Who Makes Jeep Motors: Complete Guide to Engine Manufacturers and Powertrains
Jeep vehicles operate under diverse powertrains designed and manufactured by multiple suppliers globally. Understanding which companies produce Jeep engines reveals the complex relationships between the Jeep brand, its parent corporation Stellantis, and specialized engine manufacturers. This guide covers current production facilities, engine types, and manufacturers for all Jeep models.
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Jeep’s Parent Company and Overall Ownership
Jeep is owned by Stellantis, a multinational automotive corporation formed in January 2021 from the merger of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and France’s PSA Group. Stellantis operates 14 automotive brands across North America, Europe, and beyond. The company manufactures Jeep vehicles at its own facilities while sourcing engines from Stellantis-owned plants and subsidiary manufacturers.
Jeep has maintained its headquarters in Toledo, Ohio, since 1945, though engine and powertrain production occurs across multiple locations in the United States, Mexico, and Italy.
The 3.6L Pentastar V6: Jeep’s Traditional Workhorse
The 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 remains one of Jeep’s most widely used engines. Producing 285 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque, it powers the Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, Gladiator, and Cherokee models.
Pentastar engines are manufactured at three primary Stellantis facilities:
Saltillo South Engine Plant (Mexico): Located in Saltillo, Coahuila, this plant is the primary Pentastar producer. Since opening in 2010, it has manufactured over 7 million Pentastar engines. The facility employs roughly 900 workers producing 13 different Pentastar variants for export to North American markets.
Dundee Engine Plant (Michigan): Dundee, located in Michigan, produced Pentastar V6 engines until 2023, when it transitioned to new engine families. The 1.3-million-square-foot facility now focuses on next-generation powertrains.
Trenton Engine Plant (Michigan): Although historically producing Pentastar engines, Trenton has shifted focus toward 2.0L turbocharged engines for current-generation Jeep models.
The Pentastar has earned recognition seven times as one of WardsAuto’s “10-Best Engines,” making it one of the most acclaimed engines in automotive history.
2.0L Turbocharged Engines: Modern Efficiency
Jeep’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines deliver 270 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, offering better fuel economy than the V6 while maintaining performance. These engines power the 2025 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and are available on other trims.
Manufacturing locations vary by model year and specification
Trenton Engine Plant: Produces the 2.0L turbocharged engine for domestic U.S. market vehicles. Investment of $74.7 million in 2016 retooled Trenton to manufacture this engine, expanding Jeep’s turbo capacity.
Termoli Powertrain (Italy): Stellantis also produces the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine at its Termoli facility in Italy. Earlier Jeep Wrangler models sourced this engine from Termoli before domestic production increased at Trenton.
Kokomo Engine Plant (Indiana): This facility manufactures the 2.0L GMET4 turbocharged engine, supplying Jeep with additional turbo four-cylinder capacity. Production began in 2020 after significant retooling.
The 2.0L turbo pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission and delivers approximately 21 city and 26 highway miles per gallon—a meaningful improvement over the naturally aspirated 3.6L V6.
3.0L EcoDiesel: Sourced from VM Motori
The turbocharged 3.0-liter EcoDiesel engine provides 260 horsepower and exceptional 442 pound-feet of torque, making it popular with off-road enthusiasts. Unlike gasoline engines, the EcoDiesel comes from VM Motori, an Italian diesel engine specialist.
VM Motori, based in Cento, Italy, has been owned by Fiat (now Stellantis) since 2013. The company supplies diesel engines to multiple automotive brands, including Jeep, Ram, and Dodge. The EcoDiesel engine option appears in select Wrangler, Grand Cherokee, and Gladiator models.
Production occurs exclusively at VM Motori’s Italian facility, with finished engines shipped to North American assembly plants for installation.
4xe Plug-in Hybrid Powertrains: Electrified Capability
Jeep’s 4xe plug-in hybrid system combines a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine with dual electric motors and a battery pack. Total output reaches 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque—significantly more than traditional gasoline engines.
The system functions through a two-motor parallel hybrid architecture:
Engine Component: The 2.0L turbocharged I4 engine is sourced from standard 2.0L production (either Trenton or Termoli).
Electric Components: Stellantis manufactures the motor-generator units, battery systems, and hybrid transmission modules at internal facilities. The battery pack stores 14 kWh of energy, enabling up to 21 miles of electric-only range on the Wrangler 4xe.
The 4xe drivetrain provides three operational modes—Hybrid Mode (default), Electric Mode (EV-only operation), and eSave Mode (preserves battery charge). This flexibility appeals to buyers seeking reduced fuel consumption without sacrificing towing or off-road capability.
Hurricane 4 Engines: The Next Generation
Stellantis has introduced the Hurricane 4 turbocharged engine family as the evolution of the aging Pentastar. The new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo debuts in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee, producing 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque.
Production begins at Kokomo Engine Plant (Indiana), where the company invested $400 million to retool the facility. Kokomo became the manufacturing hub for Hurricane engines in North America, complementing existing capacity.
The Hurricane 4 incorporates advanced features:
Twin-injection technology (direct and port injection) provides superior combustion control and efficiency. A variable-geometry turbocharger with active vanes delivers up to 35 psi of peak boost. An electric water pump and variable-displacement oil pump optimize cooling and lubrication.
The engine produces 20% more power than the 3.6L Pentastar while improving fuel economy by approximately 10%, achieving up to 21 city and 26 highway miles per gallon in the Grand Cherokee.
New EP6 Hybrid Engine for 2026 Cherokee
The all-new 1.6-liter EP6 turbocharged engine represents Stellantis’ commitment to electrification in North America. This is the first hybrid-compatible engine designed specifically for the North American market.
Dundee Engine Plant (Michigan) underwent significant retooling to become the final assembly location for the EP6. Nearly $83 million of a $99 million investment funded the Dundee conversion.
The EP6 engine features:
Direct fuel injection with turbocharging for maximum efficiency. Hybrid-electric vehicle (HEV) flexibility, allowing the engine to power traditional, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants. Aluminum construction reduces weight while maintaining durability. Advanced emissions control systems meet current and anticipated regulatory standards.
Production began in 2025, with the 2026 Jeep Cherokee as the first application. Future North American Jeep models will receive variants of this engine as Stellantis rolls out its electrification roadmap.
Engine Comparison: Specifications and Use Cases
Understanding engine differences helps match powertrains to driving needs:
| Engine | Horsepower | Torque | Type | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L Pentastar V6 | 285 hp | 260 lb-ft | Gasoline, naturally aspirated | Balanced performance and capability |
| 2.0L Turbo I4 | 270 hp | 295 lb-ft | Gasoline, turbocharged | Efficiency with responsive power |
| 2.0L Turbo + Electric (4xe) | 375 hp | 470 lb-ft | Plug-in hybrid | Low-emission capability with full power |
| 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 | 260 hp | 442 lb-ft | Diesel, turbocharged | Torque-focused off-roading |
| 2.0L Hurricane 4 Turbo | 324 hp | 332 lb-ft | Gasoline, turbocharged | Power and efficiency balance |
| 1.6L EP6 Turbo | TBD | TBD | Gasoline, turbocharged, hybrid-capable | Future efficiency standard |
For maximum towing and off-road torque: The 3.0L EcoDiesel or 2.0L Turbo + 4xe system delivers over 440 pound-feet of torque.
For fuel economy without compromise: The 2.0L Turbo or Hurricane 4 provides superior miles per gallon while maintaining responsive acceleration.
For traditional capability: The 3.6L Pentastar remains reliable and straightforward, with simpler maintenance than turbocharged alternatives.
For electric range and low emissions: The 4xe plug-in hybrid system enables 20+ miles of zero-emission driving daily.
Where Jeep Engines Are Made: Global Manufacturing
Jeep engine production spans multiple continents, reflecting Stellantis’ integrated global strategy:
North American Production: Trenton (Michigan), Dundee (Michigan), Kokomo (Indiana), and Saltillo (Mexico) manufacture engines for domestic and export markets.
European Production: Termoli (Italy) produces the 2.0L turbocharged engine and supplies engines for both North American and European vehicles. VM Motori (Italy) exclusively manufactures the 3.0L EcoDiesel.
Assembly: Finished engines travel to Jeep assembly plants in Toledo (Ohio), Jefferson North (Detroit, Michigan), Mack Avenue (Detroit, Michigan), and Belvidere (Illinois) for installation.
Reliability and Longevity Considerations
Engine reliability varies by type and generation. The Pentastar, despite being produced for over 15 years, has addressed most early design issues in current generations. The newer turbocharged engines (2.0L and Hurricane 4) offer modern efficiency but introduce turbocharger complexity requiring proactive maintenance.
The 3.0L EcoDiesel, manufactured by VM Motori, demands more specialized service but provides exceptional longevity when properly maintained. Diesel engines typically exceed 250,000 miles with regular oil changes and adherence to manufacturer service intervals.
The 4xe plug-in hybrid system has proven reliable in the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid, suggesting strong durability for Jeep’s adoption. Battery warranties typically extend 8 years or 100,000 miles.
The Future of Jeep Powertrains
Stellantis has committed to electrification across Jeep’s lineup. By 2025, every Jeep model will offer at least one hybrid option. The EP6 engine and next-generation hybrid systems represent steps toward this goal.
The company plans to introduce fully electric Jeep models within the coming years, though gasoline and hybrid engines will remain central to the brand’s offering through the next decade. The Hurricane engine family will replace the aging Pentastar as the primary gasoline option, while hybrid and electric variants expand consumer choice.
Conclusion: Understanding Jeep Engine Manufacturing
Jeep motors come from Stellantis-owned manufacturing facilities and subsidiary companies strategically located for efficiency and quality control. The Pentastar V6 remains the proven workhorse, while modern turbocharged engines and plug-in hybrid systems address fuel economy and emissions concerns. The 3.0L EcoDiesel serves enthusiasts prioritizing torque and efficiency over simplicity.
For buyers evaluating Jeep vehicles, understanding engine sources, manufacturing locations, and performance characteristics ensures informed decisions. Current-generation engines—whether traditionally aspirated, turbocharged, or hybrid—benefit from Stellantis’ scale and engineering resources, with comprehensive warranties protecting long-term ownership.
Whether selecting a new 2026 Jeep with the Hurricane 4 engine, a proven Pentastar-powered model, or a 4xe plug-in hybrid system, Jeep owners benefit from engines manufactured to rigorous global standards at dedicated Stellantis facilities across North America, Europe, and Mexico.
