Jeep Grand Cherokee: V8 Hemi Rumored to Return in 2026

Jeep is reportedly studying the return of the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi in the Grand Cherokee, three years after ditching it from the lineup. Several company insiders have hinted this possibility is on the table—especially following the wildly successful V8 comeback at Ram. The American SUV, currently relying on a V6 and soon a turbocharged four-cylinder, could get its eight cylinders back as soon as 2026.

"We're listening to Grand Cherokee customers... stay tuned" — Joe Aljajawi, Grand Cherokee Engineering Manager

The Signals Are Getting Louder

Statements keep piling up from the Jeep side to drive home the message that a V8 Hemi return to the Grand Cherokee is no longer pie in the sky. Joe Aljajawi, the model's engineering manager, recently told The Drive that the company was "listening" to customers demanding the V8. His tip? "Stay tuned for what's coming."

This position echoes comments from Bob Broderdorf, Jeep's CEO, who said last fall that customers "want options" when it comes to engines. A diplomatic way of cracking the door open to the return of the 5.7-liter or even the 6.4-liter Hemi.

The automaker refused to officially comment on these rumors, citing its policy of not discussing "potential future products." But the signals from engineers in the field speak volumes.

Ram Is Showing Jeep the Way

Ram's experience carries serious weight in this conversation. The reintroduction of the 5.7-liter V8 Hemi in the Ram 1500 triggered a genuine feeding frenzy. More than 10,000 orders came in within 24 hours of the announcement. In the pickup, this engine produces 395 horsepower and 555 Nm of torque.

This success proves that American buyers still crave big-displacement engines, despite the downsize trend everywhere else. For Jeep, the math is simple: if it works for Ram, why not the Grand Cherokee?

What About the Current Lineup?

Right now, the 2026 Grand Cherokee is built around two main engines. The base 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 cranks out 293 horsepower and 352 Nm. A plug-in hybrid 4xe version combines a 2.0 turbo to hit 324 horsepower and 450 Nm.

The big news for 2026 is the arrival of the Hurricane 4 Turbo, a turbocharged four-cylinder packing 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft (450 Nm). On paper, this engine matches the old 5.7-liter V8 that served up 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft (529 Nm) in the Grand Cherokee.

When Could It Come Back?

No official date has leaked, but the clues point to something imminent. The Grand Cherokee just went through its midlife refresh for 2026, which would be perfect timing to bolster the lineup with a V8 option.

Stellantis has already executed a complete 180-degree turn on its electric strategy under new leadership. Shelving all-electric projects in favor of traditional gas engines opens the door wide for this kind of move.

A Trackhawk Resurrection?

Beyond just bringing back the 5.7-liter, the rumor mill is churning about a potential Grand Cherokee Trackhawk comeback. That super-charged version packed the supercharged 6.4-liter V8 with a mind-bending 707 horsepower, making the SUV one of the most brutal machines on four wheels.

Bob Broderdorf actually confirmed the 6.4-liter Hemi is sticking around, hinting that "other V8 models are in the works." That's enough to feed every performance junkie's wildest dreams.

Stellantis's game plan seems crystal clear: give American customers what they actually want instead of forcing them into neutered turbo engines. After Ram's smashing success, Jeep could easily follow suit with its flagship SUV. The coming months will be make-or-break for the Grand Cherokee and its legendary eight cylinders.

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