by Updated 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: New Engine and Familiar Luxury
The Jeep Grand Cherokee debuted nearly 35 years ago and ended 2025 as the brand’s best-selling vehicle. This is not surprising, as it offers an attractive combination of comfort, space, and capability.
This statement remains true for the 2026 model year, but Jeep has changed some key components. Most notably, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine has been replaced by an all-new turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine in most trims. However, the company didn’t stop there, giving the mid-size SUV a minor facelift and new technologies.
Quick Facts
Subtle Exterior Update
The fifth-generation Grand Cherokee debuted in 2021 and still looks good. With that in mind, designers didn’t mess with success, so the exterior changes are relatively minor and easy to miss.
However, the crossover gets a new seven-slot grille that echoes the one on the smaller Cherokee. It is complemented by updated headlights and a front bumper. The latter features a new central air intake and larger side openings.
Photo: Michael Gauthier/Carscoops
The modest changes continue further back with updated wheel designs and new trim options. Buyers will also find new colors known as Copper Shino, Fathom Blue, and Steel Blue.
While these changes are easy to overlook, the 2026 Grand Cherokee gets a completely new rear bumper without cutouts for the exhaust system. This gives it a cleaner, but less aggressive, look.
An Interior That Luxury Brands Should Study
The automotive industry seems to have entered the dark ages of interior design, as too many companies use black cabins with glossy black plastic and massive screens. Instead of conveying a sense of modern luxury, they often feel cold and clinical.
This is certainly not the case with our top-of-the-line Grand Cherokee Summit, whose interior is worthy of luxury brands. The cabin is immediately inviting thanks to stylish Palermo leather seats and light Absolute Oak wood trim. They are complemented by stylish metallic accents, diamond-stitched door panels, and just the right amount of glossy black plastic.
Wherever you look, it’s clear that someone paid attention to the smallest details. Nearly every surface is covered in leather or soft-touch plastic, and numerous components feature faux stitching that enhances their appearance.
Photo: Michael Gauthier/Carscoops
Drivers sit behind a vibrant 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster that offers numerous display options, from classic gauges to a full map. It is joined by an all-new standard 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 infotainment system, which comes standard starting with the Laredo Altitude trim.
It replaces last year’s 10.1-inch display and is accompanied by new toggle switches. The system is fast, responsive, and easy to use. Jeep also provides dedicated buttons and knobs for frequently used functions such as the climate control system and the heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats. Lower trims retain the relatively small 8.4-inch Uconnect 5 display.
Speaking of screens, our test vehicle was equipped with a 10.25-inch front passenger display. These have become relatively common on luxury vehicles but often look like an aftermarket add-on. In the Grand Cherokee, this is not the case: the display is harmoniously integrated into the cabin.
This is good news, but the screen doesn’t live up to its potential, as there is no YouTube or Netflix integration. Instead, video can only be played via a USB flash drive or HDMI connection, as if we were in the early 2000s.
Users can also connect Bluetooth headphones and listen to the radio. Of course, most people would prefer to use their smartphone and stream music.
Other features are also not impressive, but there are navigation and camera view options. The former allows passengers to act as co-pilots and send destinations to the main infotainment system.
Aside from the mediocre features, the display is dim and highly reflective during the day. This is not the best combination, but the front passenger display is standard on the Summit.
Photo: Michael Gauthier/Carscoops
Fortunately, the premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system is much better. I’m not an audiophile, but it sounds amazing, and you’ll immediately miss it when you switch to another car. Features include four woofers in the doors, a rear 10-inch subwoofer, and round dashboard speakers with integrated tweeters. The system also features stylish metal grilles with backlit logos.
Setting the tech aside, the Grand Cherokee has supportive front seats with 12-way power adjustment and memory on both sides. They remain comfortable for hours and offer five massage modes, each with three intensity levels.
Second-row passengers don’t feel like second-class citizens, as there’s a comfortable bench seat with an adjustable backrest and a drop-down center armrest with cupholders. More importantly, the top trim features four-zone automatic climate control, as well as heated and ventilated rear seats. Passengers also get two USB-C charging ports and a 115-volt outlet.
This is quite impressive, and the good news doesn’t end there: the second row offers 971 mm of legroom. This journalist, who is 188 cm tall, also found plenty of headroom, even with the panoramic glass roof.
Speaking of space, the Grand Cherokee can hold 1068 liters of cargo behind the rear seats. This volume can be expanded to 2005 liters by folding the second row, but there is no power-folding option, which is a bit disappointing given the $66,585 price tag.
If you need more space, you can always opt for the Grand Cherokee L. It has a power-folding third row and a maximum cargo capacity of 2396 liters. However, this trails competitors like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride.
A Turbocharged Heart
Under the hood, the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 continues to be used in the base Laredo and Laredo X trims. It produces 293 hp and 352 Nm of torque, and drivers can expect fuel economy of up to 19 mpg city, 26 highway, and 22 combined.
This brings us to the biggest news for 2026, namely the arrival of the turbocharged 2.0-liter Hurricane four-cylinder engine. It uses turbulent jet ignition technology, which “uses a spark plug to ignite a small amount of fuel in a cup-shaped pre-chamber above each cylinder. The burning fuel expands and jets into the combustion chamber, causing faster and more complete combustion of the air-fuel mixture, resulting in better performance and fuel efficiency.”
The engine operates on the Miller cycle and has two spark plugs per cylinder. It also features port and direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger, and electric pumps to reduce parasitic losses. Despite the clever features, it runs on regular 87-octane gasoline.
Photo: Michael Gauthier/Carscoops
Speaking of fuel, the engine has an EPA rating of up to 21 mpg city, 27 highway, and 23 combined. This means it delivers an additional 2 mpg in the city, 1 on the highway, and 1 in combined driving. This isn’t very impressive, but the new engine is 10.5% more efficient in the city and produces fewer emissions.
While the fuel economy is welcome, the good news doesn’t end there. On the contrary, the engine produces 324 hp and 450 Nm of torque. This is 31 hp and 98 Nm more than the aging Pentastar V6.
The turbocharged engine has enough energy to move the Grand Cherokee with ease. However, it still trails the old 5.7-liter Hemi V8, which produced 357 hp and 528 Nm.
The Hurricane engine is quite refined and works well in the city, as turbo lag is minimal. The latter becomes more noticeable at highway speeds, where there is a slight delay when you step on the gas to overtake slower cars.
The start/stop system can be a bit rough at times, but that’s the nature of such systems. However, overall the engine is quite civilized and well-mannered. It may not have the smoothness of the Pentastar, but we managed to beat the combined EPA rating, achieving an average of 24.1 mpg over the course of a week.
All things considered, the engine has a lot of advantages: it’s more powerful and more economical than the 3.6-liter V6. It also allows the Grand Cherokee to tow up to 2812 kg, which is the same rating as the Pentastar.
Comfortable and Capable
Getting behind the wheel, you experience a pleasant driving experience focused on comfort. This is largely thanks to the Quadra-Lift air suspension, which gives the Grand Cherokee a somewhat floaty feel. It allows the crossover to easily absorb road imperfections without fuss. Despite this, body roll is controlled, and the car is surprisingly flat and confident in corners.
At the push of a button, the car switches to Sport mode. This lowers the suspension, adds weight to the steering, and makes gear changes sharper. The exhaust also takes on a louder and sportier note that can get a bit tiring over time.
Both engines are connected to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission controlled by a rotary shifter. On our test vehicle, it was paired with the Quadra-Trac II four-wheel-drive system and an electronic rear differential lock.
Like most owners, I did most of my driving in the city, but the Grand Cherokee has serious off-road capabilities. The aforementioned air suspension has two off-road modes, and the highest setting provides 277 mm of ground clearance, along with approach angles of up to 30.1 degrees.
Back on the pavement, the Jeep offers excellent visibility in all directions, as well as numerous camera modes. These are complemented by steering with a pleasant weight and a linear throttle pedal. While the car handles well, it feels somewhat detached and not very engaging.
The brakes are also not the best: there is some pedal travel before they bite. You get used to it after a while, but they get the job done. Unsurprisingly, they are nothing special, as the model features 14-inch and 13.8-inch discs with dual-piston calipers up front.
The cabin is relatively quiet in the city, but at highway speeds there is a slight wind noise from the front pillars. However, it’s not critical, and it gives another reason to turn up the McIntosh audio system.
We should also praise the Hands-Free Active Driving Assist system, which works surprisingly well. It controls the Grand Cherokee smoothly, safely, and confidently. While you still have to be attentive, it provides automatic lane changes and effortless highway driving.
Verdict
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee goes beyond a typical facelift, receiving a brand new turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. This is a welcome innovation, as it brings a noticeable increase in performance and slightly better efficiency.
While the engine is new, the company hasn’t experimented with success in other areas. The design remains recognizable but includes a few minor changes, as well as a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system.
Buyers will also find a comfortable ride, decent handling, and a spacious cabin with more character than many luxury cars. Of course, this shouldn’t be surprising, given that our test vehicle cost $66,585.
That’s obviously a lot of money, but the 2026 Grand Cherokee starts at $38,920 before the $1,995 destination charge. While the base model is good, the standout trim in the lineup is the Laredo Altitude at $44,360.
It has the turbocharged engine, as well as a host of premium features, including heated front seats upholstered in Capri leatherette with Alcantara inserts. They are complemented by a heated steering wheel, dual-zone automatic climate control, a wireless smartphone charger, and the new infotainment system.
All things considered, the latest Grand Cherokee has a lot going for it, blending mass appeal with a surprising amount of luxury.
The 2026 update demonstrates that Jeep has successfully found a balance between modernization and preserving time-tested qualities. Replacing the naturally aspirated V6 with the turbocharged Hurricane four-cylinder is a bold but justified step, improving dynamics and economy without sacrificing towing capability. At the same time, the interior of the top-tier Summit trim can genuinely compete with premium German rivals in terms of material quality and attention to detail. While the price for such versions can reach luxury brand levels, the base cost and generous standard equipment of the Laredo Altitude make the Grand Cherokee an attractive choice for a wide range of buyers seeking a modern, spacious, and comfortable SUV.
