V6 or PHEV: Which 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Engine Delivers What You Need?

Your choice of powertrain does more than determine how quickly you accelerate—it defines your entire driving experience. The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup offers distinct powertrain options that each deliver a unique balance of performance, efficiency, and capability. Understanding these differences helps you select the Grand Cherokee configuration that perfectly matches your driving needs and preferences.

For three decades, the Grand Cherokee has set standards for combining everyday usability with genuine capability. The 2025 model continues this tradition with powertrain options engineered to handle everything from daily commutes to off-grid adventures, all while providing the reliability Jeep owners expect.

The Proven Performer: 3.6L Pentastar V6

The standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 engine serves as the backbone of the Grand Cherokee lineup, delivering 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. This award-winning engine—a seven-time winner of the Wards 10 Best Engines award—provides an ideal balance of power, refinement, and efficiency for most driving scenarios.

The Pentastar's design focuses on smooth operation through its 60-degree angle between cylinder banks, while integrated exhaust manifolds improve thermal efficiency. This attention to engineering detail translates to confident acceleration and highway passing power you'll appreciate in everyday driving.

Towing capability stands out as a particular strength, with the V6-equipped Grand Cherokee rated for up to 2,812 kg—enough capacity to handle boats, campers, and trailers with ease. This best-in-class towing capacity makes the Pentastar-powered Grand Cherokee an excellent choice for weekend adventurers who need versatile hauling capabilities.

The V6 also features practical design elements that improve long-term ownership experience, including accessories that bolt directly to the engine block for improved durability and simplified maintenance. This thoughtful engineering contributes to the powertrain's reputation for reliability across varied driving conditions.

The Efficient Innovator: 4xe Plug-in Hybrid

The Grand Cherokee 4xe transforms your driving experience by combining traditional Jeep capability with remarkable efficiency. This plug-in hybrid system delivers 4.2 Le/100 km equivalent and up to 42 kilometres of all-electric range—enough to handle most daily commutes without using any fuel.

The sophisticated 4xe powertrain integrates two electric motors with a 400-volt battery pack and a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Working in concert with the TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission, this system provides seamless power delivery regardless of driving mode.

Beyond efficiency, the 4xe system enhances performance characteristics that matter in real-world driving. The electric motors deliver immediate torque for responsive acceleration, while the combined powertrain maintains the capability expected from a Grand Cherokee. You'll notice this advantage particularly during passing maneuvers and when navigating challenging off-road terrain.

The 4xe system includes selectable driving modes that let you tailor the powertrain behavior to your current needs. You can prioritize electric-only driving, preserve battery power for later use, or let the system automatically balance performance and efficiency based on your driving patterns.

Performance-Enhancing Technologies

Both powertrain options benefit from the sophisticated TorqueFlite eight-speed automatic transmission. This robust transmission features a wide spread of gear ratios that keeps the engine operating in its ideal range whether cruising highways or tackling trails.

The transmission's adaptive shift mapping automatically adjusts to your driving style and conditions, including detecting hills, temperature changes, and lateral acceleration. This intelligence creates a responsive driving experience without requiring constant manual intervention.

The Grand Cherokee's powertrain excellence extends to its 4x4 systems, with three available options—Quadra-Trac I, Quadra-Trac II, and Quadra-Drive II. Each system includes an active transfer case that improves traction by sending power to the wheels with the most grip, enhancing both on-road stability and off-road capability.

For maximum versatility, these systems integrate with the Selec-Terrain traction management system. This feature coordinates powertrain output with braking, handling, steering, and suspension systems through five selectable modes (Auto, Sport, Rock, Snow, Mud/Sand), optimizing vehicle performance for specific driving conditions.

Choosing Your Ideal Powertrain

Your daily driving patterns should guide your powertrain selection. The Pentastar V6 offers a versatile solution for drivers who prioritize towing capacity and proven reliability with reasonable efficiency. This traditional powertrain requires no changes to your driving habits while delivering consistent performance.

The 4xe plug-in hybrid provides compelling advantages for drivers with regular commutes under 40 kilometres who can charge at home or work. The ability to handle daily driving on electric power alone dramatically reduces fuel costs while maintaining the capability to handle longer trips without range anxiety.

Consider how you use your vehicle throughout the year. If your driving includes weekend adventures with boats or campers, the V6's straightforward operation and outstanding towing capacity might align better with your needs. For primarily urban driving with occasional adventures, the 4xe offers efficiency advantages that accumulate with every kilometre.

Your personal driving style also influences which powertrain feels most satisfying. The V6 delivers linear power and familiar driving dynamics, while the 4xe provides immediate torque response and the unique experience of silent all-electric operation when desired.

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee's powertrain options demonstrate that performance and efficiency now complement rather than compete with each other. Whether you choose the proven Pentastar V6 or the innovative 4xe hybrid system, you'll experience the capability, comfort, and versatility that have defined the Grand Cherokee for over 30 years.

Take the wheel at Summit Dodge to feel the difference between these powertrains yourself. Experience how each Grand Cherokee configuration responds to your driving style and discover which powertrain creates the perfect balance of power, efficiency, and capability for your journey ahead.