Jeep Grand Cherokee Review 2026: New Turbo, Same Soul

from the experts at Invoice Pricing

2026

Jeep

Grand Cherokee

Enhanced | Jeep | SUV

In this Jeep Grand Cherokee Review, we look at what changed for the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and whether it still delivers that rare mix of daily comfort and real trail credibility. The update leans into more modern cabin tech and adds an available Hurricane turbo-four for drivers who want extra punch without stepping into the plug-in-hybrid 4xe. Underneath the polish, it is still the same core idea: an SUV that feels composed on the highway, looks upscale in the driveway, and can legitimately handle dirt when the weekend plans get ambitious.

Since the early 1990s, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been the best mid-size SUV for people who want to go off-road and look good on the road. This formula is still used in the 2026 model, which features three different four-wheel-drive systems, a luxurious cabin full of technology and comfort features, and a smooth ride on the road.

The main engine is a V-6, but this year, a 324-hp turbocharged four-cylinder has been added for more speed. The base Laredo models are reasonably priced, look good, and offer many features beyond the essentials. For ease and style, do you want something that can compete with expensive SUVs? With the top-of-the-line Summit trim, that is possible, but it costs a lot more.

Pro Tip: Jeep also sells the Grand Cherokee 4xe, a plug-in hybrid, and the Grand Cherokee L, a three-row SUV. We’ll talk about those cars separately.

What's New?

The Grand Cherokee will get a small redesign in 2026. It will get a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine option, a larger touchscreen inside, and changes to the front and rear ends. The new turbo-four engine from Stellantis’ Hurricane family delivers 324 horsepower, 31 more than the regular V-6. All models now come with a larger 12.3-inch touchscreen for entertainment, and a new 10.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger is available as an option.

Infotainment and Connectivity

A 12.3-inch touchscreen is now standard for infotainment, and Jeep offers an optional 10.3-inch passenger-side display for easier navigation and media control. Connectivity covers the basics you would expect, including Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay, with available in-dash navigation that adds real-time traffic and weather. Audio starts with a six-speaker setup on lower trims, while buyers can step up to a nine-speaker Alpine system or a 19-speaker McIntosh upgrade on higher trims.

Price and How to Choose

You can get the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee for anywhere from $40,730 to $62,585, depending on the options you choose.

You can get the new turbo four-cylinder engine if you go up to at least the Laredo Altitude grade. But the Limited Reserve is the best Grand Cherokee you can buy.It has 20-inch wheels, a digital rearview mirror, Nappa leather seats, a panoramic sunroof, and heated or cooled front seats.

Engine and Performance

There are two engines: a 3.6-liter V-6 with 293 horsepower and a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 324 horsepower.
Automatic transmission with eight speeds.
There are three types of drivetrains: all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive, and rear-wheel drive.

Most Grand Cherokee models feature a 3.6-liter V-6 engine that makes 293 horsepower. It now has a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 324 horsepower. Each engine comes with an automatic drive with eight speeds. Along with the basic rear-wheel-drive model, three all-wheel-drive models can go off-road in different ways. One tire can send all its power to a single wheel with good grip.

All Grand Cherokees are very calm and ride very smoothly on the road, but the higher-level ones with air springs and adjustable dampers are the most so.

This car takes 7.4 seconds to test at 60 mph.

The hybrid 4xe type, which is considered separately, is the Grand Cherokee, which is the fastest. It takes 5.3 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph and 13.9 seconds to go a quarter mile at 100 mph.

Fuel Economy

At 75 mph on the highway, the V-6 Summit gets 22 mpg.
City rate from the EPA (V-6): 19 mpg.
EPA number for the highway (V-6): 26 mpg.

If you choose rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the V-6-powered Grand Cherokee gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is about average for a mid-size SUV. At 75 mph on the highway, our test car got 22 mpg.

The EPA hasn’t released fuel-economy numbers yet, and we haven’t had a chance to test the Grand Cherokee with the turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Visit the EPA’s website to learn more about how fuel-efficient the Grand Cherokee is.

Safety Features

Basic driver-assist features include blind-spot monitoring, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. You can still choose not to use more advanced technology, like adaptive speed control with lane centering.

Automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are all standard safety features on every car.
You can choose to have adaptive cruise control and lane-centering as safety measures.

Visit the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) websites to learn more about the Grand Cherokee’s crash test findings.

Cargo and Towing Capacity

First Row:

The more expensive Limited and Summit models feature better leather seats, open-pore wood trim, and high-tech digital displays, while the base Laredo models offer only the basics.

Second Row:

The back seats have plenty of room for folks’ heads and legs. Three across will be tight for adults, but kids should fit just fine. If you want a third row, you can choose the Grand Cherokee L, which we review separately. The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, is only a two-row SUV.

Cargo Capacity:

We fit 13 carry-on bags in the Grand Cherokee’s large trunk behind the back seat during our tests. When the back seats were folded down, we could fit 28 carry-on bags.

Towing Capacity:

Tow up to 6200 pounds.

The 6200-pound towing capacity is slightly higher than competitors like the Toyota 4Runner’s, but it is lower than the Jeep Wrangler’s.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Balanced ride that feels calm and upscale on the highway, especially with the available air suspension.
Real off-road hardware and multiple 4×4 systems, not just rugged styling.
Wide trim range, from value-focused Laredo to genuinely premium Summit models.
Fresh tech upgrades for 2026, including a larger standard touchscreen and an available passenger display.
Strong towing capability for the class when properly equipped.

Cons

V6 models can feel only “fine” for acceleration if you are expecting a sporty pace.
The new turbo-four is tied to higher trims, so you may pay more just to get the quicker engine.
Pricing climbs fast once you add luxury packages, and the top trims can feel expensive for the segment.
Two-row layout only, so shoppers who need a third row have to move to the Grand Cherokee L.
Some desirable features are bundled into option groups rather than being standard, where you might expect them.

Do not guess on price, especially with Jeep packages that add up fast. Check invoice pricing through our form and walk in knowing what a fair offer looks like for your exact build.

How do I choose the right 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee trim and powertrain for my needs?

Start with what you will do most often. If your driving is mostly commuting and road trips, the standard 3.6-liter V6 is the straightforward choice, and it returns EPA-estimated fuel economy of around 19 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, depending on drivetrain. If you want noticeably quicker response, the new 324-hp Hurricane turbo-four is the step up, but it requires moving to at least the Laredo Altitude trim. Next, decide on capability: the Grand Cherokee is available with rear-wheel drive and multiple 4×4 systems, so choose 4×4 if you actually plan to tackle snow, trails, or rough access roads. For comfort, higher trims with available air suspension and adjustable dampers feel the most polished on pavement. If towing is a concern, look for configurations rated up to 6,200 pounds and make sure your build matches that rating. Space is simple: this Grand Cherokee is a two-row SUV, so if you need a third row, you should be looking at the Grand Cherokee L instead. Finally, prioritize the cabin tech and convenience you will use daily, since 2026 brings a larger standard 12.3-inch touchscreen and offers an optional 10.3-inch passenger display, while driver-assist basics like automatic emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring are standard, with adaptive cruise and lane-centering available if you want more help on long drives.