The 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee could get a major powertrain upgrade for the upcoming model year. According to fresh reports, Stellantis is reportedly preparing to add a 3.0-litre twin-turbo Hurricane inline-six to the Grand Cherokee’s engine lineup.
If this plan reaches production, the SUV could get significantly more power and torque compared to the current four-cylinder engine.
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The most interesting thing is that the Standard Output (S.O.) version of the Hurricane engine is reportedly being considered for the Grand Cherokee, not the High Output variant.
In existing Stellantis applications, the S.O. Hurricane I6 produces around 420 hp and 468 lb-ft (634 Nm). However, these figures are not yet confirmed specifications for the 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
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2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee Could Get a 3.0L Hurricane I6
According to a MoparInsiders report, a source close to the program and leaked documents reportedly indicate that the Grand Cherokee WL could get a Hurricane I6 in the 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee model. Multiple automotive publications have independently covered this report, but Jeep has not yet officially confirmed the powertrain plan.
The reported engine will be a 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged inline-six. This is the same Hurricane family engine used in some of Stellantis’ other performance-oriented models. Its addition to the Grand Cherokee will take the SUV’s powertrain lineup in a significantly different direction from the current 2.0-liter turbo-four.
Output of 420 HP and 468 Lb-Ft Torque?
An important clarification is needed here. Reports repeatedly mention 420 hp and 468 lb-ft torque numbers, but these are not officially certified output numbers for the 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
The Standard Output Hurricane I6 produces 420 hp and 468 lb-ft in the current Stellantis application, and this specification is being used as a reference for the potential Grand Cherokee setup. Output may vary in the final Grand Cherokee calibration.
If Jeep uses a setup close to this output, the Grand Cherokee’s powertrain will offer a significant jump over the current engine.
How Powerful Than the Current Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently available with a 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo, which produces 324 hp and 332 lb-ft of torque. These figures are also listed in Stellantis’ official 2026 buyer’s guide.
Considering the potential Hurricane I6’s 420-hp/468-lb-ft reference output, the difference will be substantial. However, this comparison should not be interpreted as a confirmed future specification, as the final engine calibration for the 2028 model has not yet been released.
Interestingly, this potential I6 output will be even higher than the Grand Cherokee’s discontinued 5.7-liter HEMI V8. The last HEMI-powered Grand Cherokee offered 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, according to current reporting.
Why isn’t the HEMI V8 returning?
Since the HEMI V8’s removal from the Grand Cherokee, its return has been a major topic among enthusiasts. But current reports indicate that Jeep’s immediate direction may be toward the Hurricane inline-six rather than a HEMI return.
Stellantis’ American brands head, Tim Kuniskis, previously stated that bringing back the 5.7-liter HEMI in the Grand Cherokee doesn’t make sense from the company’s product positioning perspective. Maintaining differentiation between Jeep and Dodge products is also part of the strategy.
So, the potential Hurricane I6 could be called a HEMI replacement in terms of performance positioning, but technically, it is not a direct replacement for the HEMI.
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Can the Hurricane I6 fit in a Grand Cherokee?
This question is important because the Hurricane inline-six is a relatively long engine. However, Jeep has already fitted the Hurricane I6 to a Grand Cherokee development vehicle.
In 2026, SRT showcased a Grand Cherokee development vehicle that used an experimental eBoost Air electric compressor system with the High Output Hurricane I6. This wasn’t a production model, but this prototype demonstrated that the Hurricane six-cylinder architecture could be packaged in the L1-generation Grand Cherokee.
The reported 2028 production version could be significantly different from this prototype. Current reports specifically point to the Standard Output Hurricane I6.
Towing Capacity Could Also Increase
The 420-hp figure may grab the headline, but another important advantage of the Hurricane I6 could be torque and towing capability.
The current Grand Cherokee’s maximum towing capacity is up to 6,200 pounds depending on configuration, while the old HEMI-equipped version could tow up to 7,200 pounds. A higher-torque six-cylinder setup could give Jeep the opportunity to improve towing capability.
However, the final towing capacity of the 2028 Grand Cherokee has not yet been confirmed, so the 7,200-pound figure should not be interpreted as an expected rating for a future model.
Could a Grand Cherokee SRT also be coming?
Reports are also emerging regarding the Grand Cherokee SRT in parallel with the Hurricane I6 story. According to Car and Driver, Jeep has indicated the direction of the future Grand Cherokee SRT, and an earlier development vehicle showcased High Output Hurricane and eBoost Air technology.
But the SRT’s final engine, power output, launch timing, and production specifications should not be mixed with the Hurricane I6 story. The currently reported engine for the regular 2028 Grand Cherokee is the Standard Output 3.0-liter Hurricane I6.
What will change for the 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
If the reported plan goes into production, the Hurricane I6 could provide a much more powerful petrol option to the Grand Cherokee lineup. The current four-cylinder setup focuses on efficiency and everyday usability, while the six-cylinder version could target performance- and towing-oriented buyers.
However, Jeep has not yet announced official horsepower, torque, transmission, fuel economy, pricing, trims, or a launch date. Therefore, publishing these details as an official specification would be premature.
Auto India Daily Verdict
The Hurricane I6 update for the 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently a reported development, not a confirmed launch specification. If reports prove accurate, the 3.0-liter twin-turbo Hurricane inline–six could give the Grand Cherokee a significantly stronger performance profile than the current 324-hp four-cylinder.
The 420 hp and 468 lb-ft figures come from existing Standard Output Hurricane applications, so it’s best to consider them as reference outputs in current reporting. Final 2028 Grand Cherokee specifications will be clear after Jeep’s official announcement.
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