Jeep Has Just Confirmed That the Hemi V8 ‘Doesn’t Make Sense’ for the Grand Cherokee.

      **Joel Feder**

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      The 5.7-liter Hemi V8 will not be returning to the Grand Cherokee, according to Stellantis executive Tim Kuniskis, who emphasizes that it does not align with the brand’s premium image.

      There will be an emphasis on brand differentiation, as the Grand Cherokee and Durango require unique identities in the showroom.

      Kuniskis hinted at the exploration of new powertrains, mentioning the possibility of the Hurricane turbocharged inline-six for the Grand Cherokee.

      Future SRT-badged models also seem to be a focus, with Stellantis suggesting a shift to turbocharged engines instead of V8s for Jeep.

      **Bottom line:** Stellantis is moving the Grand Cherokee away from the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 to uphold its premium image and may be considering new engine options like the Hurricane inline-six.

      **AI-assisted, editor-reviewed**

      Jeep is clearly navigating through challenges and striving to find its way. This also reflects Stellantis’ broader attempts, but Jeep remains a key asset for the automotive giant, with significant plans for the brand. While the new Scrambler SRT pickup might attract attention, the Grand Cherokee is what truly supports the brand's success. It seems that the speculation around the return of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 in the Grand Cherokee might have been exaggerated or that strategies have shifted, which is plausible given Stellantis' major restructuring.

      In a recent exclusive conversation in Detroit, Michigan, for the latest episode of The Drivecast, Tim Kuniskis, the Head of American Brands, Ram CEO, and Head of SRT, stated to The Drive that it “doesn’t make sense” to bring back the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 for the Grand Cherokee.

      You can listen to the full discussion where Kuniskis dismisses the idea.

      Given The Drive’s previous exclusive coverage on this matter, I was taken aback by Kuniskis' unexpected reaction. I found myself repeating his answer in disbelief, questioning if I had misheard. He reiterated his point without hesitation.

      “No, it doesn’t make sense. I’m in one showroom with four different brands and four distinct identities. We have a V8-only strategy for the Durango. While we occasionally use Pentastars due to V8 shortages, the plan remains that once we secure enough V8s, the Durango will only feature V8 options, including the 5.7, 6.4, and 6.2,” Kuniskis explained.

      He added, “Once we have sufficient availability and those vehicles are selling well, we will stick to our strategy. Our issue is running out of V8s and substituting with Pentastars. When considering the Grand Cherokee, however, it’s crucial to maintain focus on our four distinct brand personalities and the different customers we aim to attract.”

      The need to differentiate the Grand Cherokee from the Dodge Durango in their respective showrooms is not the sole reason for not bringing back the 5.7-liter V8 in the Jeep.

      More revealing was Kuniskis' statement that “The Grand Cherokee should not be identical to the Durango. The V8 Hemi—the Hemi 5.7 V8—should not find its place in such a refined vehicle like the Grand Cherokee.”

      Stellantis executives perceive the Grand Cherokee as a more premium offering compared to the Durango, which suggests that the outdated 5.7-liter Hemi V8 lacks the necessary refinement.

      Kuniskis acknowledged that the Grand Cherokee's tow rating dropped from 7,200 pounds without the Hemi, a feature that previously distinguished it in its segment.

      “Can I enhance the capability beyond what it is today? Absolutely I can, and will we? We certainly will. But it doesn’t make sense to include a 5.7 Hemi,” Kuniskis reiterated while hinting at the potential for more powerful options in the Grand Cherokee.

      When asked if the new Hurricane turbocharged inline-six would be a suitable addition for the Grand Cherokee, Kuniskis affirmed, “Oh, sure it would. It would be fantastic. I’m not confirming that we’re going to do it, but it would be a great option.” When pressed further, he remained non-committal, saying, “I would love to do it. Just because I want to doesn’t mean it will happen, but I have many aspirations that won’t come to fruition.”

      In February, Jeep’s vice president of sales, Mauricio Lopez, indicated to The Drive, “Everything is on the table” regarding the potential return of the Hellcat V8—specifically, the supercharged 6.2-liter V8—into the Grand Cherokee, reviving the Trackhawk moniker.