2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: New Hurricane 2.0 Turbo, Lower Prices, Same American Appeal
Table of Contents
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has carried the midsize SUV game on its shoulders for more than 30 years. Apart from the Ford Explorer, very few American nameplates have stayed this relevant for this long.
For 2021, Jeep rolled out the fifth generation model. It brought better refinement, more tech, and stronger capability. Now for 2026, Jeep has given the Grand Cherokee a proper mechanical update. The design changes are subtle. The real story sits under the hood.
So the big question is simple. Has Jeep done enough to keep buyers interested in 2026?
Let us break it down properly.
What’s New for 2026?
The exterior tweaks are minor. You really have to look closely to spot them. But three major updates matter:
New Hurricane 2.0 litre turbocharged engine
Larger 12.3 inch Uconnect infotainment display
Reset pricing structure
Jeep did not try to reinvent the Grand Cherokee. It refined it.
New Hurricane 2.0 Turbo Engine Explained
This is the headline change.
Jeep introduces an all new 2.0 litre Hurricane 4 turbocharged engine with direct and port injection, dual overhead cams, twin spark plugs, and something called Turbulent Jet Ignition.
This technology, derived from Stellantis Hurricane inline six development, improves combustion efficiency. The result is more power with lower emissions and better fuel use.
Power Figures
324 horsepower
332 lb ft of torque
For comparison:
Pentastar V6 makes 293 hp and 257 lb ft
Old 2.0 turbo used in other Jeep models made 270 hp
So yes, this is a proper upgrade.
Power goes through an 8 speed automatic sourced from ZF. Rear wheel drive comes standard. Four wheel drive is optional, including Quadra Drive II with low range on higher trims.
Fuel Economy and Range
EPA ratings:
21 mpg city
26 mpg highway
City efficiency improves over the V6. Highway remains similar.
With a large 23 gallon fuel tank, total range stretches to around 520 miles. That is impressive for a non hybrid SUV.
Towing Capacity
Despite being a four cylinder, towing is rated at up to 6,200 pounds. That keeps it competitive against rivals like the Toyota 4Runner.
Curb weight remains around 4,700 to 4,800 pounds.
Important note: The 4xe plug in hybrid and the 5.7 litre HEMI V8 are no longer available.
0 to 60 Performance
The previous V6 Grand Cherokee did 0 to 60 mph in around 7.2 seconds.
With the new Hurricane 2.0:
7.36 seconds on a slight uphill
6.4 seconds on near level ground
In real world testing, expect mid six second runs. That makes it roughly a second quicker than the Pentastar V6.
And honestly, it does not sound like a four cylinder. Jeep has tuned it to deliver a deeper tone. It feels smooth and refined. No harsh vibration. No coarse noise.
Exterior Design Changes
If you own a 2025 model, you may struggle to spot changes.
Updates include:
New Steel Blue exterior colour
New Limited Reserve trim replacing Overland
Standard 20 inch wheels on Limited
Blacked out accents
360 degree camera included in Reserve package
The classic seven slot grille remains. LED headlights and LED tail lamps continue with minor detailing changes.
Dimensions remain similar:
Length: 193.5 inches
Wheelbase: 116.7 inches
That places it near rivals like the BMW X5 and Range Rover Sport in footprint.
Ground clearance:
Around 8.7 inches standard
Up to nearly 11 inches with optional air suspension on Summit
No excessive plastic cladding. Full paint finish gives it a premium look.
Interior: Bigger Screen, Same Comfort
The layout feels familiar. The big upgrade is the infotainment.
Infotainment
12.3 inch Uconnect 5 display
Built in navigation
Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
Physical knobs for volume and climate
360 camera standard on Limited Reserve
The old screen was 10.1 inches. This one is wider and easier to use.
The digital instrument cluster remains 10.3 inches. Graphics feel slightly dated compared to newer Stellantis products.
Seating and Materials
Limited Reserve gets:
Black Nappa leather
Heated and ventilated front seats
12 way power driver seat with memory
Heated steering wheel
Summit adds:
Palermo leather
Massage function
Real wood trim
Rear seat space:
38 inches of legroom
Reclining seatbacks
Heated rear seats
USB C charging
Cargo space:
37 cubic feet behind second row
70.8 cubic feet with seats folded
For comparison, the Honda Passport offers more cargo volume. But the Grand Cherokee balances space with refinement.
Driving Experience
This is where the Grand Cherokee shines.
It uses unibody construction and the Giorgio architecture shared with Alfa Romeo and Maserati products. That gives it a solid base.
Ride quality remains excellent. Even on 21 inch wheels in Summit trim, it feels composed.
Steering feels predictable. The 8 speed automatic shifts quickly. Paddle shifters work fine, though slightly small.
The new engine delivers strong mid range torque. It pulls like a V6. It feels smoother than the old Pentastar. For daily driving, this is the better engine.
It is not a sports SUV. But it does not feel slow anymore.
Pricing: The Big Reset
Jeep clearly listened to feedback.
2026 Pricing Overview
Laredo RWD starts around 38,500 dollars
Add around 2,000 for four wheel drive
Limited starts around 45,000 dollars
Limited Reserve package adds about 5,500 dollars
Summit around 66,000 dollars
A well equipped Limited Reserve lands around 53,000 dollars. That undercuts many competitors in this segment.
The previous fully loaded Summit Reserve models touched 75,000 dollars. That pricing made little sense. The reset makes the Grand Cherokee far more competitive.
In 2024, Jeep sold over 210,000 Grand Cherokees in the US. It remains one of Stellantis’ strongest retail products.
Final Verdict
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not try to shock anyone. It refines what already worked.
The new Hurricane 2.0 turbo is the highlight. It is quicker, smoother, and more efficient than the Pentastar V6. The bigger infotainment screen helps modernise the cabin. Pricing now makes more sense.
Would I still love to see a high output Hurricane inline six in this SUV? Absolutely. A performance version would be exciting. But for most buyers, this setup works perfectly.
If you thought the previous Grand Cherokee was overpriced, it is worth taking another look in 2026.
It still feels like America’s Range Rover. It just makes more financial sense now.
Sources and References
Official Manufacturer Sources
Jeep Official 2026 Grand Cherokee Page
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee.html
Official Jeep product page covering features, trims, design updates, and powertrain overview for the 2026 Grand Cherokee.
Jeep 2026 Grand Cherokee Capability Specifications
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee/capability.html
Official capability details including horsepower, torque figures, drivetrain options, and towing capacity ratings.
Jeep 2026 Grand Cherokee Technology Overview
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee/technology.html
Breakdown of infotainment updates, 12.3 inch Uconnect 5 system, digital displays, and driver assistance features.
Stellantis North America Press Release – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
https://media.stellantisnorthamerica.com/newsrelease.do?id=27159
Official press release detailing the Hurricane 2.0 litre turbocharged engine, technical improvements, and product updates.
PR Newswire – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Announcement
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/2026-jeep-grand-cherokee-brings-the-hurricane-4-turbo-all-new-propulsion-drives-americas-most-awarded-suv-302596344.html
Manufacturer distributed press release outlining engine technology, performance claims, and positioning.
United States Environmental Protection Agency Fuel Economy Database
https://www.fueleconomy.gov
Official EPA source for city and highway fuel economy ratings.
Independent Automotive Publications
Car and Driver – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overview
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/grand-cherokee
Independent review and specifications page covering performance, interior updates, and segment comparisons.
Car and Driver – 2026 Grand Cherokee Drive Gallery
https://www.caranddriver.com/photos/g70419694/2026-jeep-grand-cherokee-drive-gallery/
Image gallery and first drive impressions highlighting styling changes and new engine updates.
Edmunds – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Features and Specs
https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/2026/features-specs/
Independent automotive research platform listing detailed specifications, pricing, and trim comparisons.
MotorTrend – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Coverage
https://www.motortrend.com/cars/jeep/grand-cherokee/
Editorial overview including powertrain updates, towing ratings, and market positioning.
Road & Track – 2026 Grand Cherokee Update Report
https://www.roadandtrack.com/news/a69177932/2026-jeep-grand-cherokee-facelift-details/
News coverage explaining refresh details, engine changes, and trim restructuring.
Autoweek – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Reveal Coverage
https://www.autoweek.com/news/a69158799/2026-jeep-grand-cherokee-reveal/
Independent automotive news report focusing on powertrain updates and technology enhancements.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee FAQs
The 2026 Grand Cherokee introduces an all new 2.0 liter Hurricane 4 turbocharged engine with direct and port injection, twin spark plugs, and Turbulent Jet Ignition technology. It produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb ft of torque. The Pentastar V6 remains available as the base engine with 293 horsepower.
Yes. The Hurricane 2.0 turbo makes 324 horsepower compared to 293 horsepower from the Pentastar V6. Torque increases significantly from 257 lb ft to 332 lb ft, giving the SUV stronger mid range pull and quicker acceleration.
With the new Hurricane engine, the Grand Cherokee can reach 0 to 60 mph in roughly the mid six second range under ideal conditions. That is nearly a full second quicker than the previous V6 model which averaged around 7.2 seconds.
The Hurricane 2.0 turbo is rated at 21 mpg city and 26 mpg highway. It features a 23 gallon fuel tank, giving an estimated driving range of about 520 miles on a full tank.
When properly equipped, the new Hurricane powered Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds. That makes it one of the stronger towing options in the midsize two row SUV segment.
The biggest interior upgrade is the new 12.3 inch Uconnect 5 infotainment display. It replaces the older 10.1 inch screen. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, built in navigation, and a 360 degree camera system on higher trims.
The lineup has been simplified to Laredo, Limited, and Summit trims. The Limited Reserve package replaces the previous Overland trim and adds black exterior accents, 20 inch wheels, a 360 camera system, and additional premium features.
Yes. Rear wheel drive comes standard, while full time four wheel drive systems such as Quadra Drive II are available. Higher trims can also be equipped with adaptive air suspension for up to nearly 11 inches of ground clearance.
The two row Grand Cherokee provides 37 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and up to 70.8 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The larger Grand Cherokee L offers up to 85 cubic feet.
The base Laredo rear wheel drive model starts at approximately 38,500 dollars. Limited trims start around 45,000 dollars, while a well equipped Limited Reserve can reach the low 50,000 dollar range. Summit models are priced in the mid 60,000 dollar range.
