These seeking to tow with a two-row Grand Cherokee simply took a giant blow.

Jeep Vice President Jim Morrison advised Motor Authority in September 2021 that the Grand Cherokee’s V-8’s time was restricted. Now, in the midst of the 2023 mannequin yr, the V-8 possibility for the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee has quietly and unceremoniously disappeared.

The optionally available 5.7-liter V-8, which is rated at 357 hp and 390 lb-ft of torque, is now not accessible with the two-row 2023 Grand Cherokee in accordance with the configurator on Jeep’s client web site. It was a $3,295 possibility when launched and later elevated to $3,795.

Jeep spokesperson Kristin Starnes confirmed to Motor Authority that buyers and sellers can now not configure or order a V-8-powered two-row Grand Cherokee.

The V-8 was an possibility on higher Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve fashions. Starnes stated the premium powertrain accessible within the two-row Jeep Grand Cherokee is the 4xe plug-in hybrid.

The 4xe is Jeep’s plug-in hybrid powertrain. Launched first within the Wrangler, Jeep supplied it within the WL74 two-row Grand Cherokee in 2022. The plug-in hybrid powertrain is extra highly effective, faster, and extra environment friendly than the V-8. Jeep charges the 4xe powertrain at 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque. The electrified powertrain is nice for a 6.0-second 0-60 mph time within the Grand Cherokee in comparison with 6.9 seconds for the V-8 model.

Morrison hasn’t been shy about the way forward for the V-8 within the Grand Cherokee. There’s none, he stated in April 2021. Even future efficiency variants of the Grand Cherokee may have fewer than eight cylinders underneath the hood, in accordance with the chief. Whether or not these fashions will sport the Trackhawk nameplate has but to be decided. Jeep trademarked Xtreme Efficiency, however it’s unclear in what manner that badge will probably be utilized throughout the lineup.

The lack of the V-8 possibility could have an effect on consumers seeking to tow with their two-row Grand Cherokee. The V-8 engine upped the Grand Cherokee’s tow score to 7,200 kilos. The V-6 mannequin is rated to tow 6,200 kilos, whereas the 4xe plug-in hybrid has a 6,000-pound tow score.

Starnes famous the V-8 remains to be the premium engine possibility for the longer three-row Grand Cherokee L physique fashion, identified internally as WL75. Choosing the V-8 within the WL75 retains the 7,200-pound tow score, however it additionally requires consumers to stay with an extended, bigger, three-row automobile that drives otherwise due to softer suspension tuning and an extended wheelbase.

Jeep has launched a brand new twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-6 within the Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer. It is now the model’s top-spec engine, with extra energy than the 4xe and the 5.7- and 6.4-liter V-8s. The turbo-6 is predicted to return on-line shortly as an possibility within the two-row Grand Cherokee, and later the three-row Grand Cherokee L, to exchange the V-8 and lift the towing score again over 7,000 kilos. Starnes would not remark about future product, together with if and when the turbo-6 will go within the Grand Cherokee.

Confusingly, the Jeep client web site nonetheless lists the 2022 Grand Cherokee two-row mannequin and permits consumers to configure it with a V-8. Jeep spokesperson Ron Kiino confirmed to Motor Authority the automaker is now not constructing 2022 fashions.

Each Starnes and Kiino famous that there are a restricted variety of 2023 model-year Grand Cherokees with the V-8 in vendor stock.