Rumors of the 2026 Jeep Wrangler 392's Demise Were Greatly Exaggerated
The most powerful Wrangler's return isn't the only news: The 392 engine might be extended elsewhere in the Jeep lineup.
When the Jeep Wrangler 392 was scheduled to end production due to the demise of the Hemi V-8, we admit we shed a tear alongside those of Jeep fans. The six-figure Wrangler was beloved by enthusiasts and owners alike, and, despite obviously poor fuel mileage, it was a genuinely a great off-roading and trail-conquering SUV. And it was always fantastic to listen to the Hemi engine open up and power the Wrangler away from a stop. Well, Hemi Jeep fanatics, Stellantis has heard you and it appears that the Wrangler 392 has gotten its reprieve from the executioner’s block. It may also bring the iconic 392 engine to more models beyond the equally iconic Wrangler.
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According to The Drive, Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf, speaking at a briefing, said, “Wrangler and Gladiator fans, and Hemi fans in general, don’t worry. We got you.” He went on to mention that the “6.4-liter Hemi V-8 will have a home at Jeep.” For anyone enthusiastic about Jeeps and the Hemi, this is news they have been waiting for. While it might cost them more than $100,000 to own one, the Jeep Wrangler 392 is returning and there might be more 392 models on the way, including the Gladiator.
We reached out to Stellantis to try and confirm the news about the 392 and which Jeeps that might get it, especially the Gladiator, which desperately needs a shot in the arm. For the moment, Jeep would only confirm the Wrangler 392 heading back to dealers. “We have simply not confirmed 392 for Gladiator,” they said—despite what you can read between the lines of what Broderdorf said—but “we did say more power was coming and that Hemi fans would be happy. Nothing beyond that.” It’s definitely an exciting time for Jeep, Ram, and Hemi fans. The Ram 1500 gets a Hemi, the Ram 1500 TRX gets a Hemi, the Jeep Wrangler gets a Hemi, everyone gets a Hemi.
Having experience in many forms of the automotive industry, Justin Banner has done more than just write about cars. For more than 15 years, he's had experience working as an automotive service technician—including a stint as a Virginia State Inspector—service advisor, parts sales, and aftermarket parts technical advisor (a fancy way of saying he helped you on the phone when you had trouble fitting your brakes over your aftermarket wheels and the like). Prior to his tenure as a full-time editor, Justin worked as a freelance writer and photographer for various publications and as an automotive content creator on YouTube. He’s also covered multiple forms of motorsports ranging from Formula Drift, drag racing, and time attack, to NASCAR, short course off-roading, and open desert racing. He's best known for breaking down complex technical concepts so a layperson can more easily understand why technologies, repairs, and parts should matter to them. At MotorTrend, Justin is part of the news team covering breaking news and topics while also working as a judge for MotorTrend Of the Year events and other major comparison tests.
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