Jeep has decided to phase out the V-8 engine option for the three-row Grand Cherokee L, following similar moves with the Wagoneer and two-row Grand Cherokee models. This change was first seen in November 2023 when Jeep removed the 5.7-liter and 6.4-liter V-8 engines from the 2024 Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. Now, the Grand Cherokee L will also drop the V-8 from its offerings, leaving the 3.6-liter V-6 as the only available engine for this model.
The discontinued 5.7-liter V-8 engine provided 357 horsepower and could be paired with either rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. It came with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offered a towing capacity of 7200 pounds, a notable increase over the V-6’s towing limit of 6200 pounds. This made the V-8 a favored option for drivers needing higher towing performance.
With the V-8 no longer available, the 293-horsepower V-6 becomes the standard engine in the Grand Cherokee L. The V-6, delivering 260 pound-feet of torque, can be equipped with either rear- or all-wheel drive, much like its V-8 predecessor. There is speculation that Jeep might eventually introduce the 4xe hybrid system, already available in the two-row Grand Cherokee, to the three-row Grand Cherokee L, offering more options for those interested in hybrid powertrains.
A spokesperson for Jeep confirmed that production of the V-8 engine ceased in the third quarter of 2024, following a significant decline in demand. In its final full year of availability, fewer than 4 percent of buyers chose the V-8, reflecting a shift in consumer preferences. This low demand likely influenced Jeep’s decision to streamline the Grand Cherokee L’s engine lineup and focus on the V-6 and potential hybrid options.
