2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Expert Review
Reviewed by Alex Leanse
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee joins a legendary line of vehicles. Introduced in the early 1990s, the Grand Cherokee became an archetype of what an SUV should be, combining roadgoing refinement with function and off-road capability.
The two-row Grand Cherokee covered here arrived for 2022, aimed at other midsize SUVs including the Toyota 4Runner, Honda Passport, and Subaru Outback.
Explore the three-row Grand Cherokee L here.
What’s New
The Grand Cherokee lineup receives a mid-cycle refresh for the 2026 model year. Updates include:
Basics
- Powerful Hurricane turbocharged four-cylinder engine
- Simplified trim range; Overland and the PHEV’s Anniversary Edition have been discontinued
- Laredo X variant
Exterior
- Revised seven-slot grille, headlight design, rear and lower fascia, and fresh exterior trim finishes
- Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue exterior colors
- Base model adds new 18-inch wheels
Interior
- Larger infotainment screen
- Summit trim adds Oak and Liquid Chrome interior accents
- Grand Cherokee L Laredo Altitude models and above gain third-row USB chargers
What We Think
The Jeep Grand Cherokee stays true to its rugged roots while gaining a touch of polish this year. Big changes come with its 2026 update, making this refresh one to watch.
With its chiseled, handsome looks, the Grand Cherokee could never be mistaken for anything but an SUV. Inside the cabin, the Grand Cherokee presents more stylish design and a decent array of standard features. However, in lower-end configurations the Grand Cherokee’s interior materials feel a bit cheap, and all versions would benefit from upgraded technology, which comes for 2026.
On the road, the Grand Cherokee moves with weighty, assured manners, meaning the SUV always feels substantial. If you want quick steering and a lightweight feel, look elsewhere. Crucially, the 2026 Grand Cherokee is also ready to venture off the beaten path.
That said, its aging V-6 is overdue for replacement with something more modern and efficient—exactly what the new Hurricane turbo-four is expected to provide. We look forward to testing the refreshed Grand Cherokee with its new, power-dense small engine.
Top-Ranked Competitors:
MotorTrend Tested
For 2026, Jeep introduces a third available powertrain capable of towing up to 6,200 pounds. That’s the same maximum as the V-6 and less than the discontinued V-8’s 7,200-pound rating, but still slightly better than the plug-in hybrid’s 6,000-pound limit.
Pentastar V-6
- Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
- Engine: 3.6-liter V-6
- Horsepower/Torque: 293 hp/260 lb-ft
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): 7.3 seconds
Hurricane Turbo-4
- Drivetrain: RWD or 4WD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo-four
- Horsepower/Torque: 324 hp/332 lb-ft
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): 5.5 seconds (est.)
4xe Plug-In Hybrid
- Drivetrain: 4WD
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbo-four and motors
- Horsepower/Torque: 375 hp/470 lb-ft
- Acceleration (0–60 mph): 6.0 seconds
MPGs and Range
Most Grand Cherokee with the V-6 return 19/26 mpg city/highway, including RWD and 4WD standard wheelbase models and the long wheelbase Grand Cherokee L RWD. L variants with 4WD get slightly less, 18/25 mpg.
Jeep hasn’t announced fuel economy figures yet for the new Hurricane turbo-4, but it has revealed a driving range, 506 miles, identical to the range for the V-6 standard wheelbase variants. The company also says its boosted SUV will come with a 23-gallon tank like other pure-gas models. Range is a little less for heavier long-wheelbase versions, 483 miles.
As for the PHEV, it boasts 56 mpg-e combined and up to 470 miles of range, which includes 26 miles of electric-only driving.
Safety Features
Active Driving Assist returns this year, Jeep’s available hands-free driving technology. Standard driver assists with the base model include:
- Lane keeping
- Rear parking sensors
- Blind-spot monitor
- Rear cross-traffic monitor
- Automatic emergency braking
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Interior space in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is comfortable, but others offer more room for people and their stuff.
The Three-Row Grand Cherokee
For additional passenger and cargo space, Jeep builds the Grand Cherokee L. As the letter in its name implies, the Grand Cherokee L has a longer wheelbase that accommodates a third row to seat up to seven passengers.
Otherwise, the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L provide essentially identical features, hardware, and driving manners. See more about the Jeep Grand Cherokee L here.
Technology
Infotainment
Screen size increases in the 2026 Grand Cherokee. Instead of the 8.4-inch base touchscreen or the 10.1-inch upgrade from last year, the Jeep gets the 12.3-inch unit from the Wagoneer S. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto remain included.
A 10.3-inch driver display comes standard, while a 10.1-inch touchscreen for the front passenger is available as an option. Both rows include USB ports, and higher trims add a wireless charging pad.
Sound System
The base setup is expected to include six speakers, while upgraded systems lose one speaker compared to last year. A nine-speaker Alpine system comes with the midgrade Limited model, and the top Summit trim offers a model-specific 19-speaker McIntosh setup.
Available Upgrades
A rear-facing FamCAM is available on all 2026 Grand Cherokee models, letting drivers keep an eye on backseat passengers, and for the first time Jeep’s Selec-Terrain 4x4 system is available with the base model. Stepping up from the base Laredo, the Limited trim adds heated second-row seats and ambient lighting. The Limited Reserve builds on that with Nappa leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, a digital rearview mirror, and an off-road camera. At the top of the range, the Summit trim enhances luxury with Palermo leather, a suede headliner, massaging front seats, and a 4WD system paired with air suspension.
Value
Standard Features
Every model delivers strong performance, decent acceleration, and a respectable driving range. This year, the tech roster grows with a larger standard infotainment touchscreen and a full suite of driver-assist features. And, true to Jeep tradition, the Grand Cherokee is always ready for adventure off the beaten path.
The Grand Cherokee’s (Small) Hurricane
The 2026 Grand Cherokee debuts Stellantis’ new 2.0-liter Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, delivering both plenty of output and solid driving range. Featuring advanced Turbulent Jet Ignition technology (similar to that in the stunning Maserati MC20) it achieves cleaner, more efficient combustion without sacrificing power. A variable-geometry turbocharger ensures strong low-end response, with improved fuel economy and a 6,200-pound towing capacity.
