How the 2026 Grand Cherokee's Hurricane 4 Turbo Delivers More Power Than Many V6 Engines for Northwestern New Brunswick
December 29 2025,
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee introduces Stellantis' 2.0-litre Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, a four-cylinder turbocharged powerplant that produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. These output figures exceed many larger displacement V6 engines while delivering improved fuel economy and reduced emissions.
For New Brunswick drivers who tow recreational trailers, navigate Trans-Canada Highway distances, or manage daily commutes, this powertrain offers a practical balance. The engine arrives in late 2025 as part of the Grand Cherokee's updated lineup for the 2026 model year.
Turbulent Jet Ignition Technology
The Hurricane 4 Turbo uses Turbulent Jet Ignition technology, marking the industry's first high-volume application of this combustion system. The technology operates through a two-stage ignition process.
Each cylinder features a small pre-chamber positioned above the main combustion chamber. During the compression stroke, a small amount of fuel ignites in this pre-chamber. The burning fuel expands rapidly and jets into the main combustion chamber through strategically positioned orifices. These high-velocity jets trigger faster and more complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture throughout the cylinder.
This accelerated burn rate produces three benefits: increased thermal efficiency, reduced emissions, and consistent power delivery across the engine's operating range. The system allows the engine to run on regular 87-octane gasoline while maintaining performance that typically requires premium fuel in competing turbocharged engines.
Power Output and Towing Capability
The Hurricane 4 Turbo generates 324 horsepower at 5,250 rpm and 332 lb-ft of torque at 3,000 rpm. For context, these figures surpass many naturally aspirated V6 engines in the segment. The 3.6-litre Pentastar V6 that remains available in the Grand Cherokee produces 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
|
Engine |
Horsepower |
Torque |
|---|---|---|
|
2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo |
324 hp |
332 lb-ft |
|
3.6L Pentastar V6 |
293 hp |
260 lb-ft |
The Hurricane 4 Turbo tows up to 2,812 kilograms (6,200 pounds), matching the Pentastar V6's maximum towing capacity. For New Brunswick residents towing travel trailers, boat trailers, or utility trailers, this rating handles most recreational towing needs. A 7.6-metre travel trailer typically weighs 1,800–2,500 kilograms, well within the engine's capability.
Variable Geometry Turbocharger Operation
The engine uses a variable geometry turbocharger that adjusts internal vane angles to optimize boost pressure across different engine speeds. At low rpm, the vanes close to accelerate exhaust gas flow and spool the turbine faster. At high rpm, the vanes open to allow greater exhaust flow and prevent over-boost.
This variable geometry design delivers 90 per cent of peak torque from 2,600 to 5,600 rpm. The broad torque curve provides usable power across most driving situations—merging onto Highway 2, passing slower traffic, or accelerating from stops in city traffic.
Unlike fixed-geometry turbochargers that exhibit noticeable lag at low rpm, the variable system responds more quickly to throttle inputs. This responsiveness matters when pulling onto highways from rest stops or navigating Edmundston's hilly terrain where immediate power access improves driving confidence.
Fuel Economy and Driving Range
The 2026 Grand Cherokee with Hurricane 4 Turbo engine achieves an estimated driving range of 850 kilometres on a single tank of fuel. This range calculation accounts for the vehicle's fuel tank capacity and estimated combined fuel economy rating.
For context, this range covers round-trip distances for common New Brunswick routes:
- Edmundston to Fredericton (275 km) with reserve capacity
- Edmundston to Saint John (approximately 400 km) with single refuelling
- Local northwestern New Brunswick travel with weekly refuelling
The extended range reduces refuelling frequency for drivers who cover significant distances across the province. Rural areas with limited fuel station density benefit from this capability, as drivers can plan routes with fewer mandatory fuel stops.
2026 Grand Cherokee Updates
Beyond the new engine, the 2026 Grand Cherokee receives updated exterior design elements and interior technology. A revised seven-slot grille, new headlight design, and modified rear fascia refine the exterior appearance. Three new exterior colours—Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue—expand colour options.
Inside, a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen replaces the previous unit. The system runs Uconnect 5 software with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability. Available features include a 10.25-inch passenger display, Active Driving Assist, and a premium McIntosh 19-speaker audio system.
The trim lineup simplifies to three levels: Laredo, Limited, and Summit. The Laredo Altitude gains standard Selec-Terrain 4x4 system, Traffic Sign Recognition, and Intersection Collision Assist. Limited trim adds leatherette upholstery, heated second-row seats, nine-speaker Alpine audio, and ambient lighting.
Three-Row Grand Cherokee L Availability
The Grand Cherokee L three-row configuration continues for 2026 with the same Hurricane 4 Turbo engine option. This extended-wheelbase variant seats up to seven passengers and provides best-in-class second-row legroom.
Families requiring three-row seating can choose between the standard two-row Grand Cherokee and the extended Grand Cherokee L. Both share the same powertrain options, technology features, and 4x4 systems. The primary differences lie in passenger capacity and cargo volume with all seats occupied.
Selec-Terrain 4x4 System
The Grand Cherokee's Selec-Terrain system offers multiple drive modes that adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and traction control calibrations. Auto mode balances performance and efficiency for daily driving. Sport mode sharpens throttle response for highway merging and passing. Snow mode optimizes traction for winter conditions.
New Brunswick's seasonal climate demands reliable all-wheel-drive performance. The system automatically distributes torque between front and rear axles based on available traction. When sensors detect wheel slip, torque transfers to wheels with better grip. This active management operates continuously without driver input.
Visit Rendez-Vous Chrysler
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee's Hurricane 4 Turbo engine delivers power output that exceeds many V6 alternatives while maintaining fuel economy benefits. Our team at Rendez-Vous Chrysler in Edmundston can provide detailed specifications and answer questions about how this powertrain serves northwestern New Brunswick driving conditions.
