Report: Jeep May Ditch V8s in Wagoneer Brand in Favor of Hurricane Six-Cylinder

Chris Teague
by Chris Teague

Despite electrification taking over the national conversation, the automotive world isn’t going electric overnight. The transition to an electrified future will be a multi-step process that includes shifting away from fuel-thirsty powertrain configurations in favor of more efficient turbocharged and hybrid engines. Some automakers are taking that step already, and a new report suggests that Jeep could be next.


Car and Driver uncovered information that could indicate the automaker plans to move away from V8 engines after this year in the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer, favoring its new Hurricane inline-six. The engine has proven that it can deliver V8 levels of power and torque while pumping out fewer emissions. 


The two SUVs are currently sold with 5.7- and 6.4-liter V8 engine options, and the EPA’s fuel economy site still shows them as available for 2024. Car and Driver’s reporting showed that dealers’ databases only show the Hurricane, however, so there’s a chance the SUV retains its larger engines for 2024. 


While the move would be disappointing for diehard V8 fans, it’s not unprecedented among Stellantis brands. Dodge is cutting V8-powered cars from its lineup after this year, as the Charger and Challenger are going away. Maserati also moved away from V8s in new models, including the GranTurismo.


[Image: Jeep]


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Chris Teague
Chris Teague

Chris grew up in, under, and around cars, but took the long way around to becoming an automotive writer. After a career in technology consulting and a trip through business school, Chris began writing about the automotive industry as a way to reconnect with his passion and get behind the wheel of a new car every week. He focuses on taking complex industry stories and making them digestible by any reader. Just don’t expect him to stay away from high-mileage Porsches.

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  • Dukeisduke Dukeisduke on Sep 27, 2023

    Speaking of Kia, here's some real news:


    Hyundai and Kia recall nearly 3.4 million cars due to fire risk - Autoblog


    An O-ring that can break down, and leak brake fluid onto a PCB in the ABS motor, potentially causing a fire. So, are they going to replace the O-ring? Why of course not! They'll just add a fuse (some vehicles), or replace the existing fuse with a smaller one, so that when the O-ring does leak, and destroy the PCB, disabling the ABS, the vehicle won't burn down. The owner will still be on the hook for an ABS motor ($$$$$).

    • See 3 previous
    • Fie on Fiasler Fie on Fiasler on Sep 29, 2023

      Duke... what automaker DOES care about its customers? Maybe Volvo before the ChinKoms took over?


  • Jeff Jeff on Sep 27, 2023

    I don't know why this is such a shock to so many in that the Hurricane turbo 6 has been developed to replace the V-8 and Jeeps in the past have been legendary for their straight 6s. This 6 as stated above will meet the new emission test and it is less expensive to make a straight 6 or any straight engine than a V8. There are less parts and only 1 bank of cylinders instead of 2. The turbo 6 should have plenty of power and in acceleration it should not disappoint.

    • See 4 previous
    • Jeff Jeff on Sep 27, 2023

      Ajla--Neither of us were consulted by Stellantis on whether they should keep a V-8 or replace it with a turbo straight 6. Possibly no one will care except for the real enthusiasts and maybe more Escalades, Suburbans, and Yukons will be sold but at 100k or more I cannot believe that they will be flying off of dealer lots but neither will expensive Jeeps but then again they will sell enough and make enough profit to be viable.

  • El scotto El scotto on Sep 27, 2023

    Pondering if he has a clean brandy snifter. Well but, ah, I mean the original Grand Wagoneer was fully loaded and had a V-8. The original Grand Wagoneer had an almost cult-like following with a certain type of woman. Attractive, educated high earning women; or those that put on the appearances of being that way.


    Our esteemed HerR DOKtor Perfessor again shows how ignorant he is of the American market. What he deems "bread-vans on stilts" are highly coveted by significant others that are also highly coveted. The new Grand Cherokee with the new well engineered V-6 will sell as well as the ones from the 80s some of us get wistful over. The only real question will be: LL Bean or Orvis edition?

    • Jeff Jeff on Sep 27, 2023

      Years ago I rented a Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V-6 and it was far from being slow. Granted it was a 2 wheel drive but it had plenty of acceleration and did not lack for power. If I were using a GC for towing something large I would want the V-8. I would say a Grand Cherokee with a Hurricane 6 would be a blast to drive. Since you mentioned the Grand Wagoneer they have a cult like following and one in original mint condition is worth a small fortune.


  • Crown Crown on Sep 27, 2023

    They need to put the EcoDiesel back in the Grand Cherokee. I have a 2018 and it has been the most reliable vehicle I ever owned. 69,000 miles and only needed tires, and regular oil and fuel filter changes.

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