Stellantis offers a four-cylinder full hybrid system that produces over 200 horsepower in the US-market Jeep Cherokee. Yet, this powertrain is currently not available in the group’s main European SUVs, which mainly rely on smaller, less powerful hybrid engines.
Why Europe Misses Stellantis’ Stronger Full Hybrid
The full hybrid setup in question pairs a 1.6-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined output of 210 hp (about 213 PS). This system, designed to manage energy recovery and battery charging without needing to plug in, is already in use in the Jeep Cherokee sold in the US.
Despite the clear presence of this technology, popular European SUVs from Stellantis brands like Peugeot 3008 and 5008, Citroën C5 Aircross, Opel Grandland, and DS models still rely mainly on a 145-hp 1.2-liter full hybrid engine. In Europe, plug-in hybrids and fully electric cars have become the preferred choices for those seeking more powerful electrified options.
Benefits of a More Powerful Non-Plug-In Hybrid
A more powerful full hybrid engine could appeal to drivers who want better performance than the current small hybrids, but prefer not to worry about charging routines associated with plug-in hybrids or electric vehicles. Such drivers often cover longer distances with passengers and cargo and value the convenience of conventional refueling.
In the US, the Cherokee’s full hybrid system returns an estimated fuel consumption equivalent to 6.4 liters per 100 kilometers (about 37 mpg combined in US figures) and a range of over 800 kilometers on a single tank. This shows the practical endurance of Stellantis’ 210-hp hybrid setup, highlighting what European drivers miss out on.
Challenges to Bringing the System to Europe
Integrating this stronger hybrid system into European models is not straightforward. It would require significant investment to adapt the powertrain to different vehicle architectures and complete regulatory approvals. Earlier analysis suggests that Stellantis is unlikely to import the American version directly to Europe.
There are also rumors about a possible future 1.2-liter full hybrid with unknown specs for European markets. However, the idea of a 1.6-liter hybrid family delivering around 200 to 250 hp remains speculative and not confirmed by Stellantis.
For now, Stellantis holds a technically proven hybrid system with over 200 hp, demonstrated by the Jeep Cherokee, but there is no official word on when or if this powertrain will appear in Europe.
Source: clubalfa.it