The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk has long been a favorite among performance SUV enthusiasts, thanks to its supercharged 6.2-liter Hellcat V8 engine, delivering 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. Since its debut in 2018, the Trackhawk has been a one-of-a-kind SUV, offering the power of a muscle car with the practicality of an all-wheel-drive Jeep.
Hidden Automotive DiscountsHowever, with Jeep focusing on electrification, fuel efficiency, and emissions regulations, many are wondering: Is Jeep making a 2026 Trackhawk? Will we see the return of the high-performance Grand Cherokee, or has the Trackhawk been permanently discontinued?
This article breaks down everything we know so far, including potential engine options, pricing, release speculation, and why the Trackhawk was discontinued in the first place.
Is Jeep Making a 2026 Trackhawk?
As of now, Jeep has not officially confirmed the return of the Trackhawk for 2026. While the 2025 Grand Cherokee lineup has been revealed, it does not include a Trackhawk variant—yet.
However, there are strong rumors and industry speculation suggesting that a high-performance Grand Cherokee may return, possibly under a different name or with a new powertrain.
What We Know So Far
- No Official Trackhawk Announcement Yet – Jeep has revealed its 2026 Grand Cherokee trims, including the Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, but has not confirmed an SRT or Trackhawk model (Jeep.com).
- A 2026 Grand Cherokee SRT is Coming – Leaked reports and spy shots suggest that Jeep is bringing back the SRT model, which could mean the Trackhawk is not far behind (Mopar Insiders).
- The Hellcat V8 May Not Return – With Jeep moving toward smaller, high-output turbocharged engines and hybrid powertrains, a new Trackhawk could feature an electrified system instead of a supercharged V8.
While there is no guarantee the Trackhawk will return in 2026, the presence of an SRT model in the lineup suggests Jeep is still committed to performance SUVs.
Why Was the Jeep Trackhawk Discontinued?
The previous generation Trackhawk (2018-2021) was discontinued when Jeep redesigned the Grand Cherokee for 2022.
Key Reasons for the Discontinuation:
- Emissions and Fuel Economy Regulations – The supercharged Hellcat V8 is not an efficient engine, and as governments push for lower emissions, large-displacement V8s are being phased out (Car and Driver).
- Stellantis’ Electrification Strategy – Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, is shifting toward hybrid and all-electric powertrains, making a gas-powered Trackhawk less likely (Stellantis).
- New Engine Platforms – The introduction of Jeep’s 3.0L Hurricane twin-turbo engine has replaced many older V8 models, which could impact the Trackhawk’s future (Motor Trend).
- Jeep’s Focus on Hybrid and 4xe Models – With the success of the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrids, Jeep may focus more on electrified performance rather than traditional gasoline-powered muscle SUVs (Jeep.com).
While Trackhawks from previous years are still available in the used market, the possibility of a new-generation Trackhawk depends on Jeep’s long-term vision for high-performance SUVs.
Potential Engine Options for a 2026 Jeep Trackhawk
If Jeep does bring back the Trackhawk, it will likely feature one of three potential powertrains.
- 3.0L Twin-Turbo Hurricane I6 (Most Likely Option)
The Hurricane twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six is Jeep’s new high-performance engine, designed to replace the older V8s.
- In the Grand Wagoneer, this engine produces 510 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque, but a Trackhawk-tuned version could exceed 600 horsepower (Motor Authority).
- Why this makes sense: This engine is already in Jeep’s lineup and offers a balance of power and efficiency.
- Hybrid Trackhawk with Electrification (Possible Future Option)
Jeep has already incorporated plug-in hybrid technology in the Wrangler 4xe and Grand Cherokee 4xe.
- A hybrid performance SUV could use electric motors to boost acceleration, delivering instant torque and high horsepower.
- Why this makes sense: Electrified performance vehicles are the future of high-performance SUVs, and a hybrid Trackhawk could compete with the Tesla Model X Plaid, BMW XM, and Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid (Electrek).
- Supercharged 6.2L Hellcat V8 (Least Likely Option)
This was the engine in the previous Trackhawk, producing 707 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque.
- Due to tightening emissions laws and Jeep’s commitment to electrification, it is unlikely Jeep will bring back this engine in a 2026 Trackhawk (CarBuzz).
- Why this is unlikely: The Hellcat engine has already been phased out in the Dodge Charger, Challenger, and Durango, signaling the end of its production.
Based on industry trends and Stellantis’ strategy, the most likely engine for a 2025 Trackhawk would be a high-output version of the 3.0L twin-turbo Hurricane I6, possibly with hybrid assistance.
How Much Would a 2026 Trackhawk Cost?
If Jeep releases a new Trackhawk, its pricing would be significantly higher than the standard Grand Cherokee.
| Jeep Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 2026 Grand Cherokee Laredo | $38,290 (Jeep.com) |
| 2026 Grand Cherokee SRT | ~$70,000 (Estimated) |
| 2021 Trackhawk (Previous) | $87,150 (Last Known MSRP) (Car and Driver) |
| Potential 2026 Trackhawk | $90,000+ (Estimated) |
With inflation, new technology, and a possible hybrid system, a 2026 Trackhawk would likely start around $90,000 or more, making it one of the most expensive performance SUVs in Jeep’s history.
Trackhawk vs. SRT: What’s the Difference?
If Jeep offers both a 2026 Grand Cherokee SRT and a new Trackhawk, how will they compare?
| Feature | Grand Cherokee SRT (2026) | Trackhawk (Previous Model) | Potential 2026 Trackhawk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.4L V8 or 3.0L TT I6 | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 3.0L TT I6 or Hybrid |
| Horsepower | ~475 HP (Est.) | 707 HP | ~600+ HP (Est.) |
| Torque | ~470 lb-ft (Est.) | 645 lb-ft | ~600+ lb-ft (Est.) |
| 0-60 MPH | ~4.4 seconds | 3.5 seconds | Likely close to 3.5 seconds |
| Top Speed | ~160 mph | 180 mph | ~170+ mph (Est.) |
If the Trackhawk returns, it will need to compete with high-performance SUVs like the BMW X5 M, Audi RS Q8, and Tesla Model X Plaid.
Final Thoughts: Will Jeep Make a 2026 Trackhawk?
Right now, there is no official confirmation of a 2026 Jeep Trackhawk, but there are strong signs that a high-performance Grand Cherokee is coming.
- The 2026 Grand Cherokee SRT is expected to return, meaning Jeep is still investing in performance SUVs (Mopar Insiders).
- A Trackhawk model may return, but with a new powertrain, likely the Hurricane twin-turbo engine instead of the Hellcat V8.
- If the Trackhawk name does not return, Jeep could introduce a new high-performance hybrid SUV instead.
For now, Jeep enthusiasts will have to wait for an official announcement, but the demand for a high-powered Grand Cherokee remains strong, making a Trackhawk comeback very possible.
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