These trying to tow with a two-row Grand Cherokee simply took a giant blow.
Jeep Vice President Jim Morrison instructed Motor Authority in September 2021 that the Grand Cherokee’s V-8’s time was restricted. Now, in the course of the 2023 mannequin 12 months, the V-8 choice for the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee has quietly and unceremoniously disappeared.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve
The non-compulsory 5.7-liter V-8, which is rated at 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, is now not obtainable with the two-row 2023 Grand Cherokee in keeping with the configurator on Jeep’s client web site. It was a $3,295 choice when launched and later elevated to $3,795.
Jeep spokesperson Kristin Starnes confirmed to Motor Authority that buyers and sellers can now not configure or order a V-8-powered two-row Grand Cherokee.
The V-8 was an choice on higher Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve fashions. Starnes mentioned the premium powertrain obtainable within the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 4xe plug-in hybrid.
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe
The 4xe is Jeep’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. Launched first within the Wrangler, Jeep provided it within the WL74 two-row Grand Cherokee in 2022. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is extra highly effective, faster, and extra environment friendly than the V-8. Jeep charges the 4xe powertrain at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The electrified powertrain is nice for a 6.0-second 0-60 mph time within the Grand Cherokee in comparison with 6.9 seconds for the V-8 model.
Morrison hasn’t been shy about the way forward for the V-8 within the Grand Cherokee. There’s none, he mentioned in April 2021. Even future efficiency variants of the Grand Cherokee can have fewer than eight cylinders underneath the hood, in keeping with the chief. Whether or not these fashions will sport the Trackhawk nameplate has but to be decided. Jeep trademarked Xtreme Efficiency, nevertheless it’s unclear in what method that badge will likely be utilized inside the lineup.
2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Summit Reserve 4×4
The lack of the V-8 choice could have an effect on consumers trying to tow with their two-row Grand Cherokee. The V-8 engine upped the Grand Cherokee’s tow score to 7,200 kilos. The V-6 mannequin is rated to tow 6,200 kilos, whereas the 4xe plug-in hybrid has a 6,000-pound tow score.
Starnes famous the V-8 continues to be the premium engine choice for the longer three-row Grand Cherokee L physique model, recognized internally as WL75. Choosing the V-8 within the WL75 retains the 7,200-pound tow score, nevertheless it additionally requires consumers to dwell with an extended, bigger, three-row automobile that drives otherwise because of softer suspension tuning and an extended wheelbase.
Stellantis’ Hurricane twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6
Jeep has launched a brand new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 within the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. It is now the model’s top-spec engine, with extra energy than the 4xe and the 5.7- and 6.4-liter V-8s. The turbo-6 is predicted to come back on-line shortly as an choice within the two-row Grand Cherokee, and later the three-row Grand Cherokee L, to switch the V-8 and lift the towing score again over 7,000 kilos. Starnes would not remark about future product, together with if and when the turbo-6 will go within the Grand Cherokee.
Confusingly, the Jeep client web site nonetheless lists the 2022 Grand Cherokee two-row mannequin and permits consumers to configure it with a V-8. Jeep spokesperson Ron Kiino confirmed to Motor Authority the automaker is now not constructing 2022 fashions.
Each Starnes and Kiino famous that there are a restricted variety of 2023 model-year Grand Cherokees with the V-8 in seller stock.
