Jeep’s 2019 Grand Cherokee’s less thirsty engine is the turbodiesel 3.0L V6 that delivers 24 mpg combined. While the supercharged 6.2L V8 from the Trackhawk model drops efficiency to 13 mpg combined in exchange for blistering acceleration.
Key Points
- The 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee offers five engine options: base 3.6L V6, 3.0L turbodiesel V6, 5.7 Hemi V8, 6.4L V8, and supercharged 6.2L V8.
- The base 3.6L engine is rated at 295 hp and delivers 19/26 mpg city/highway. The 3.0L diesel is even more efficient, offering more torque and towing capacity than the 3.6L in exchange for 50 less hp.
- On the performance-oriented SRT and Trackhawk models, Jeep adds the impressive yet gas-guzzling 6.4L V8, and a supercharged 6.2L V8, respectively.
- All engine options in the 2019 Grand Cherokee are mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, 4×4 system, and five dynamic drive modes for the SRT and Trackhawk models.
- The 707-hp supercharged 6.2L V8 engine from the Trackhawk makes this Grand Cherokee the most powerful and quickest SUV ever.
- When properly configured, the V6-equipped 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds, while the turbodiesel and V8 models increase the towing capacity to 7,200 pounds.
2019 Grand Cherokee’s Standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 Engine Boasts Impressive 295 Horsepower While Reaching 25 mpg on the Highway
Like previous model years, the 2019 Jeep Cherokee features a standard 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine with variable valve timing in Laredo, Limited, Overland, and Summit trims. With 295 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque, the engine offers an excellent balance of power and efficiency, reaching 25 mpg on the highway.
Even the cheapest Grand Cherokee delivers good fuel efficiency by SUV standards, and best-in-class towing allows you to hitch up to 6,200 pounds.
Regardless of the engine, the 2019 Grand Cherokee comes with an eight-speed automatic transmission with E-shift, allowing you to choose the driving mode and shift in manual mode. The shift lever returns to its initial position after each movement.
Turbodiesel V6 Offers Less Horsepower Than Base Engine but Stretches 2019 Cherokee’s Combined mpg to 24 and lb.-ft. of Torque to an Impressive 420
Unlike the standard powertrain, the turbodiesel (EcoDiesel) six-cylinder engine is only available in the Overland and Summit trims.
With a 3.0L displacement, the EcoDiesel V6 powertrain is rated at 240 horsepower. The motor delivers 50 horsepower less than the gasoline V6 (295 hp), but you get a remarkable 420 lb.-ft. of torque instead of the 260 lb.-ft. that the base engine offers.
Moreover, turbocharged diesel offers more torque than the 390 lb.-ft. 5.7 from the Hemi V8. Only the 6.4L V8 (SRT) and the 6.4L supercharged V8 (Trackhawk) produce more torque with 470 lb.-ft. and 645 lb.-ft., respectively. In addition, the turbodiesel powertrain boasts the same towing capacity of 7,200 pounds as all the V8 powertrains.
The EcoDiesel six-cylinder engine does all this while offering the best fuel economy of the 2019 Grand Cherokee lineup. You can expect up to 24 mpg combined (21 city/28 highway), which is excellent for a full-size SUV.
Grand Cherokee’s 5.7L Hemi V8 Produces 360 Horsepower While Allowing 22 mpg on the Highway, Making the Motor a Great Mid-tier Option
Available in the Limited, Trailhawk, Overland, and Summit trims, the 5.7L Hemi V8 offers proven reliability with good power and not so terrible fuel efficiency. The 5.7 Hemi V8 is rated at 360 hp, 390 lb.-ft. of torque, a 17 mpg combined (14 city/22 highway), and a towing capacity of 7,200 pounds.
These specs make the Hemi option the middle ground for those who want more horses than V6 powertrains but aren’t looking for the full performance of the SRT and Trackhawk models.
Keep in mind that you are not necessarily going to have more torque, at least not more than the diesel version, which puts out 420 lb.-ft. as opposed to the 390 lb.-ft. from the Hemi.
Gutsier 6.4L and 6.2L Supercharged V8 Powertrains Offer Outstanding Performance Accompanied by Poor Fuel Efficiency
The 6.4L V8 engine available only in the SRT delivers 475 horsepower and 470 lb.-ft. of torque. This powertrain is matched to an eight-speed automatic transmission with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
The SRT Grand Cherokee can go from 0-60 mph in 4.7 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 13.2 seconds. Unfortunately, the SRT offers underwhelming fuel efficiency with 15 mpg combined (13 city/19 highway) from the 24.5-gallon tank found across the lineup.
In contrast, the 6.2L Supercharged V8 engine in the Trackhawk boasts a massive 707 horsepower and 645 lb.-ft. of torque under the bonnet. These numbers make the Trackhwak the quickest and most powerful SUV ever.
The Trackhawk can hit the 60 mph mark in 3.5 seconds and an impressive 1/4-mile track time of 11.6 seconds. The fuel economy in this model is 13 mpg combined (11 city/17 highway).
Still, fuel efficiency shouldn’t be a problem for those looking for that extra punch in a 2019 Grand Cherokee.
All 2019 Grand Cherokee Engines are Solid but Opt for the 3.0L Turbodiesel for the Best Combo of Power, Fuel Efficiency, and Towing Capacity
The Jeep Grand Cherokee dealt with complaints about brake issues and oil leaks throughout its fourth generation. Find more information about the Jeep Grand Cherokee problems and recalls in our previous post.
If you’re in the market for a 2019 Grand Cherokee, consider getting the 3.0L turbocharged diesel which offers decent power, impressive torque, the same towing capacity as any of the V8 powertrains, and the best fuel efficiency of the entire lineup.
Photos: Stellantis
