Jeep Grand Cherokee Adds V-6 Diesel Option

Chrysler Group LLC is offering the North American version of its 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with variant of the 3.0-liter V-6 diesel it debuted last year in European versions of the SUV.

The 240-hp diesel makes 420 lb-ft of torque compared with 390 lb-ft produced by the Grand Cherokee's optional 360-hp 5.7-liter V-8 gasoline engine. Both powerplants offer the same 7,400-lb towing capacity.

The new diesel is produced in Ferrara, Italy, by VM Motori, a joint venture between General Motors and Chrysler owner Fiat. The North American version of the V-6 diesel has been modified to reduce emissions and boost fuel economy, according to vehicle line executive Ray Durham. Updates include higher-pressure injectors, a high-pressure fuel pump, a water-cooled turbo and changes in the piston design. Emission controls include cooled EGR, an oxidation catalyst, a particulate filter and urea injection.

Chrysler expects the new diesel to earn a U.S. government fuel economy rating of 30 mpg on the highway. That compares with 25 mpg for the base 290-hp, 3.6-liter V-6 gasoline engine and 21 mpg for the 5.7-liter V-8. All three engines will be mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission from ZF Friedrichshafen AG.

The new diesel lead the list of several mid-cycle upgrades to the popular Jeep model. Chrysler also is adding design tweaks and an expanded list of technology options.