The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk was a rare breed: a family SUV with a supercharged V8 engine and wild performance. When Jeep stopped producing the Trackhawk after the 2026 model, fans felt a big gap.
Many still ask: Will Jeep bring back the Trackhawk? Let’s explore what’s known, what might happen, and what Trackhawk lovers can expect in the coming years.
Why Was The Trackhawk So Special?
The Jeep Trackhawk stood out because it combined luxury, off-road capability, and extreme power. With a 707-horsepower Hellcat V8, it could beat many sports cars in a straight line. Here’s a quick look at what made the Trackhawk unique:
| Feature | Trackhawk | Regular Grand Cherokee |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 3.6L V6 / 5.7L V8 |
| Horsepower | 707 hp | 293–360 hp |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 seconds | 6.5–7.0 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 7,200 lbs | 6,200 lbs |
For many, the Trackhawk was the ultimate “sleeper” SUV—one that looked somewhat normal but could outrun a Porsche or BMW M-series.
Why Did Jeep Stop Making The Trackhawk?
There are a few reasons Jeep discontinued the Trackhawk after the 2026 model year:
- Emissions regulations: Governments now require lower emissions. The supercharged V8 does not fit these new rules.
- Fuel economy: The Trackhawk’s fuel use was high, which does not match the trend toward greener cars.
- Cost: The Trackhawk was expensive to build and buy, limiting its audience.
- Changing market: More buyers want electric or hybrid SUVs.
Jeep’s parent company, Stellantis, is moving toward electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrid options. This global shift makes it harder for big V8 engines to survive.
Is There A Chance The Trackhawk Will Return?
Jeep has not announced any official plans to bring back the Trackhawk. However, there are some signs that a new high-performance Grand Cherokee could arrive in the future.
What Jeep Executives Say
Jeep leaders often mention that performance is important to the brand. They also know that the Trackhawk has a loyal following.
In interviews, they have not closed the door on future “Trackhawk-style” models.
The Case For A Return
- Performance SUVs are still popular: BMW M, Mercedes-AMG, and Porsche Cayenne all sell well.
- Jeep’s reputation: The Trackhawk helped Jeep stand out in a crowded market.
- New technology: Plug-in hybrids and electric motors can now match or beat V8 power.
A future Trackhawk could use a hybrid or electric powertrain. For example, Jeep already sells the Grand Cherokee 4xe, a plug-in hybrid with good power. It’s possible that Jeep could build a “Trackhawk 4xe” with even more performance.
What Would A New Trackhawk Look Like?
If Jeep brings back the Trackhawk, it may be very different from the old V8 version. Here are some possible features:
| Possible Feature | V8 Trackhawk (Old) | Future Trackhawk |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | Hybrid V6 / Electric |
| Horsepower | 707 hp | 500–800 hp (est.) |
| 0-60 mph | 3.5 sec | 3.0–3.5 sec (est.) |
| Emissions | High | Much lower |
| Noise | Loud supercharger sound | Quieter or artificial sound |
Non-obvious insight: A hybrid or electric Trackhawk could offer instant torque, making it even quicker in short sprints. However, the sound and “feel” of a V8 would be different or even missing.
What Do Trackhawk Fans Really Want?
Most fans love the raw power, sound, and excitement of the old Trackhawk. But the car world is changing fast. Many automakers are replacing V8 engines with hybrids or electric motors. This can bring benefits, like:
- Better fuel economy
- Lower emissions
- Even quicker acceleration
But, for many, the roar of a V8 is hard to replace. If Jeep brings back the Trackhawk, some fans may feel disappointed if it’s only available as a hybrid or EV.
Still, others may enjoy the new tech and extra speed.
What Are The Alternatives Now?
If you want a high-performance Jeep today, you have a few options:
- Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT: Still fast, with a 6.4L V8, but less power than the Trackhawk.
- Grand Cherokee 4xe: A plug-in hybrid with 375 hp and strong low-end power.
- Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat: Shares the Hellcat engine with the Trackhawk, but only sold in limited numbers.
- Used Trackhawk: The used car market still has some Trackhawks, though prices are high.
Here’s a quick comparison of these options:
| Model | Engine | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trackhawk (used) | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 707 hp | 3.5 sec | $70,000+ |
| Grand Cherokee SRT | 6.4L V8 | 475 hp | 4.3 sec | $68,000 |
| Grand Cherokee 4xe | 2.0L Turbo Hybrid | 375 hp | 5.3 sec | $61,000 |
| Durango SRT Hellcat (used) | 6.2L Supercharged V8 | 710 hp | 3.5 sec | $85,000+ |
Practical tip: If you want the classic Trackhawk experience, a used model is your best bet for now. But be ready for high prices and possible maintenance costs.
The Bottom Line
Will Jeep bring back the Trackhawk? There’s no clear answer yet. The car world is moving toward electrification, and Jeep is part of that trend. If the Trackhawk returns, it will probably use a hybrid or electric setup, offering huge power but a different driving feel.
For real fans, the next few years will be exciting. Watch for news from Jeep—new performance models could arrive soon.
If you want the classic V8 Trackhawk, now may be the last chance to buy one. But don’t be surprised if the name returns, just with a new kind of power under the hood.
For more about the history and future of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, visit the Jeep Grand Cherokee page on Wikipedia.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will The Next Trackhawk Be Electric Or Hybrid?
Most likely, yes. Jeep is investing in hybrid and electric technology. If the Trackhawk returns, it will probably use a hybrid or electric powertrain to meet emissions laws and offer high performance.
Is The Trackhawk Still Available New?
No. Jeep stopped making the Trackhawk after the 2026 model year. You can only find used models now.
Why Is The Trackhawk So Expensive On The Used Market?
The Trackhawk is rare and has a strong fan base. Its powerful engine and limited supply push prices high—even for used models.
How Does The Trackhawk Compare To Other Fast Suvs?
The Trackhawk is one of the fastest SUVs ever made. It matches or beats models from BMW, Mercedes, and Porsche in straight-line speed, but some rivals may offer better handling or luxury.
Will The Trackhawk Ever Return With A V8?
It’s unlikely. Emissions rules and the shift to electric power make a new V8 Trackhawk a long shot.
Any future model will probably use a hybrid or electric system.
