Jeep Grand Cherokee diesel in doubt

The incoming new-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee L is the 4x4 brand’s first seven-seat offering in Australia since the unlamented Commander, and the first variant of its type for the large SUV model line. But as the big SUV gains a key new feature, another may be taken away.

A turbo-diesel engine was conspicuously absent from the Grand Cherokee’s spec sheet during its global premiere this week, and carsales understands that Jeep is yet to make a decision on whether it will offer the crucial new model with diesel power.

Set to arrive in Australia from late 2021 or early 2022, the fifth-generation Jeep Grand Cherokee will initially be available with two carryover engines – naturally-aspirated V6 and V8 petrol powertrains hooked up to an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Entry-level variants feature a 3.6-litre V6 (217kW/348Nm) while top-spec models get the rumbling 5.7-litre HEMI V8 (266kW/529Nm) which offers a handy 3.2-tonne towing capacity.

The torquey 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel (184kW/570Nm) offered in the current Jeep Grand Cherokee delivers an impressive 3.5-tonne towing capacity, but whether this powertrain returns – or is replaced by another diesel unit – is now in doubt.

The Grand Cherokee’s major market is the US where oil-burners are far less popular, while Europe is also shying away from diesel.

So as demand wanes, and costs are cut as Jeep’s parent Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) merges with the PSA Group, diesel engines could be among the casualties.

Jeep has already axed diesel powertrains from the iconic Jeep Wrangler 4x4 range, following many other mainstream brands in moving away from diesel – and some, such as Volvo, which are dumping it altogether.

That said, many of the Jeep Grand Cherokee’s rivals – chiefly the Toyota Prado and LandCruiser – are offered exclusively with turbo-diesel powerplants, which are valued in Australia for their smooth power delivery, low-end grunt, high towing capacity and long cruising range.

Diesel-powered vehicle sales were down 12.5 per cent in Australia last year, with diesel SUV sales falling 14.8 per cent, diesel passenger cars plummeting 41.2 per cent and diesel light commercials dropping 10.1 per cent.

The new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is certain to be offered with the car-maker’s muscular plug-in hybrid powertrain in future, which would deliver more torque than the 5.7-litre HEMI V8. However, it’s not clear if it would deliver an improved towing capacity over the V8.

Paired with the Wrangler 4xe, the 2.0-litre four-cylinder PHEV powertrain bangs out an impressive 280kW/637Nm, but it would add a considerable premium to the price of the vehicle.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is currently priced from $59,950 plus on-road costs for the 3.6-litre V6 and from $72,950 plus ORCs for the 5.7-litre V8.

But given the improvements in technology, luxury, size and seating capacity, the new Jeep Grand Cherokee L is anticipated to be more expensive.

Jeep will also unveil a regular five-seat Grand Cherokee in due course.