Jeep could give the Grand Cherokee a major powertrain upgrade for the 2028 model year. According to Mopar Insiders, the fifth-generation WL Grand Cherokee may add the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter Hurricane inline-six as a new engine option, reportedly in its 420-horsepower standard-output form.

The potential change would restore a high-output gasoline option to a lineup that currently relies on an aging 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 and a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. Jeep has previously said the Hurricane six-cylinder would not fit between the front fenders of the current Grand Cherokee, but the latest report suggests that packaging situation may have changed.

Hurricane inline-six could top the old V8

If the reported installation moves forward, the standard-output Hurricane engine would give the Grand Cherokee 420 horsepower and 468 pound-feet of torque. Those figures exceed the output of the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 offered in the previous-generation Grand Cherokee, which produced 360 hp and 390 lb-ft.

That comparison matters because the 5.7-liter V8 was a popular choice in the previous Grand Cherokee lineup. Buyers seeking more performance could move up to the SRT or Trackhawk models, but the regular V8 provided a familiar blend of power and utility without requiring a range-topping performance variant.

Prototype points to a performance version

Jeep has already shown a Grand Cherokee SRT prototype using a modified version of the Hurricane engine. That vehicle provides evidence that the automaker has explored fitting the inline-six into the SUV, although it does not confirm that a production model is coming.

The standard-output engine could also leave room for a more powerful version. If the 420-hp Hurricane fits under the Grand Cherokee's hood, the high-output version may be technically possible as well. Mopar Insiders raises the prospect of a future SRT producing 550 horsepower, but Jeep has not confirmed that model or figure.

Possible 2028 availability

The reported timing points to the 2028 model year, making the Hurricane-powered Grand Cherokee a future addition rather than an immediate change to the current lineup. Jeep has not officially announced the engine, detailed its configuration in the Grand Cherokee, or confirmed pricing and availability.

Adding the inline-six would give Grand Cherokee shoppers a more powerful alternative to the current V6 and four-cylinder engines. It could also support a higher tow rating, although no revised towing figure has been reported. For now, the 420-hp standard-output engine remains a reported possibility, while the SRT and high-output versions are even less certain.