The iconic American SUV that refuses to be left behind is getting some smart updates for its 2026 model year. Famous for its iconic design, off-road prowess and smart 2/3-seat layout, along with a segment-impacting hybrid powertrain option, the Jeep Grand Cherokee is upping its desirability level with some pretty new updates. It gets a brand new engine, subtle but refreshing exterior design updates, healthy interior upgrades and a simplified model range. Furthermore, Jeep is increasing the value of its popular SUV by adding more standard features across the board.
Includes a brand new turbo engine
More efficient without sacrificing performance
The highlight update of the 2026 Grand Cherokee is the brand new 2.0-liter Hurricane engine. No, this isn’t a six-cylinder mill that powers similar machines Avoid the charger Six Pack, the RAM 1500 pick-up and the upcoming Grand Wagoneer. This is the first-ever turbocharged four-cylinder engine to carry the “Hurricane” nomenclature. But don’t brush it off just yet, because Jeep has added some smart features to make this mill stand out.
It produces 324 hp and 332 Nm of torque, which, according to Stellantis, translates into a segment-leading 162 hp per liter on regular petrol. They further claim that the car offers an estimated range of 500 miles in its class and a class-leading towing capacity of 6,200 pounds. All this, while returning respectable MPG figures.
The increase in efficiency without compromising performance is thanks to two notable features of the engine technology: Turbulent Jet Injection and a variable geometry turbocharger. Stellantis says the Hurricane 4 uses an industry-first application of Turbulent Jet Ignition technology. This is essentially a smart pre-chamber technology that refines each combustion cycle with a more thorough combustion.
This is done using jets of fire to ignite the air-fuel mixture in the main combustion chamber, rather than using a spark. This in turn translates to faster, cleaner ignition and combustion, increasing efficiency (also known as MPG ratings) without sacrificing power. The variable geometry turbocharger helps minimize turbo lag by delivering on-demand torque at take-off, during rapid acceleration and even at cruising speeds, thanks to 90 percent of peak torque being produced between 2,600 and 5,600 rpm. Jeep hasn’t completely phased out the old standard 3.6-liter V6 yet, as it will be offered on base Laredo trim levels.
A more concise line-up
With three equipment levels and many cool new features
Gone is the long list of trim levels as seen on the 2025 Grand Cherokee. The MY 2026 breaks the cover with a simplified set of three trims: Laredo, Limited and Summit. The plug-in hybrid model is offered in Limited, Summit and Trailhawk trims. Jeep has extensively updated the packages offered with each of these trims, this time adding many more standard features. This really increases the appeal of the Grand Cherokee because it now offers more value. It’s still offered in both two- and three-row configurations; the latter is called the Grand Cherokee L.
The basic Laredo trim gets a serious glam overhaul. The Laredo Altitude comes standard with a 12.3-inch infotainment system and superior audio. Jeep’s Selec-Terrain 4X4 system is offered for the first time on a Laredo. Additionally, the Laredo Altitude trim adds more standard active safety features, such as Traffic Sign Recognition and Intersection Collision Assist.
The Limited trim adds, in addition to all the features of the Laredo trim, leatherette upholstery, heated second-row seats, ambient lighting and a nine-speaker Alpine audio system. This equipment is offered in two packages: Reserve and Altitude. Cool features of the Reserve Package include Nappa leather seats and door trim, ventilated front seats, a dual sunroof, a digital rearview mirror and an integrated off-road camera. The Altitude package adds a dual-pane panoramic sunroof to the mix. The Laredo X trim adds more standard features, including heated seats and steering wheel, a sunroof, a power liftgate and a wireless charging pad.
The Summit trim turns the luxury appeal up to eleven with features like oak and liquid chrome interior accents, Palermo leather upholstery, a suede headliner, massaging front-row seats and an exclusive 19-speaker system (yup!). McIntosh audio system. It even gets the Quadra-Trac II 4X4 air suspension combination. Optional features include a hands-free Active Driving Assist system, rear-facing Fam Cam and front passenger infotainment screens.
The interior of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee is more stacked
The front passenger also gets an optional screen
The new Grand Cherokee gets a redesigned cabin, with the dashboard showing off a new 12.3-inch infotainment screen. The coolest new addition is the available 10.25-inch passenger display that should really light up the dash like a Christmas tree! Soft leather upholstery, heated, ventilated seats and a camera system that monitors the cabin all come together to enhance the comfort, convenience and luxury appeal of this SUV. It even comes with a night vision system and a 360-degree camera for some serious “safety flexibility.” The three-row Grand Cherokee L models get new USB chargers in the third row, along with all the other new features shared with the two-row models.
The exterior of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is getting a subtle refresh
New shades and a makeover
Jeep has refreshed the exterior design of the Grand Cherokee with subtle accents. This way the iconic and well-established fascia is not disturbed. Notable design updates include a redesigned seven-slot grille, a new headlight design, and a revised rear fascia and underbody. It gets new exterior finishes to match the three new paint options:Steel blue, Copper ShinoAnd Sail Blue. Other notable exterior updates include:
Silver silk exterior accents on the Limited base package
Limited Reserve and Altitude packages get bits such as
20 inch black wheels
Body colored lower fascias
Darkened accents
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Availability and Pricing
Available from dealers at the end of 2025
On paper, the new Grand Cherokee appears to be an exciting proposition. It has a simplified but more stacked lineup, a brand new engine that increases efficiency without sacrificing performance, a broader list of standard features, and subtle but impactful design updates. Jeep has confirmed the arrival of the 2026 Grand Cherokee at the end of 2025.
An exact date is unclear at this time, as is the price. However, given the number of impactful updates, it’s a no-brainer that the new Grand Cherokee will see a price increase. For reference, the 2025 Grand Cherokee starts at $36,495 for the Laredo in two-row trim, and tops out at $79,150 for the 4X4 Summit Reserve 4xe Hybrid model.
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