by New Engine from Stellantis
Stellantis has introduced a completely new turbocharged four-cylinder Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, which debuted on the updated 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee SUV. This 2.0-liter unit demonstrates significant improvements in performance and fuel efficiency compared to previous powerplants.
Technical Specifications
The new engine develops 324 horsepower (248 kW) and 450 Nm of torque, significantly surpassing the figures of the naturally aspirated 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine, which produced 293 hp (218 kW) and 352 Nm. Even compared to the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Wrangler, which develops 270 hp, the new Hurricane 4 Turbo shows a substantial advantage.
Stellantis wants you to forget about the V6 with its new turbocharged four-cylinder engine
Application Versatility
Impressive characteristics allow the engine to work effectively on vehicles of various sizes – from compact to full-size models. The design allows for use in conventional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid versions, making it promising for a wide range of Stellantis products worldwide.
Innovative Technologies
Stellantis powertrain expert Miki Bly describes the engine as a completely new development that uses Turbulent Jet Ignition (TJI) technology. This system involves using a spark plug to ignite a small amount of fuel in a special pre-chamber above each cylinder, ensuring faster and more complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture.
Fuel Injection System
The engine is equipped with a combined fuel injection system that combines port and direct injection. A special controller determines the optimal operating mode or activates both systems simultaneously to achieve maximum power. This design provides an ideal balance between efficiency and responsiveness.
Design Features
The engine’s foundation is an aluminum block and aluminum cylinder head with improved internal components. As in the 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder Hurricane engine, plasma cylinder coating is used here, providing ten times higher wear resistance compared to traditional cast iron liners. An electric water pump and a variable displacement oil pump reduce power losses.
Efficiency and Performance
The new design promises to be smooth in operation and use 10% less fuel while providing 20% more power compared to the current 2.0-liter DOHC I-4 engine. For the Wrangler model, this could mean improved fuel economy to approximately 22 mpg in the city, 25 on the highway, and 23 combined.
Engine production has been launched in Dundee, Michigan, with further plans to start production in Kokomo, Indiana, as part of previously announced investments. Additional information about the application of this promising engine in various Stellantis models is expected in the coming months.
The emergence of the Hurricane 4 Turbo engine could mark a significant step towards reducing engine displacement without losing power, which aligns with modern automotive trends. The ability to work with different types of hybrid systems opens up broad opportunities for adaptation to future environmental requirements while maintaining high dynamic performance, which is especially important for models like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Wrangler.
