A new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, updates to exterior and interior styling, a larger infotainment screen, and a revised trim level lineup highlight the changes to the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Jeep offers the 2026 Grand Cherokee in a single four-door SUV body style. Three versions are available: the two-row Grand Cherokee, the three-row Grand Cherokee L, and the Grand Cherokee 4xe, which features a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) powertrain. For 2026, each version is offered in three main trim levels. The five-passenger Grand Cherokee and seven-passenger Grand Cherokee L come in Laredo, Limited, and Summit trims. At the same time, the two-row Grand Cherokee 4xe is available in Limited, Summit, and off-road-oriented Trailhawk trims.
The 2026 Grand Cherokee offers three powertrain options: a naturally aspirated 3.6-liter V6, a new turbocharged four-cylinder, and the PHEV, which is exclusive to the 4xe. All powertrains use an eight-speed automatic transmission. Two-wheel drive is standard on base trims of the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L, while four-wheel drive (4WD) is standard on the 4xe and available on the other models.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee keeps its familiar, boxy shape, but several notable updates define this latest model year. The iconic seven-slot grille gets a new look, complementing the SUV’s updated headlights. The rear and lower fascia are also redesigned, and there is a new exterior trim. Finally, three new paint colors are offered: Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue.
The most notable update to the 2026 Grand Cherokee’s interior is a larger infotainment screen, now measuring 12.3 inches, a significant increase from the previous model’s 8.4-inch standard screen.
While Jeep did not specify many details about the 2026 Grand Cherokee’s interior updates, it did confirm that the new Laredo X sub-trim includes heated seats and steering wheel, a wireless smartphone charging pad, a sunroof, and a power liftgate.
The Limited trim includes synthetic leather seats, second-row heated seats, and ambient lighting. Available features on the Limited include Nappa leather seats and door trim, ventilated front seats, and a rearview camera mirror. The upgrade to the Summit trim adds a suede headliner, Palermo leather seats, massaging front seats, and Oak and Liquid Chrome accents.
The 2026 model year introduces a new turbocharged four-cylinder engine to the Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup. The new engine, called “Hurricane 4 Turbo,” makes its corporate debut on the 2026 Grand Cherokee. It will be available starting on the Laredo Altitude sub-trim and features Turbulent Jet Ignition, which the automaker describes as “motorsport-proven combustion technology” that enhances power and boosts efficiency.
Indeed, the new Hurricane 4 Turbo offers impressive power—324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque, which is 31 horsepower and 72 pound-feet more than the standard V6. Jeep says the Hurricane 4 Turbo’s 162 hp per liter is the best in its segment and provides over 500 miles of driving range. Although it is smaller than the standard V6, the new turbo-four can tow the same load, that is 6,200 pounds.
A 3.6-liter V6 with 293 hp and 263 pound-feet of torque remains the base engine for both the Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L. Meanwhile, the Grand Cherokee 4xe continues with its turbocharged four-cylinder PHEV powertrain, producing a combined 375 hp and 470 pound-feet. All 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokees, regardless of engine, use an eight-speed automatic transmission to send power to the rear wheels or all four wheels. The 4xe comes standard with 4WD.
Leading the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s technology upgrades is a new, larger 12.3-inch touchscreen—available on most trims—running Uconnect 5 infotainment software. There is also an optional 10.25-inch passenger display. Upgrading to the Limited trim grants you a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. If that is not enough, the top-tier Summit trim features a new McIntosh premium audio system with 19 speakers.
Starting with the Limited trim, notable camera-based technology options include Night Vision, a surround view camera, and an integrated off-road camera. You can also get the off-road camera as part of the Limited Reserve package, which includes a rearview camera mirror.
Regarding ADAS, the base Laredo trim includes additional standard features, including automatic emergency braking, active lane management (lane keeping assistance), rear park assist, blind spot warning, and rear cross-traffic warning. Similarly, the Laredo Altitude adds traffic sign recognition and intersection turn assistance.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee competes in the popular Upper Midsize SUV market segment against best-sellers like the Chevrolet Traverse, Ford Explorer, and Toyota 4Runner. The Honda Pilot, Hyundai Palisade, Kia Telluride, and Subaru Ascent are also key players here. Although the Grand Cherokee’s 2026 updates are more of a mid-cycle refresh rather than a redesign, the new Hurricane 4 Turbo engine, combined with a simplified trim lineup and equipment upgrades, keeps the Jeep competitive.
Jeep is the source of information in this article. It was accurate as of October 28, 2025, but it may have changed since that date. Always confirm product details and availability with the automaker’s website or your local dealership.
Jeff Youngs has over 30 years of experience in the auto industry, including 19 years with JD Power in marketing and editorial management roles. He also spent five years with General Motors as a media relations professional. More recently, as the owner and founder of Blue Line Auto Media, his work has appeared on Autotrader, Autolist, Capital One Auto Navigator, CarGurus, iSeeCars, JDPower.com, and Kelley Blue Book.
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