How much horsepower does a 5.9 Dodge Magnum have?
The 5.9 Dodge Magnum refers to the 5.9-liter (360 cubic inch) Magnum V8 used in Dodge trucks, minivans, and some Jeeps during the 1990s and early 2000s. In most late-1990s to early-2000s applications, it produced about 245 horsepower, though exact figures varied with year, vehicle, and emission regulations. This article breaks down what that means and how the output changed over time.
What is the 5.9 Dodge Magnum?
The 5.9 Magnum is part of Chrysler's Magnum family, a designation used for several V8 engines that delivered more torque for trucks and utility vehicles. The 5.9, or the 360 cid engine, is the larger displacement member of that family and was commonly found in Dodge Ram pickups, the Dodge Dakota, and select Jeep models. While the core displacement remained the same, horsepower and torque depended on fuel system (carbureted vs. multi-point fuel injection), emissions equipment, and specific model tuning.
Horsepower overview by era
The following list highlights typical horsepower ranges associated with the 5.9 Magnum across its production timeline. These figures reflect common factory ratings and can vary by market, trim, and exact configuration.
- 1992–1993 (early Magnum, often carbureted): roughly 210–230 horsepower
- 1994–1997 (switch to more modern fuel injection): roughly 230–235 horsepower
- 1998–2003 (widely used in Ram trucks and Jeeps, MPFI and stricter emissions): around 245 horsepower
Across these years, torque remained substantial, typically in the 340–360 lb-ft range, helping with towing and heavy-duty performance that owners expected from a 5.9-liter V8.
Implications for common applications
For most buyers and enthusiasts, the 5.9 Magnum’s horsepower is most closely associated with drivers of Dodge Ram 1500/2500/3500 and era-appropriate Jeeps that used the Power Tech 5.9 engine. In these applications, the engine’s strength was less about peak horsepower and more about broad, usable low- to mid-range torque, which aided acceleration with heavy loads and pulled trailers. If you’re evaluating a specific truck or Jeep, the exact horsepower can vary by year and by whether optional performance packages or emissions controls were installed.
To recap, the 5.9 Magnum’s widely cited figure is approximately 245 horsepower in the late-1990s to early-2000s era, with earlier carbureted versions delivering somewhat less and later, emission-conscious versions maintaining around the same overall output. Always check the exact VIN-specific or model-specific rating for a precise number on a given vehicle.
Common models that used the 5.9 Magnum
Below are typical vehicles that carried the 5.9 Magnum and the ballpark horsepower you might expect from them. If you own one of these, the factory sticker or owner's manual can confirm the precise rating for your vehicle’s year and configuration.
- Dodge Ram pickups (1992–2003): commonly around 245 hp
- Dodge Dakota (1992–2004): typically in the 230–245 hp range
- Jeep Grand Cherokee (WJ, 1999–2004): around 245 hp
These figures reflect widely cited factory ratings and may vary with market-specific calibrations or optional performance packages. For exact numbers, consult the vehicle’s original window sticker or a reliable legacy-spec reference for the specific year and trim.
Summary
The 5.9 Dodge Magnum is most commonly associated with about 245 horsepower, delivered by the 360 cubic inch V8 in late-1990s to early-2000s Dodge Ram trucks, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and related models. Earlier configurations with carburetion and certain emission setups delivered a bit less, while later, more emissions-conscious versions maintained roughly the same overall output. For anyone evaluating a specific vehicle, the best approach is to verify the exact horsepower rating on the year-and-model’s documentation or a trusted database, since numbers can shift slightly by market and configuration.
