Brand New Jeep Engine Coming Next Month

The 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer debuted with only one engine, a potent (but gas guzzling) 6.4-liter HEMI V8 producing 471 horsepower. Sure, the standard Jeep Wagoneer has a slightly more efficient mild-hybrid eTorque setup, but it's still a 5.7-liter HEMI V8 that averages only 18 miles per gallon. We've seen Jeep move further towards electrification with 4xe plug-in hybrid versions of the Wrangler and Grand Cherokee. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder in the 4xe is great, but likely too small for something like the Wagoneer. Hence why Jeep needs a new engine.

Recent rumors suggest Jeep is working on a new turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine, which will also appear under the hood of the next-generation Dodge Challenger. A new report from Mopar Insiders claims this engine could arrive as soon as next month.

The rumor suggest Jeep will reveal its new inline-six (internal code GME-T6) at the 2022 New York International Auto Show in April. This new engine, rumored to be nicknamed "Tornado," will be the first inline-six from Jeep since the company's legendary 4.0-liter unit was replaced in 2007. As a reminder, that engine was an AMC design that lasted from 1964 through 2006, so this new unit has a lot to live up so.

Not much is currently known about this inline-six in terms of power, but we assume it will be comparable to Jeep's smaller 5.7-liter V8, which produces anywhere from 357 to 392 hp. The Wagoneer lineup will be the first vehicles to receive this new engine in a high output form requiring premium fuel. We expect a lower output version later on that can run on regular 87 octane gas. Later in this engine's life cycle, it will find use in a plug-in hybrid model under the 4xe nomenclature.