--- title: "Jeep Teases V8 Grand Cherokee Return: ‘Stay Tuned’" date: "2026-02-17" modified: "2026-02-17" authors: - name: "Joel Feder" job_title: "Director of Content and Product" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/joel-feder" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/jeep-says-stay-tuned-for-hemi-v8-grand-cherokee-return" categories: - "Jeep News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "suv/crossover" --- # Jeep Teases V8 Grand Cherokee Return: ‘Stay Tuned’ ![Jeep Grand Cherokee L V8]() *\Joel Feder\* Call it course correcting or maybe just [cranking up the music]() before [the party stops, again](), but it's starting to seem like Stellantis is all-in on the V8 bandwagon. On Monday, in California, Joe Aljajawi, who led engineering on the updated WL (current generation) Grand Cherokee, told *The Drive*, "stay tuned" when asked if the Hemi V8 will return to the automaker's iconic SUV. "I would say for the Grand Cherokee customers that we are listening to you, and then stay tuned for more," Aljajawi said. Back in 2023 [Jeep killed the 5.7-liter Hemi V8 engine option]() in the WL74 two-row short-wheelbase Jeep Grand Cherokee. At the time, the V8 engine option remained for the WL75 long-wheelbase three-row Grand Cherokee L model. But then [Jeep came for that one too]() in 2024. ![Jeep Grand Cherokee L V8]() **Joel Feder** The death of the V8 was a massive blow to anyone looking to use the Grand Cherokee as a tow vehicle, such as myself and my father. Combined we've owned three WK2 (last-gen) Grand Cherokees with a 5.7-liter Hemi V8. Currently, my wife daily drives a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee High Altitude with a Hemi V8. My father was in the market for a WL74 to replace his WK2 only to be unable to purchase one new in 2025 and unable to find the spec he wanted used. He gave up and settled for something else. The V8 engine option unlocked a 7,200-pound tow rating in the Grand Cherokee, which is 1,000 pounds more than the V6 and 1,200 pounds more than [the now dead 4xe plug-in hybrid](). The larger tow rating also brought with it larger front brakes, which are stout and are hard to warp (ask me how I know). The [refreshed 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee]() is just arriving at dealerships now, but it's still missing the V8. The only engine options currently are the well-known 3.6-liter V6 and a new [baby Hurricane turbo-four.]() Neither carry a 7,200-pound tow rating. Aljajawi gives Grand Cherokee buyers that tow a carrot, but it's not surprising. The V8 was set to die but is now [staying alive in the Wrangler, going to get shoved into the Gladiator](), and it's [louder than ever in the Ram 1500](). It's unclear why a a Hurricane turbo-six isn't just being dropped into the WL Grand Cherokee, because both the standard-output and high-output versions outgun and outrun the Hemi. Though, neither sound like the Hemi. For now, buckle up. Boat season is coming and the Hemis resurrection seems to continue. *Got a tip about future product? Drop us a line at tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Overseeing what you see, read, touch, hear, and interact with from the vast lakes of Minnesota, Joel Feder shapes how The Drive looks and operates as the head of content and product initiatives. On a daily basis, Joel leads the newsroom and editorial staff playing point on both short-term coverage and long-term strategic plans. His mission is to help ensure The Drive shapes the future of automotive media by helping the team execute original reporting, breaking news, and exclusive opportunities. Regarded as an industry insider and recognized by colleagues, fellow journalists, and manufacturers as a point-person and leader in the industry, Joel owns and runs the largest automotive professionals group on Facebook in an effort to serve and help others. Joel serves as a juror for the World Car Awards. In addition, he is the board chair and chair of the governance and nominating committee for Move Forward MN, a local non-profit that helps at-risk youth with barrier-free mental health and housing services. While you’re reading this he’s either on his computer or iPhone chasing the latest news or drafting a story. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]() [Bluesky]() [Email]()