2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee First Look: Full Details, Design Changes, New Engine & Features

Front profile of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee showcasing the redesigned grille and LED headlights.

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

For more than 30 years, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has remained one of the most important SUVs in the brand’s lineup. When Jeep introduced the all-new fifth-generation Grand Cherokee (WL) in 2021, it set new benchmarks in design, luxury, and capability. It continues to be one of the best-selling midsize SUVs in America, according to Jeep.

New Powertrain: Hurricane Turbo 4 Makes Its Debut

New 2.0L Turbocharged Hurricane 4-Cylinder

Jeep has introduced a brand-new 2.0L turbocharged, gasoline, port-injected Hurricane four-cylinder engine.
This is not the same 2.0L unit offered in earlier models. It belongs to the same family as the 3.0L Hurricane inline-six but in a four-cylinder configuration.

Power Output:

  • 324 hp

  • 332 lb-ft torque

  • 8-speed ZF automatic

  • Available in RWD or full-time 4WD

Performance & Efficiency

Jeep says this engine incorporates JTI (Jet Turbine Injection) technology derived from racing engines for improved efficiency and power.
Fuel economy figures aren’t out yet, but Jeep claims best-in-class fuel efficiency.

Other Powertrain Options

  • 3.6L Pentastar V6 (base engine)

  • 4xe Plug-in Hybrid

Jeep expects the new 2.0L Hurricane to become the volume seller, accounting for nearly two-thirds of sales.

Engine bay of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee featuring the new Hurricane 2.0L turbo engine.
Engine bay of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee showcasing the new Hurricane turbocharged engine.

Exterior Design: Subtle Modern Refresh

At first glance, the 2026 Grand Cherokee looks familiar, but Jeep has applied a series of elegant and functional updates.

Front Fascia

  • More upright seven-slot grille (+2 inches higher)

  • Slots are wider and more pronounced

  • New LED DRL blade signature

  • LED reflector low/high beams

  • Updated lower air intakes

  • LED fog lamps (trim dependent)

The showcased color, Copper Chino, is new for 2026.

Trim Levels

Jeep will offer:

  • Laredo

  • Limited

  • Summit / Summit Obsidian (as shown)

Chrome has been largely removed in favor of black or satin silver accents.

Side Profile & Dimensions

The model shown is the two-row Grand Cherokee.

  • Length: 193.5 in

  • Wheelbase: 116.7 in

  • 21-inch alloy wheels (Summit Obsidian) with a glossy gray multi-spoke design

  • Tires: 275/45R21

  • Brakes: ~14 inches front & rear

Trailhawk (for reference)

  • Standard skid plates

  • Active air suspension

  • Adjustable ride height up to 3.6 inches

  • Maximum ~11 inches ground clearance

Roof & Glass

  • Black roof (Obsidian)

  • Panoramic sunroof

  • Low-profile roof rails

Rear Design

The rear styling receives minimal changes.

  • Taillights look similar to the pre-refresh model

  • Combination of LED and incandescent lighting

  • Blacked-out “Grand Cherokee” and “Summit” badging

  • Clean rear bumper with no exposed exhaust tips

  • Integrated roof spoiler

  • Exposed rear wiper (not hidden under the spoiler)

Cargo Space

Expected to remain similar:

  • 37 cu ft behind 2nd row

  • 72 cu ft with seats folded

Front profile of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee showcasing the redesigned grille and LED headlights.
Front view of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee highlighting its updated fascia.
Front and side profile of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee with updated body lines and SUV stance.
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee from a front-three-quarter angle.
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee alloy wheels with premium multi-spoke design.
Close-up of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee’s premium alloy wheels.
Rear and side profile of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee highlighting its tailgate and LED taillights.
Rear-three-quarter view of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee.
Rear profile of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee showcasing new taillights and bumper design.
Rear view of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee with updated LED taillights.

Interior: Larger Screens, Luxury Feel & Familiar Layout

Inside, the updates are focused and purposeful.

Key Interior Upgrades

  • New 12.3-inch center display (up from 10.3″)

  • Uconnect 5

  • Available 19-speaker McIntosh audio

  • Available front passenger screen

  • Premium real wood trim

  • Quilted leather seats with Summit embossing

Seat Features

  • Heated & ventilated front seats

  • Massage function

  • High-quality leather with contrast stitching

Driver Experience

  • Power tilt/telescopic steering

  • Jeep’s hands-free driving assistance

  • Large steering wheel (still slightly oversized)

  • Head-up display available

Center Console

  • New metal rotary shifter

  • Four-wheel drive and air suspension controls

  • Wireless charging pad

  • Redesigned start/stop button

  • Deep two-level center storage box

Materials

  • Alcantara headliner

  • Real leather door panels

  • High-quality switchgear from Stellantis

  • Gloss black trim (prone to fingerprints)

Second Row Comfort

Jeep has kept the Grand Cherokee’s family-friendly interior intact.

  • Approx. 38 in rear legroom

  • Heated and ventilated second-row seats

  • Quad-zone climate control

  • USB-C ports

  • Household power outlet

  • Reclining seats

  • Rear door sunshades

  • Panoramic sunroof extends into 2nd row

  • Plenty of headroom for passengers up to 5’10″+

Pricing, Availability & Final Thoughts

Jeep sold 216,000+ Grand Cherokees in the US last year, keeping it among the best-selling SUVs in the country.

2026 Pricing (Expected)

  • Current model starts at $38,800

  • Jeep reduced prices by $1,000–$4,000 in 2025

  • Summit Obsidian (as shown): ~$60,000+ expected

Availability

  • Order books are now open

  • Deliveries expected late 2025 / early 2026

Conclusion

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee brings a thoughtful refresh focused on:

  • A new Hurricane Turbo 4 engine

  • Updated front styling

  • Larger technology displays

  • Luxury interior touches

  • Maintained capability and family practicality

Jeep didn’t over-redesign a best-seller — instead, it refined what already works.

If early impressions are anything to go by, the 2026 Grand Cherokee will continue to dominate the midsize two-row SUV segment.

Frequently Asked Questions – 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

1. What is new in the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The 2026 model introduces a refreshed front design, a larger 12.3-inch infotainment system, improved interior materials, and the new 2.0L Hurricane turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

2. What engine options are available in the 2026 Grand Cherokee?

The SUV offers three powertrains: a 3.6L Pentastar V6, the new 2.0L Turbo Hurricane engine producing 324 hp, and the 4xe plug-in hybrid model.

3. What are the key interior upgrades?

The 2026 Grand Cherokee features a new 12.3-inch touchscreen, optional passenger display, premium leather seats, massage front seats, and upgraded Uconnect 5 software.

4. Does the 2026 Grand Cherokee offer advanced off-road capability?

Yes. The Trailhawk variant includes air suspension, skid plates, all-terrain tires, and Jeep’s most advanced 4x4 systems for superior off-road performance.

5. What is the expected price of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee?

The base model is expected to start around $38,800, while the luxury Summit and Summit Obsidian variants are expected to be priced above $60,000.

6. When will the 2026 Grand Cherokee be available?

Order bookings are open, and deliveries are expected to begin in late 2025 or early 2026.

Related articles