Zac Quinn 
If you’re looking to purchase a two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee with a V8, you won’t be able to, as the option has quietly and unceremoniously disappeared in the middle of the 2023 model year. Jeep Vice President Jim Morrison mentioned in the past that the Grand Cherokee’s V8’s time was limited, but we hoped it wouldn’t have gone gently into that goodnight.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi Dropped In Favor Of 4xe
According to Motor Authority, the optional 5.7-liter V8, which is rated at 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque, is no longer an option through the configurator on Jeep’s consumer site for the 2023 Grand Cherokee. When it launched, it was a $3,295 option and later increased to $3,795. A Jeep spokesperson confirmed the findings and revealed that consumers and dealers can no longer configure or order a V8-powered two-door Grand Cherokee.
The ubiquitous 5.7L Eagle V8 was an option on upper Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve models. After the silent death of the V8 in the Grand Cherokee, the premium powertrain that will take its place is the 4xe plug-in hybrid, which should provide the desired torque but won’t sound nearly as imposing.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid shares the same powertrain as the Wrangler 4xe. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is more powerful, quicker, and more efficient than the V8, with a rating of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. The electrified powertrain is capable of a 6-second 0-60 mph time in the Grand Cherokee, which is .9 seconds faster than the V8 version. And it’ far more fuel efficient. So, what are customers really losing here? Aside from the baritone soundtrack of a cast-iron V8, there’s reduced complexity (a big deal for those buying instead of leasing when it comes to out-of-warranty repairs). The Grand Cherokee 4xe is a hybrid system that will likely require special servicing from more qualified technicians.
Stellantis has been making serious moves to eliminate the Hemi V8 in their vehicles, as the Hurricane twin-turbo I6 engine can create even more power while returning better fuel economy and emissions numbers. Even Dodge is dropping its Hemi-powered Charger and Challenger muscle cars after the 2023 model year.
