The Hurricane Engine: What Ram and Jeep Buyers Need to Know

Stellantis built the Hurricane engine to replace two decades of V8 dominance in trucks and SUVs. It is a twin-turbocharged inline-six that delivers V8 power with better fuel economy and a smaller footprint. If you drive a Ram 1500, Jeep Wagoneer, or Grand Cherokee, this is the engine that replaced the V8.

The Hurricane comes in two versions: standard-output (SO) and high-output (HO). Both use the same 3.0-litre displacement and twin-turbo architecture, but are tuned for different buyers. The SO is built for daily driving and towing. The HO is built for buyers who want more power, torque, and capability.

What the Hurricane Engine Is and Why It Exists

The Hurricane is a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged inline-six gasoline engine introduced to replace naturally aspirated V8 engines in Ram trucks and Jeep SUVs. The goal: match or exceed V8 power while improving fuel economy and meeting stricter emissions standards.

The inline-six layout is narrower than a V8, giving engineers more room for cooling, exhaust routing, and future hybrid components. The twin-turbo setup uses two small turbochargers instead of one large one, reducing lag and improving throttle response. The result is an engine that feels responsive at low speeds and keeps pulling hard at highway speeds.

Both engines share the same block, head design, and turbocharger architecture. The difference is in tuning, boost pressure, and internal components.

Standard-Output Hurricane: Built for Work and Daily Driving

The standard-output Hurricane powers base and mid-level trims across the Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer lineup. This version is tuned for smooth, predictable power delivery and strong low-end torque.

Power output is competitive with the V8 engines it replaces. Torque arrives early and stays flat across the rev range, making towing and merging effortless. Fuel economy improves compared to the old V8, especially in mixed driving.

The SO Hurricane uses lower boost pressure than the HO version, reducing stress on internal components and allowing longer service intervals. It runs on regular fuel, lowering operating costs, and pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Towing capacity depends on the vehicle, but the SO Hurricane handles typical truck and SUV duties without strain. It is the right choice for buyers who need capability without paying for performance they will not use.

High-Output Hurricane: Maximum Power and Capability

The high-output Hurricane powers top-tier trims like the Ram 1500 TRX, Jeep Grand Cherokee performance models, and Wagoneer variants that prioritize speed and capability over fuel economy.

This version runs higher boost pressure and uses upgraded internal components to handle extra stress. Power and torque figures exceed most naturally aspirated V8s. The HO Hurricane is tuned for aggressive throttle response and sustained high-speed performance.

The HO version requires premium fuel to deliver full power output. Running regular fuel reduces power output as the computer pulls timing to prevent knock. Fuel economy takes a hit compared to the SO version, but remains better than the V8 engines it replaces.

The HO Hurricane pairs with the same eight-speed automatic, but with more aggressive tuning. Shifts happen faster, and the transmission holds gears longer under hard acceleration.

How the Twin-Turbo Setup Works

The Hurricane uses two small turbochargers in a twin-scroll design, with each turbo feeding three cylinders. This reduces turbo lag and improves throttle response compared to a single large turbo.

The turbos are mounted close to the exhaust ports, reducing the distance exhaust gases travel before spinning the turbine. An electronic wastegate controls boost pressure based on throttle input, engine speed, and load.

An air-to-air intercooler cools compressed air before it enters the combustion chamber. Cooler air is denser, allowing the engine to make more power without increasing boost pressure.

The intercooler is mounted in the front of the vehicle for maximum airflow. The twin-turbo setup delivers strong low-end torque without lag. Power builds smoothly from idle to redline, feeling responsive in stop-and-go traffic and pulling hard on the highway.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Efficiency

The Hurricane engine improves fuel economy compared to the V8 engines it replaces. The standard-output version delivers the best efficiency. The high-output version sacrifices some efficiency for power, but remains more efficient than a naturally aspirated V8 with similar output.

Fuel economy depends on the vehicle, drivetrain, and driving style. City driving with frequent stops lowers efficiency. Highway cruising at steady speeds delivers the best numbers. Towing and hauling reduce efficiency, but the Hurricane handles these tasks more efficiently than the old V8.

The engine uses direct fuel injection and variable valve timing to optimize combustion. The twin-turbo setup allows the engine to run at lower RPMs under light load, saving fuel. The eight-speed automatic keeps the engine in its most efficient operating range.

Maintenance and Long-Term Durability

The Hurricane engine is built for long-term durability, designed to handle towing, hauling, and extended highway driving. It uses a cast-iron block and aluminum heads. The twin-turbo system is integrated into the exhaust manifold, reducing potential leak points.

Maintenance intervals follow Stellantis' standard schedule. Oil changes use synthetic oil to handle heat generated by the turbochargers. The turbos are oil-cooled, making regular oil changes critical for long-term reliability.

The high-output version requires premium fuel for full power output.

Running regular fuel reduces performance. The standard-output version runs on regular fuel, lowering operating costs.

The engine is covered by Stellantis' standard warranty, with extended options available. The Hurricane is still relatively new, so long-term reliability data is limited, but early reports suggest the engine is holding up well.

Which Hurricane Engine Is Right for You

The standard-output Hurricane is the right choice for most buyers. It delivers strong performance, good fuel economy, and runs on regular fuel. If you tow occasionally, haul gear, or want a capable engine for daily driving, the SO version will handle everything you need.

The high-output Hurricane is for buyers who want maximum power and capability. If you tow heavy trailers regularly, drive aggressively, or want the fastest version of your truck or SUV, the HO version is worth the premium. Just be prepared to pay for premium fuel and accept slightly lower fuel economy.

Both versions use the same basic architecture, so reliability and maintenance costs should be similar. The main difference is in tuning and fuel requirements.

Why the Hurricane Works for Canadian Drivers

Stellantis built the Hurricane to replace the V8 and deliver better efficiency without sacrificing capability. The twin-turbo inline-six layout delivers strong low-end torque, smooth power delivery, and improved fuel economy. The standard-output version handles daily driving and towing with ease. The high-output version delivers performance that rivals or exceeds the V8 engines it replaces.

The Hurricane powers the current Ram 1500, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Wagoneer lineup. It is built for Canadian roads, Canadian winters, and Canadian drivers who need a truck or SUV that can handle everything from daily commutes to weekend towing.

Visit Capital Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Edmonton to see the Hurricane engine in action.