Jeep Grand Cherokee Powertrain Options

At the heart of the Jeep Grand Cherokee is a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine, which provides drivers with 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Using Engine Stop-Start (ESS) technology, the Pentastar engine achieves phenomenal fuel efficiency by cutting off the engine's fuel flow when the vehicle comes to a stop. Once the brake pedal is released, the engine will restart. The engine is paired with Jeep's TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, which provides smooth shifting and excellent torque distribution. When properly equipped with the Trailer Tow Package from Jeep, V6-powered Grand Cherokee models can tow up to 6,200 pounds.

The Grand Cherokee's first available engine is the 5.7L HEMI V8, which pumps out a satisfying 357 horsepower and 390 lb-ft of torque. To maximize the Grand Cherokee's fuel efficiency, the HEMI engine uses a handful of technologies. The first is cylinder deactivation. This system will automatically disengage four of the engine's eight cylinders, cutting fuel flow to them when coasting or slowing down. When accelerating, the engine will seamlessly switch back to running on all eight again. The variable valve timing (VVT) feature adjusts the timing of the exhaust valves to enhance performance and reduce emissions. Also paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission, the V8 engine allows drivers to pull an extra 1,000 pounds of cargo with a 7,200-pound towing capacity when properly equipped.

The last available engine option was introduced to the Grand Cherokee lineup in 2022. First available for the Wrangler in 2021, the 4xe system is Jeep's first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle powertrain and leads the way for an electrified future of the Jeep brand. The Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup, which includes the base 4xe trim, Trailhawk, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, features a 2.0L turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine at its heart. However, mounted to the front of the engine is a 35-kilowatt (kW) electric motor, while a larger, 100-kW electric motor is placed inside the transmission. Replacing the alternator and torque converter, respectively, these electric motors are powered by a rechargeable 400-volt lithium-ion battery pack. While giving the Grand Cherokee 4xe lineup 56 MPGe and a total driving range of 470 miles, it also gets 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque.

As we mentioned above, the Grand Cherokee 4xe also comes with three available 4x4 systems. The first is Quadra-Trac I 4x4. This system provides ultimate all-weather capability by operating in 4-HI at all times with a torque split of 48% front and 52% rear. With no buttons to press or levers to pull, Quadra-Trac I uses a brake lock differential to apply brake pressure to the wheels that are slipping, forcing more power to the wheels with the most traction. Meanwhile, Quadra-Trac II is also available. Instead of a single-speed transfer case like Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II uses a two-speed transfer case, offering both 4-HI and 4-LO modes. The added 4-LO mode gives the Grand Cherokee more low-speed power to handle off-roading and towing situations better. It does this by locking the front and rear driveshafts. Meanwhile, this system operates normally in four-wheel drive and will detect road conditions and send up to 100% of available torque to the axle that has the most traction. Lastly, the Quadra-Drive II system also uses a two-speed transfer case, offering 4-HI and 4-LO. Quadra-Drive II is the Grand Cherokee's most advanced 4x4 system because it can send torque front to back and side to side as needed. Additionally, it works in conjunction with an electronic limited-slip rear differential to send up to 100% of engine power to a single rear wheel that has the most traction. Grand Cherokee models with Quadra-Trac II or Quadra-Drive II feature Selec-Terrain traction management, which gives drivers the option of Auto, Sport, Snow, Rock, or Sand/Mud mode. When a mode is selected, the system will automatically adjust the vehicle's systems to handle the selected terrain best.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a legend in the Jeep lineup, offering superior performance on any terrain. If you're interested in getting into a new Grand Cherokee in the Philadelphia, PA area, then Reedman-Toll Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Springfield can help. Here, you can find a vast selection of new Grand Cherokee models, including a selection of Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids! Peruse our new inventory here online to make your selection. Then, when you're ready, come see the model of your choosing in person and take it for a test drive. We look forward to seeing you soon!