2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Refresh
Table of Contents
What Changed, New Hurricane Engine, Features, Specs and Pricing
The Jeep Grand Cherokee remains one of America’s most recognized SUV nameplates. It sells in strong numbers year after year. For 2026, Jeep did not redesign it completely. Instead, it gave the Grand Cherokee and the three row Grand Cherokee L a meaningful refresh.
There is updated styling. More standard tech. Revised trims. And most importantly, a new Hurricane 2.0 liter turbo engine.
Let’s break everything down in a clean and simple way.
What Is New for 2026
Here is what actually changed for 2026:
• New Hurricane 2.0 liter turbo four cylinder engine
• Larger 12.3 inch infotainment screen standard on all trims
• Standard 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster
• Revised trim structure
• More standard safety and convenience features
• Updated front design
• Laredo X now comes standard with a sunroof
No drama. Just real upgrades where buyers care.
2026 Grand Cherokee Engine Options
Hurricane 2.0 Liter Turbo Four Cylinder
This is the headline change.
The new 2.0 liter turbocharged engine produces:
• 324 horsepower
• 332 lb ft of torque
• Paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission
• Available four wheel drive
Compared to the previous 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, this engine makes:
• 31 more horsepower
• 72 more lb ft of torque
Fuel economy for the Grand Cherokee L with this engine:
• 20 city
• 26 highway
• 22 combined
That is about 1 MPG better combined than the outgoing V6.
Jeep uses a system called turbo jet injection. It features dual spark plugs per cylinder and motorsport derived combustion technology. The brand first applied similar concepts in performance applications and later in Maserati products. The goal is simple: better efficiency and stronger power delivery.
The V6 is not completely gone. It remains available on the lower trims.
Exterior Design Changes
At first glance, it looks similar. Look closer and you will see the updates.
Front End
• Revised grille design with new shaping and positioning
• More pronounced black mesh in the lower section
• Updated LED headlights across the lineup
• LED fog lamps on Limited and above
The changes make the front look sharper and slightly more aggressive.
Wheels and Suspension
Wheel sizes range from 18 inch to 21 inch alloys.
The Summit with the Obsidian package gets:
• 21 inch multi spoke wheels
• Blacked out trim
• Black roof rails
• Optional black roof
Air suspension is available and provides up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.
Dimensions
Standard wheelbase Grand Cherokee length
• About 194 inches
Grand Cherokee L length
• Almost 205 inches
It is long. But as we will see later, cargo space does not fully match that length advantage.
Interior Updates and Technology
This is where Jeep made serious improvements.
Standard Digital Displays
Every 2026 model now includes:
• 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster
• 12.3 inch infotainment display
That larger screen replaces the smaller unit from previous models.
The system runs Uconnect 5. It includes:
• Wireless Apple CarPlay
• Wireless Android Auto
• Built in navigation
Higher trims add:
• 10.25 inch front passenger display
• Head up display
• Digital rearview mirror
Most competitors use tablet style screens stuck on top of the dash. Jeep keeps it embedded. Many buyers prefer that cleaner look.
Interior Quality on Summit
The Summit trim now effectively replaces the previous Summit Reserve. That means more features are standard.
Highlights include:
• Palermo leather seats
• Detailed quilting and stitching
• Open pore wood trim
• Suede headliner
• 12 way power front seats
• Power thigh extension
• Memory seats
• Massage function
The McIntosh premium audio system delivers serious power. It feels properly high end, not just louder.
There are also:
• Ventilated wireless phone charger
• Multiple USB ports, up to six in front
• Three zone climate control
• Available four zone climate system on L
Jeep clearly focused on increasing standard equipment across trims.
Second Row Comfort
Rear passengers get:
• 39.5 inches of legroom
• 40 inches of headroom
Limited and above offer heated rear seats.
Summit adds ventilated rear seats. That is rare in this segment.
Captain’s chairs are standard on Limited and above. A bench is optional on Limited.
Summit L can be equipped with:
• Dual rear entertainment screens
• Built in Fire TV
• Executive style rear console
That setup feels closer to a luxury SUV than a mainstream three row.
Third Row Space
Third row figures:
• 30 inches of legroom
• 37 inches of headroom
It trails rivals like the Ford Explorer and Kia Telluride in overall space.
Adults can fit. Long trips may not be ideal. Think occasional use or kids.
Cargo Capacity
Behind third row
• 17.2 cubic feet
Behind second row
• 46.9 cubic feet
Maximum
• 84.6 cubic feet
Those numbers sit slightly below class leaders. Despite its long body, the Grand Cherokee L does not dominate the segment in cargo volume.
Power folding third row comes on higher trims. There is also underfloor storage and a spare tire.
Safety and Driver Assistance
Most active safety systems come standard.
Available features include:
• Blind spot monitoring
• Auto high beams on Limited and above
• 360 degree camera system
• Automatic parking assist
• Hands free highway driving assist
Jeep has made safety equipment more accessible across trims.
Towing Capacity
Maximum towing with the V6
• Up to 6,200 pounds
Turbo four towing figures may vary by configuration.
Pricing
Starting price
• Around 38,000 dollars
Grand Cherokee L adds about 2,000 dollars over the two row model.
Summit L starts at
• 62,195 dollars
A fully optioned Summit L with Obsidian package, advanced safety tech and destination can reach about
• 73,000 dollars
Yes, that pushes into luxury SUV pricing territory. But the feature set also overlaps with entry luxury models.
The Grand Cherokee is built in Detroit, Michigan.
Resale, Reliability and Warranty
Resale Value
After 5 years and 60,000 miles
• Around 53.6 percent retained value
After 10 years and 120,000 miles
• Around 25.4 percent retained value
That is close to industry average but below brands like Toyota, Honda and Subaru.
Reliability
Industry data typically ranks Jeep below the overall brand average in long term reliability studies.
Warranty
• 3 year or 36,000 mile basic warranty
• 5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty
Coverage matches most mainstream competitors.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 Grand Cherokee L refresh does not reinvent the SUV. It fixes specific weaknesses.
The new Hurricane engine adds meaningful power.
The larger infotainment screen solves a real complaint.
Standard digital gauges improve perceived value.
Higher trims now feel properly premium.
Cargo space still trails some rivals.
Long term reliability remains a question mark compared to Japanese competitors.
But overall, this refresh makes the Grand Cherokee L more competitive in a crowded three row midsize SUV segment.
If you want a three row SUV with genuine off road capability, strong technology, and a luxury leaning interior without fully stepping into European pricing, the 2026 Grand Cherokee L makes a strong case.
It did not change everything. It changed the right things.
Sources and reference
Jeep Official – 2026 Grand Cherokee Overview
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee.html
Main product page covering design updates, trims, interior features, and overall model details.
Jeep Official – 2026 Grand Cherokee Capability and Engine Specs
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee/capability.html
Official source for Hurricane 2.0L turbo engine specs, horsepower, torque, towing capacity, and drivetrain details.
Jeep Official – 2026 Grand Cherokee Technology
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee/technology.html
Covers infotainment system, digital displays, connectivity, audio system, and driver assistance technology.
Jeep Official – 2026 Grand Cherokee L Three Row
https://www.jeep.com/2026/grand-cherokee/3-row-suv.html
Details specific to the Grand Cherokee L including seating configuration and three row layout.
Car and Driver – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/grand-cherokee-l
Independent review with specifications, safety features, and competitive comparison data.
Car and Driver – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee
https://www.caranddriver.com/jeep/grand-cherokee
Confirms engine specifications, trim details, and overall performance information.
Edmunds – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L MPG
https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/grand-cherokee-l/2026/mpg/
Fuel economy estimates and driving cost analysis.
Edmunds – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Specs and Features
https://www.edmunds.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/2026/features-specs/
Comprehensive breakdown of dimensions, cargo space, engine specs, and standard features.
PR Newswire – Hurricane Turbo Engine Press Release
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
Official press release confirming Hurricane turbo engine power figures and technology details.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L – Frequently Asked Questions
What is new in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The 2026 model gets a refreshed front design, revised trim structure, more standard features across all trims, a larger 12.3 inch infotainment screen as standard, a 10.25 inch digital gauge cluster, and a brand new Hurricane 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine producing 324 horsepower.
What engine does the 2026 Grand Cherokee use?
The headline engine is the new 2.0 liter Hurricane turbo four cylinder making 324 horsepower and 332 lb ft of torque, paired with an 8 speed automatic transmission. Lower trims still offer the 3.6 liter V6 engine.
What is the fuel economy of the 2026 Grand Cherokee L?
The three row Grand Cherokee L with the turbo four is rated at 20 MPG city, 26 MPG highway, and 22 MPG combined. That is about 1 MPG better combined than the previous V6.
How much does the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee cost?
The base Grand Cherokee starts at around 38,000 dollars. Moving to the longer Grand Cherokee L adds roughly 2,000 dollars. The Summit L starts at 62,195 dollars, and a fully loaded example can reach around 73,000 dollars including options and destination.
What changes were made to the exterior design?
The 2026 refresh includes a revised grille design with more pronounced black mesh, updated LED headlights across the lineup, and subtle changes to the lower fascia. Wheel options range from 18 inch to 21 inch alloys, and upper trims can be equipped with air suspension offering up to 10.9 inches of ground clearance.
What technology comes standard in the 2026 Grand Cherokee?
All trims now come with a 12.3 inch touchscreen running Uconnect 5, wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, built in navigation, and a 10.25 inch digital instrument cluster. Higher trims add a head up display, a passenger display, a digital rearview mirror, and a premium McIntosh sound system.
How spacious is the Grand Cherokee L inside?
The Grand Cherokee L measures nearly 205 inches in overall length. Second row passengers get about 39.5 inches of legroom and 40 inches of headroom. The third row offers around 30 inches of legroom and 37 inches of headroom, which is competitive but slightly smaller than some rivals.
How much cargo space does the 2026 Grand Cherokee L offer?
Behind the third row, it offers 17.2 cubic feet. Folding the third row expands space to 46.9 cubic feet. Maximum cargo capacity is 84.6 cubic feet. While practical, it sits slightly below some midsize three row competitors.
What is the towing capacity?
With the 3.6 liter V6 engine, the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 pounds when properly equipped.
What warranty coverage does Jeep offer?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee comes with a 3 year or 36,000 mile basic warranty and a 5 year or 60,000 mile powertrain warranty.
How does resale value compare to competitors?
After 5 years and 60,000 miles, the Grand Cherokee retains about 53.6 percent of its original value. After 10 years and 120,000 miles, it retains about 25.4 percent. That is close to industry average but typically below brands like Toyota and Honda.
