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2028 Jeep Trackhawk Returns: 1,000 HP Hellcat Beast Incoming?
The Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk Is Coming Back: Everything You Need to Know
Imagine a family SUV that can beat sports cars in a drag race. That’s exactly what the Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk used to be—and it’s reportedly returning for 2028 with even more muscle under the hood.
What Is the Trackhawk?
Think of the Trackhawk as the “secret superhero” version of the Grand Cherokee. On the outside, it looks like a regular (albeit fancy) SUV. But under the hood? A supercharged 6.2-liter Hemi V-8 engine—the same family of engines that powers the famous Dodge Hellcat models.
ELI5: What’s a “Supercharged” Engine?
A supercharger is like a giant air pump forced into the engine. More air + more fuel = way more power. It’s like giving the engine a constant energy drink.
The last Trackhawk (2018–2021) made 707 horsepower. The new one could match—or even beat—that.
Why Is This Happening Now?
1. The Rules Changed
For years, strict fuel-economy rules (called CAFE standards) made it expensive for automakers to sell gas-guzzling V-8s. Stellantis (Jeep’s parent company) paid heavy fines.
IMPORTANT: Policy Shift
The Trump administration relaxed these standards. That gave Stellantis the freedom to bring back big V-8 engines without financial penalties.
2. The “Hellcat” Engine Is Back in Production
The Ram 1500 Rumble Bee (a high-performance truck) just debuted with a 777-hp supercharged V-8. That proves the engine line is alive—and the Grand Cherokee is next in line.
3. Jeep Needs a “Halo Car”
A halo model is a low-volume, high-excitement vehicle that gets people talking about the brand. The Trackhawk does exactly that.
Why It Matters
| Reason | What It Means for You |
|---|---|
| Insane Performance | 0–60 mph in ~3.5 seconds (supercar territory) |
| Value Proposition | Rivals like Mercedes-AMG GLE 63 or BMW X5 M cost $120K+. Trackhawk could start ~$90,000. |
| More Choices | Jeep dropped the plug-in hybrid (4xe) for 2026. This gives buyers a high-power gas option. |
| Brand Energy | Signals Jeep is serious about performance—not just off-roading. |
Platform & Powertrain: The Engineering Challenge
The current Grand Cherokee sits on the “WL” platform (new for 2022). This is the first time this chassis will handle a 700+ hp V-8.
What Engineers Must Upgrade:
- Cooling system – That engine generates massive heat.
- Suspension & brakes – Must handle launch forces and high-speed stops.
- Drivetrain – Transmission, driveshafts, differential—all need reinforcement.
- Structural rigidity – Chassis may need bracing to prevent flex.
Good News: The Grand Cherokee is due for a mid-cycle refresh anyway—perfect timing to bake in these upgrades.
Power Estimate: ~710–777 HP
- 2026 Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat (cousin SUV): 710 hp
- Ram Rumble Bee SRT: 777 hp
- Old Trackhawk: 707 hp
Best guess: Somewhere in the 710–750 hp range.
What About the Durango?
The Dodge Durango and Grand Cherokee used to share a platform. They split when Jeep moved to WL. But—the Durango is expected to switch to WL soon.
Why this matters:
Engineering the Trackhawk helps fast-track a future Durango SRT Hellcat. Shared parts = lower cost, faster development.
Rumored Timeline & Price
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Estimated On-Sale Date | Fall 2027 (as a 2028 model) |
| Estimated Starting Price | $90,000 |
| Body Style | 5-passenger Grand Cherokee (not the 3-row L) |
| Trim Name | Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk |
What Other SRT Models Are Coming?
Stellantis is reportedly planning a full SRT revival across brands:
- Jeep Grand Wagoneer SRT (luxury barge + Hellcat = )
- Jeep Wrangler Scrambler SRT (pickup truck + supercharged V-8 = )
- Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat (confirmed for 2026)
- More Ram trucks with Hellcat power
Summary
- The 2028 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT Trackhawk is strongly rumored to return.
- It will use a supercharged 6.2L Hemi V-8 (likely 710+ hp).
- Made possible by relaxed fuel-economy rules under the Trump administration.
- Will be a low-volume halo model starting around $90K.
- Competes with German performance SUVs at a lower price.
- Engineering work on the WL platform will also benefit a future Durango SRT Hellcat.
- Part of a broader SRT comeback for Jeep, Dodge, and Ram.
Bottom line: If you’ve ever wanted a school-run SUV that can humiliate a Porsche at a stoplight—start saving now.
FAQ
Will it be faster than the old Trackhawk?
Probably similar or slightly quicker. The old one did 0–60 in 3.5 seconds. With 710+ hp and a refreshed platform, it could dip into the low 3s.
Is this confirmed by Jeep?
Not officially. This is based on insider reporting from MotorTrend and industry sources. But the Ram Rumble Bee’s reveal makes it highly credible.
Will it have a manual transmission?
Almost certainly not. The Hellcat engine only pairs with an 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP90/95) in current applications. It handles the torque better and shifts faster.
What about fuel economy?
Expect single-digit city MPG. The old Trackhawk got 11 city / 17 highway. With more power and similar weight, don’t expect improvement. This is a toy, not a commuter.
Should I wait for this or buy a Durango SRT Hellcat (2026)?
- Want 3 rows + available now? → 2026 Durango SRT Hellcat (710 hp, on sale soon).
- Want 2 rows, newer tech, fresher design? → Wait for 2028 Trackhawk.
- Want the ultimate Jeep badge? → Trackhawk—it’s the icon.
Stay tuned. The super-SUV wars just got interesting again.
