Jeep® Boss Confirms the HEMI V8 Is Here to Stay

The 6.4-liter HEMI® V8 isn’t going anywhere—at least not if Jeep® CEO Bob Broderdorf has anything to say about it.

At a media event on Thursday in Detroit, Broderdorf made it crystal clear: “Jeep fans, don’t worry, the 6.4-liter (392 cubic-inch) HEMI V8 will have a home at Jeep.” That includes the brawny Wrangler Rubicon 392, which many thought was going extinct after 2023. Instead, Jeep is keeping the high-horsepower off-roader in production for the long haul—and adding more muscle to the lineup.

“After being out at the Rubicon Trail, it’s clear just how much people love the roar of the 392,” Broderdorf said. “We will extend the availability of the 392 Wrangler, and in fact, we will tap the power and performance of the HEMI across Jeep products as new projects are already underway.”

In a surprise move, Broderdorf also confirmed that the Jeep Gladiator pickup will be joining the V8 club with its own Rubicon 392 model.

This bold decision aligns with what Stellantis sibling Ram is doing—bringing back the HEMI to its light-duty pickups. The political winds are shifting too, with President Donald Trump and a GOP-led Congress rolling back fuel economy and emissions regulations, making room for these powerful gas engines to return.

But Jeep isn’t just focused on big engines. Broderdorf outlined several upcoming changes to help turn the brand around. Among them:

• The return of the midsize Cherokee later this year, this time as a hybrid.

• The all-electric Recon SUV, expected to debut in November.

• A refreshed Grand Wagoneer with more Jeep identity and new styling that will make its debut this fall.

• Expanded customization for Wrangler and Gladiator models, including new colors and factory-built features.

• Lower pricing across most of the lineup to be more competitive.

“The brand no longer has a pricing problem,” Broderdorf said. He emphasized that every Jeep model except the Wrangler has already seen price drops. The Wrangler will get adjusted pricing once the 2026 model launches.

Wrangler and Gladiator fans also have more options to look forward to. “We’re going to unlock options, new colors, new features with engine variants,” Broderdorf said. “Why can’t you get a Wrangler with matching body color fender flares in Mojito green? You should be able to do that.”

The move toward more consistency in pricing and incentives is a big part of Broderdorf’s strategy. “When you have this crazy high price, but then you have this crazy large discount, it’s like, what is the real price?” he asked. That confusion, he admitted, has turned customers away.

Despite a challenging year for Stellantis overall, Jeep sales have started to rebound under Broderdorf’s leadership. In Q2 2025, Jeep saw a slight bump in U.S. sales, led by strong demand for the Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee.

The 470-horsepower Wrangler Rubicon 392 remains a fan favorite, and now it’s here to stay. With more HEMI-powered Jeeps in the works, the brand is leaning hard into its identity: rugged, capable, and unapologetically loud.

And in case there was still any doubt, Broderdorf made it clear one more time: “Wrangler and Gladiator fans, and HEMI fans in general, don’t worry—we got you.”