Jeep Set for Hemi Upgrade, Recon Model Set for Release in November Among Model Refreshings
Jeep, the American automobile manufacturer renowned for its rugged and powerful SUVs and trucks, is making waves in the automotive industry with its latest announcements.
The brand has put a launch date of November for its first "trail-rated" battery-electric vehicle, the Recon. While this marks a significant step towards electrification, Jeep is also demonstrating its commitment to power by expanding the availability of its iconic 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine.
Jeep's CEO, Bob Broderdorf, has hinted at future utilizations of the Hemi engine in models like the Gladiator, reflecting a plan to proliferate this high-performance V8 engine to additional models beyond the current offerings. The Gladiator will soon join the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Grand Cherokee SRT models that already feature this engine.
| Jeep Model | Availability of 6.4L Hemi V8 | |-----------------------|----------------------------------------------| | Wrangler Rubicon 392 | Available | | Grand Cherokee SRT | Available | | Gladiator | Confirmed to be introduced as an option |
The Wrangler Rubicon 392 boasts a Hemi engine that makes 470 hp and 470 lb.-ft. of torque, a testament to Jeep's dedication to power. This expansion indicates Jeep’s continuing commitment to offering V8 power and enhancing performance options in its truck and SUV models.
In a nod to the heart and soul of their cars, Broderdorf stated that Jeep's powertrains are of utmost importance. This sentiment is evident in the brand's strategy, as they continue to offer the 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine, with the Hemi engine not going away, as it will continue to be available in the 2026 Wrangler.
Meanwhile, Jeep's sales, which fell 9% in 2024 from 2023, are doing slightly better in 2025. This improvement could be attributed to the positive sales volume for Wrangler, Gladiator, and Compass, as reported by Stellantis in their first-half deliveries for Jeep in 2025, which rose 2% year-on-year.
Jeep is also launching seven vehicles in seven months, including the Compass in Europe, Commander in the Middle East, Avenger in South America, and four North American models. Among these new North American models is a refreshed Grand Wagoneer for 2026 and an updated Grand Cherokee with powertrain changes, new styling, and more value.
As Jeep looks to the future, it is clear that the brand is thinking global. With still-stringent emissions rules in other parts of the world, Jeep must consider the use of powerful Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) carefully. Despite this, the Hemi engine was discontinued from the Ram 1500 pickup truck for the 2025 model year, but it is returning for 2026.
In addition to the Recon, Jeep is launching a new version of the Wrangler in 2026, offering more personal and customizable options, including new colors and engine variants, including the 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine. The Recon will be offered globally by Jeep, marking another significant step in the brand's electrification journey.
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- Jeep's commitment to power is evident as they are expanding the availability of their iconic 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine to models like the Gladiator, following the success of models like the Wrangler Rubicon 392 and Grand Cherokee SRT.
- In the finance sector, Jeep's sales experienced a slight recovery in 2025, with the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Compass contributing to a 2% year-on-year rise in sales volume, as reported by Stellantis in their first-half deliveries for Jeep.
- As the industry shifts towards electrification, Jeep is following suit with the launch of its first "trail-rated" battery-electric vehicle, the Recon, scheduled for November.
- While Jeep is investing in electric vehicles, they are also maintaining their focus on the lifestyle sector by continuing to offer the 6.4L Hemi V-8 engine, with the Hemi engine set to be available in the 2026 Wrangler.
