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2021 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE POWERTRAINS ALLEDGEDLY LEAKED

Don’t Expect Radical Changes Just Yet

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep

While the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is set to be an all new model, the engine lineup is expected to be very familiar at launch. According to a report by Allpar, the Pentastar V6 and 5.7 liter HEMI V8 will be the sole engines available at launch.

There were previous rumors the new WL generation Grand Cherokee would drop V6 and V8 options below the SRT models. This would entail a switch to smaller turbo engines, such as the patented GME-T6 inline six or GME-T4 turbo inline four. But according to Allpar, those engines aren’t coming right away.

Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk
Jeep

Instead, the new Grand Cherokee engine lineup could mirror that of the facelifted Dodge Durango. We have reported the Durango will get the mild hybrid eTorque system on the V6 and V8 as standard. The updated Durango and Grand Cherokee are expected to debut at similar times, so it makes sense for them to share this powertrain lineup.

Further corroborating this, FCA put in a massive order for the eTorque mild hybrid 8 speed ZF transmissions for 2022. Considering this, there is a good chance FCA could entirely phase out Pentastar V6 and 5.7 HEMI V8 engines without hybrid assistance, and the new Grand Cherokee and Durango could be the first models to adopt this plan. While that order is a few years down the road, FCA is just getting prepared. Those TME engines are also set up for the mild hybrid treatment.

Jeep hybrid 4Xe badge
Jeep

Jeep is preparing a major push towards hybrid and EV models, and having mild hybrid powertrains as standard on the popular Grand Cherokee is a great place to start. Down the line, a plug in PHEV is also expected. This will likely adopt the “4Xe” badge that’s in development for other Jeep SUVs.

Another point of speculation on the 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee is the platform. Rumors have circulated that it will ride on Alfa Romeo’s Giorgio platform, while the second popular theory is that the new Grand Cherokee will use an updated version of the current WK2 platform.

To summarize, the next Grand Cherokee will stick with the traditional V6 and V8 base engines. These will likely be eTourque mild hybrid as standard, like in the upcoming Dodge Durango. Down the line, expect a return of the SRT and Trackhawk performance V8 models, and the addition of a new four cylinder engine six months after launch.

Jeep

Written by Sam Krahn

Sam graduated with a communications Degree from Wayne State University, where he was also a member of the swim team. He's interested to see how new technology will affect the American performance vehicle landscape.

3 Comments

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  1. Hi Sam, I have enjoyed all of your information about the different cars & trucks. The Eco Diesel engines and the Jeep. Hope to read, some more articles,
    again. Keep up the goo work! Grand Pa Krahn

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