sticking with the traditional setup and a plug-in hybrid option. This marks a departure from the V-6 and V-8 legacy, making the updated model a four-cylinder-only offering.
With October already here, the 2025 model year announcement is imminent. Stay tuned to see how Jeep adapts its lineup to meet the changing landscape of the SUV market, as the brand says goodbye to one of its most iconic powertrains.
