2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hurricane: What We Know

The 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee could gain a 420-hp Hurricane inline-six, giving the U.S.-market SUV more power, torque and potential towing capability.

Jeep could bring the Hurricane six-cylinder to the Grand Cherokee

The 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee could receive one of the most significant powertrain changes in the model’s current generation. A new report indicates that Jeep is considering the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six for the 2028 model year.

The information has not been officially confirmed by Jeep. However, the reported engine would give the Grand Cherokee a major increase in performance compared with the current 2.0-liter Hurricane four-cylinder.

For the U.S. market, the current 2027 Grand Cherokee lineup offers the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 on Laredo and Laredo X models, while the 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo is standard on higher trims. Jeep lists up to 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque for the four-cylinder.

The current Grand Cherokee combines traditional Jeep proportions with modern styling and off-road capability.

The reported Hurricane six-cylinder would sit above the current four-cylinder in the range. More importantly, it could address the gap left after Jeep discontinued the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 from the Grand Cherokee.

The standard-output Hurricane produces 420 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque in other Stellantis applications. That would represent a substantial increase over the current Hurricane 4 and the Pentastar V6.

The higher-output Hurricane produces significantly more power, but the reported Grand Cherokee application is expected to use the standard-output configuration rather than the high-output version. That distinction is important because it suggests Jeep could prioritize strong everyday performance and towing rather than chase extreme horsepower numbers.

More power could mean greater towing capability

The potential engine change could also improve one of the Grand Cherokee’s most important capabilities in the U.S. Jeep currently lists a maximum towing capacity of 6,200 pounds for the 2027 Grand Cherokee when properly equipped.

A larger six-cylinder engine with substantially more torque could give Jeep additional flexibility when towing trailers, boats and recreational equipment.

That could be especially relevant for buyers who want a more powerful SUV without moving into a larger full-size vehicle. The Grand Cherokee occupies an important position between traditional midsize SUVs and larger three-row models.

The current Grand Cherokee is rated to tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.

The potential Hurricane installation would therefore be more than a simple horsepower upgrade. It could change the way the Grand Cherokee is positioned within Jeep’s U.S. lineup.

It would also provide a different solution from the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. The current Hurricane 4 already delivers strong output for its size, but an inline-six could offer a smoother power delivery and significantly more torque.

The reported engine would also preserve a conventional gasoline powertrain at a time when automakers continue to expand hybrid and electric options.

The V8 question is still complicated

The arrival of a Hurricane inline-six would also reinforce the possibility that the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 will not return to the standard Grand Cherokee lineup.

The outgoing HEMI produced around 360 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, meaning a 420-hp Hurricane six would surpass it in both power and torque while using a smaller displacement.

Jeep has already taken steps to differentiate the Grand Cherokee from the Dodge Durango. That strategy makes a direct return of the regular HEMI less certain.

However, a separate Grand Cherokee SRT program could change the equation. Jeep has indicated that an SRT version is coming, although its final powertrain has not been fully detailed.

That leaves room for a future high-performance model while a Hurricane-powered Grand Cherokee handles the role of the more powerful mainstream version.

The current Grand Cherokee cabin combines premium materials with digital technology and a driver-focused layout.

There is also another reason the Hurricane six-cylinder story deserves attention. Jeep previously showed a Grand Cherokee prototype equipped with a modified high-output Hurricane engine and eBoost Air technology. That system was designed to reduce turbo lag and could theoretically raise output considerably.

However, there is currently no confirmation that the eBoost Air technology will reach the production Grand Cherokee for 2028.