Photo Courtesy: Jeep.The return of the HEMI V8 across parts of Stellantis' portfolio has sparked plenty of speculation about which models could get the iconic engine next. Naturally, many enthusiasts assumed the Jeep Grand Cherokee would be near the top of that list.After all, previous generations of the Grand Cherokee offered the 5.7-liter HEMI V8, combining strong towing capability with the SUV's everyday practicality. With Stellantis actively reviving HEMI-powered products, a comeback seemed entirely plausible.However, Stellantis U.S. boss Tim Kuniskis has now poured cold water on those expectations. According to the executive, the HEMI V8 simply doesn't fit the direction Jeep is taking with the Grand Cherokee.AdvertisementAdvertisementInstead, Stellantis appears focused on giving each of its brands a clearer identity, even if that means leaving one of its most famous engines out of the lineup.The Grand Cherokee Won't Be A V8 DurangoImage Credit: Jeep.Speaking during a recent episode of The Drivecast, Kuniskis made it clear that the Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango are intended to serve different purposes within Stellantis' SUV portfolio.While both vehicles share some underlying architecture, Stellantis wants to avoid creating two products that effectively compete with each other using the same powertrains.According to Kuniskis, Dodge is expected to remain the brand's dedicated home for V8-powered SUVs. He described the company's long-term strategy as making the Durango a V8-focused offering, powered by engines ranging from the 5.7-liter HEMI to the 6.4-liter and supercharged 6.2-liter variants.AdvertisementAdvertisementThat approach gives Dodge a distinct performance-oriented identity while allowing Jeep to move further upmarket. "The Grand Cherokee should not be the same as a Durango," Kuniskis said.Why The HEMI Doesn't Fit Jeep's Premium GoalsPerhaps the most surprising part of Kuniskis' comments wasn't that the Grand Cherokee would avoid the HEMI, but why.According to the Stellantis executive, the naturally aspirated 5.7-liter HEMI simply isn't refined enough for the image Jeep wants the Grand Cherokee to project. "The V8 HEMI, the HEMI 5.7 V8, should not be in a highly refined vehicle like the Grand Cherokee," Kuniskis explained.That statement highlights how Jeep's priorities have evolved in recent years. Models like the Grand Cherokee, Grand Wagoneer, and Wagoneer now compete in increasingly premium segments where smoothness, refinement, and technology often carry more weight than traditional muscle-car character.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the rugged Wrangler and Gladiator can successfully embrace a more raw and mechanical personality, Stellantis appears to view the Grand Cherokee differently. For Jeep, refinement is becoming just as important as capability.Hurricane Power Could Be The FutureIf the HEMI isn't coming back, what will power future Grand Cherokee models? Kuniskis stopped short of confirming any specific plans, but his comments strongly hinted that Stellantis' Hurricane turbocharged inline-six engines remain under consideration.When asked about the possibility of a Hurricane-powered Grand Cherokee, Kuniskis responded positively, saying it would be "great," although he quickly cautioned against interpreting that as an official announcement.The Hurricane family already powers several Stellantis products and has earned praise for delivering V8-like performance while offering improved efficiency and refinement. Those characteristics align closely with the premium direction Jeep appears to be pursuing.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe current Grand Cherokee lineup already utilizes turbocharged powertrains, making the transition to a more powerful Hurricane six-cylinder seem like a logical next step.What About A Future Trackhawk?Image Credit: Roman Vasilenia at Shutterstock.The comments also raise questions about the future of high-performance Grand Cherokee variants. Rumors have persisted that the legendary Trackhawk badge could eventually return.Previous versions used the supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8, creating one of the most outrageous SUVs ever built. For now, however, Stellantis has not confirmed any future Trackhawk plans.A next-generation performance Grand Cherokee could potentially utilize a high-output version of the Hurricane inline-six rather than returning to traditional HEMI power. Another possibility is that both engines could coexist in different applications, although Kuniskis' latest comments suggest the company is still evaluating its options.A Different Direction For JeepThe return of the HEMI has generated excitement across the Stellantis lineup, but Jeep appears unlikely to be the primary beneficiary.AdvertisementAdvertisementInstead of relying on nostalgia and V8 muscle, the Grand Cherokee is being positioned as a more refined and premium SUV that stands apart from its Dodge sibling.That doesn't necessarily mean future Grand Cherokees will be any less powerful. The Hurricane inline-six has already proven capable of delivering impressive performance numbers while offering smoother operation and greater efficiency.For enthusiasts hoping to see the familiar 5.7-liter HEMI return under the Grand Cherokee's hood, though, the message from Stellantis leadership is clear: don't expect it to happen.If you want more stories like this, follow Guessing Headlights on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.
+31 others
