Mopar has won two places in the coveted Ward’s Ten Best Engines and Propulsion Systems list.
The latest Mopar arrival is the Hurricane twin-turbo straight-six, for the moment used only in the Grand Wagoneer but also coming to the Grand Cherokee. The 4xe plug-in hybrid system is on the list for the second year.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe delivers 25 miles of all-electric range and 56 miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe), with a V8-like 375 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque and towing up to 6,000 lb. The Hurricane, which uses 5,075 psi direct fuel injection, produces either 510 hp and 500 lb-ft of torque, or 420 hp and 468 lb-ft of torque, while getting better mileage than the company’s comparable V8s.
FCA US has won a place on the Ward’s list for 12 years running. Other winning entries included the 3.6 liter Penastar and Pentastar Upgrade; the Hellcat Hemi; the 4.7 V8; and the 5.7 Hemi V8. Other FCA engines to win are the Fiat 500e’s electric motor, the VM diesel, and the Cummins diesel.
Why put the 3.0 standard output in the Grand Cherokee if it will step on the 4XE’s toes?
Maybe because it won’t add over 700 lbs. curb weight (and increased stopping distance esp. on winter roads) like 4xe, and require plugging in every day to be remotely worthwhile (which is useless to renters etc. who can’t easily plug in)? Driving reviews of 4xe have been terrible as well; severely lacking in the smoothness and NVH department.
Waiting to see what the packages for this are going to be be. I would be interested in the 3.0L HO in a Jeep Grand Cherokee.