Exhaust Guide
Best Exhausts for the
2011 – 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2: Every Cat-Back & Axle-Back Compared
A complete comparison of cat-back and axle-back exhaust systems for the 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 — covering the 3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi, and 6.4L SRT. Sound profiles, materials, pipe diameter, pricing, and fitment notes from AWE, Flowmaster, Borla, aFe, MagnaFlow, CORSA, and Gibson.
At a Glance
Quick Comparison — Cat-Backs
| Brand / Kit | Sound Profile | Pipe | Material | Fits | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flowmaster Force II | Moderate | 2.5" | 409 SS | 3.6L |
|
SHOP → |
| Borla Cat-Back | Touring | 2.5" | 304 SS | 5.7L Hemi |
|
SHOP → |
| AWE Touring | Drone-Free | 3" | 304 SS | 6.4L SRT / Trackhawk |
|
SHOP → |
| aFe Mach Force | Aggressive | 3" | 304 SS | 6.4L SRT |
|
SHOP → |
| MagnaFlow Street Series | Moderate | 2.5" | 304 SS | 5.7L Hemi | $2,036 | SHOP → |
| CORSA Sport | Sport | 2.5" | 304 SS | 5.7L Hemi |
|
SHOP → |
| Borla ATAK Cat-Back | ATAK | 2.75" | 304 SS | 6.4L SRT |
|
SHOP → |
At a Glance
Quick Comparison — Axle-Backs
Important
What to Know Before You Buy
Cat-Back vs Axle-Back
A cat-back replaces the mid-pipe and mufflers from the catalytic converter back — full performance gain, improved flow. An axle-back replaces mufflers and tips only — lower cost, easier install, less performance gain.
Sound Profile & Drone
Aggressive systems can drone at cruise. CORSA RSC®, Borla Touring/S-Type, and Borla ATAK (tuned) reduce cabin drone. Research sound clips before buying.
Engine-Specific Fitment
WK2 fitment varies by engine: 3.6L V6, 5.7L Hemi, and 6.4L SRT. Flowmaster 817628 and Gibson axle-backs target 3.6L; Borla, CORSA, MagnaFlow offer 5.7L and 6.4L SRT systems. Verify your engine before ordering.
Emissions & Warranty
Cat-back and axle-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters, so they’re 50-state emissions legal. Borla offers Million-Mile Warranty; Gibson has Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Flowmaster Force II Cat-Back Exhaust (REAR): Jeep Grand Cherokee (11–22) w/ Hardware
Flowmaster Force II is the most affordable cat-back for the 3.6L WK2. Super 50 Series muffler, tuned resonators, 2.5-inch mandrel-bent 409 stainless. Single rear exit with 4-inch polished tip. Fits 2011–2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.6L (including 2022 WK).
Dyno-tested up to 11 HP and 15 lb-ft at the rear wheels. Moderate tone — sporty under acceleration, subdued at cruise. Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Pros
- Best value for 3.6L
- 409 SS; Lifetime Limited Warranty
- Fits 2011–2022 3.6L
Cons
- 3.6L only (5.7L/6.4L have separate systems)
- 409 SS (not 304)
Borla Cat-Back Exhaust: Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi 2011 – 2021
Borla Cat-Back delivers a mellow Touring sound with no interior drone. 2.5-inch T-304 stainless, Merge X-Pipe, single 4-inch round polished tips per muffler. Fits 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi (reusable factory tips). Million-Mile Warranty.
Straight-through multi-core technology improves exhaust velocity, throttle response, and fuel efficiency. Works with factory skid plate. Ideal for daily drivers who want a refined exhaust note without highway drone.
Pros
- Touring sound; no cabin drone
- 304 SS; Million-Mile Warranty
- Fits 11–21 5.7L Hemi
Cons
- Mellow tone; not aggressive
- 5.7L only
aFe Mach Force Exhaust System: Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT 2012 – 2021
aFe MACH Force delivers verified +21 HP and +35 lb-ft on the dyno. 3-inch mandrel-bent stainless, dual high-flow mufflers, X-pipe balance tube. Fits 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT8. Retains factory exhaust tips.
Aggressive yet refined tone. X-pipe reduces drone. Direct bolt-on. Best value for 6.4L SRT owners seeking proven power gains.
Pros
- Dyno-verified +21 HP / +35 lb-ft
- 3-inch mandrel-bent; 304 SS
- 2012–2021 6.4L SRT8
Cons
- 6.4L SRT only
- Retains factory tips (no tip upgrade)
AWE Touring Cat-Back Exhaust: Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT & 6.2L Trackhawk 2012 – 2021
AWE Touring Edition delivers a drone-free soundtrack for 6.4L SRT and 6.2L Trackhawk Grand Cherokee. Full 3-inch straight-through 304 stainless, precision H-pipe, 180 Technology® resonator. Reuses OEM tips. USA-made with lifetime warranty.
Fits 2012–2021 6.4L SRT and 2018–2021 6.2L Trackhawk. Deep, rich tone under acceleration; zero drone at cruise. Direct bolt-on.
Pros
- 180 Technology®; drone-free
- 304 SS; USA-made; lifetime warranty
- 6.4L SRT and Trackhawk fitment
Cons
- Reuses OEM tips (no tip upgrade)
- 6.4L/Trackhawk only
MagnaFlow Exhaust System: Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi 2011 – 2022
MagnaFlow Street Series delivers a smooth, resonant tone with moderate exterior and mild interior sound levels. 2.5-inch mandrel-bent stainless, three straight-through mufflers. Dual split rear exit with 4-inch polished or 3.5-inch black tips.
Direct-fit design with extensive 3D scanning. CNC precision manufacturing. 1-year limited finish warranty, lifetime construction warranty.
Pros
- 304 stainless; distinctive tone
- Moderate exterior / mild interior
- 11–22 5.7L Hemi
Cons
- 5.7L only
- Premium price
CORSA Sport Cat-Back Exhaust (Polished): Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L Hemi 2011 – 2021
CORSA Sport delivers +12 dB over stock under acceleration with drone-free interior thanks to RSC® Technology. 2.5-inch 304L stainless, straight-through design. Dual 4.5-inch Pro-Series polished tips. 13-pound weight savings over stock.
50-state emissions legal. Bolt-on installation. Premium choice for 5.7L owners who want aggressive sound without cabin drone.
Pros
- RSC® Technology; no drone
- 304 SS; 13-lb weight savings
- 11–21 5.7L Hemi
Cons
- Premium price
- 5.7L only
Borla ATAK Cat-Back Exhaust: Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT 2012 – 2021
Borla ATAK delivers the most aggressive tone in the lineup with no interior drone. 2.75-inch T-304 stainless, Merge X-Pipe, dual 5-inch round rolled angle-cut tips. Fits 2012–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT8. Convertible to S-Type with Borla Resonator Kit #60634.
Mandrel-bent tubing, CNC-manufactured precision fit. Million-Mile Warranty. Best for SRT owners who want maximum sound.
Pros
- ATAK tone; no cabin drone
- 304 SS; Merge X-Pipe
- 12–21 6.4L SRT8
Cons
- 6.4L SRT only
- Premium price
Gibson Stainless Steel 2.25in Axle-Back Dual Exhaust: Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011–2020
Gibson Axle-Back Dual fits 2011–2020 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory dual exhaust. 2.25-inch mandrel-bent 304 SS, Superflow™ CFT muffler, black ceramic stainless round slash-cut tips. Fits Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, Trailhawk, and more.
Dyno-tuned for improved horsepower. Aggressive yet refined tone. Lifetime Limited Warranty.
Pros
- Best value dual axle-back
- 304 SS; 2011–2020
- Wide trim coverage
Cons
- Requires factory dual exhaust
- 3.6L/5.7L (not 6.4L SRT)
Borla Axle-Back Exhaust S-Type: Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT8 2012 – 2014
Borla S-Type Axle-Back delivers a refined yet powerful tone with no harsh cabin resonance. 5-inch bright chrome T-304 tips. Fits 2011–2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT8 (product description; some listings may show 2012–2014). Million-Mile Warranty.
Straight-through multi-core technology. Direct bolt-on. Ideal for SRT8 owners who want improved sound without excessive volume.
Pros
- S-Type tone; no harsh resonance
- 304 SS; Million-Mile Warranty
- 6.4L SRT8
Cons
- 6.4L SRT8 only
- Less aggressive than ATAK
Borla Axle-Back Exhaust ATAK: Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT8 2012 – 2014
Borla ATAK Axle-Back delivers the most aggressive exterior sound with a cabin devoid of harsh resonance. 5-inch bright chrome T-304 tips. Fits 2012–2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 6.4L SRT8. Million-Mile Warranty.
Acoustically-Tuned Applied Kinetics (ATAK®) technology. Straight-through multi-core. Best for SRT8 owners who want maximum sound from an axle-back.
Pros
- ATAK tone; no harsh cabin resonance
- 304 SS; Million-Mile Warranty
- 6.4L SRT8
Cons
- 6.4L SRT8 only
- 2012–2014 (verify fitment for 2015–2021)
Fitment Reference
Which Kits Fit Your Trim?
| Trim / Engine | Flowmaster | Borla CB | aFe | AWE | MagnaFlow | CORSA | Borla ATAK CB | Gibson AB | Borla AB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.6L V6 | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 5.7L Hemi | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ |
| 6.4L SRT8 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
✓ = Confirmed • ✗ = Excluded
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between cat-back and axle-back exhausts?
A cat-back replaces the mid-pipe and mufflers from the catalytic converter back. An axle-back replaces mufflers and tips only. Cat-back = more performance gain; axle-back = lower cost, easier install.
Will an aftermarket exhaust void my warranty?
Cat-back and axle-back systems install behind the factory catalytic converters and do not affect emissions equipment. They generally do not void the vehicle warranty. Check with your dealer if concerned.
Do exhaust systems add horsepower?
Yes. Cat-back systems reduce backpressure and improve exhaust flow. aFe MACH Force reports +21 HP / +35 lb-ft on the dyno. Axle-backs offer modest gains. Expect 5–20 HP depending on the system.
What causes exhaust drone and how do I avoid it?
Drone is resonance at certain RPMs that amplifies inside the cabin. CORSA RSC®, Borla Touring/S-Type, and Borla ATAK (tuned) reduce cabin drone. Research sound clips before buying.
I have a 6.4L SRT8. What are my options?
Cat-backs: aFe MACH Force, Borla ATAK. Axle-backs: Borla S-Type, Borla ATAK. The 6.4L SRT8 has the strongest aftermarket support.
304 vs 409 stainless steel: which is better?
304 stainless is more corrosion-resistant and premium. 409 stainless is budget-friendly and still durable. For salt climates or long-term ownership, 304 SS is the better choice.
Ready to Upgrade Your Jeep Grand Cherokee WK2 Exhaust?
Compare cat-backs and axle-backs above, pick the right fit for your engine and trim, and order with confidence. Need help? Contact us.
