More Power, Fewer Cylinders, More Screen, Fewer Buttons: 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is getting a new engine. No, it’s not the return of the Hemi V8 like in Ram’s pickups, but the new engine will give the SUV more horsepower.

The new four-cylinder is part of a mild refresh for 2026 that includes new styling and an upgraded interior. Jeep is also giving lower-spec model buyers the terrain mode system that used to be reserved for buyers who spent a lot more.

31 More Horses From New Turbo Engine

Jeep’s new engine is a 2.0L turbo-4 that makes 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque. Both numbers are big upgrades over the 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet that the old 3.6L V6 made.

Jeep will offer both engines in 2026, along with its 4xe plug-in hybrid system. Jeep is calling the new engine Hurricane, but don’t confuse it with the 3.0L inline-six used in the Grand Wagoneer.

The Hurricane engine will also come with Jeep’s Selec-Terrain 4×4 system, the first time it has been offered on a Laredo model. The system gives drivers multiple terrain modes to pick from, each of which alters throttle and braking response as well as engine torque distribution for maximum off-road grip and on-road performance.

On the outside, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Grand Cherokee L get a facelift, but it’s a small one. There is a new grille and headlights, but you’ll probably have to park side by side to spot the differences. Jeep is giving the new year new paint colors, with two new blues and the copper color in the photos here joining the party.

Bigger Screen: The Biggest News Inside

Changes inside are equally mild, starting with a new center screen. The 12.3-inch unit now houses most of the climate and comfort controls, though a few buttons remain above and below it. Jeep needed to tweak the design of the dash to fit it, and that change wraps up the obvious updates in the cabin.

Jeep will offer the Grand Cherokee and three-row Grand Cherokee L with gas power in Laredo, Limited, and Summit trims. Base Laredo and Laredo X models get the old V6, while Laredo Altitude and higher get the new 2.0L Hurricane engine. The 4xe PHEV system will be offered on Limited and Summit, and standard on Trailhawk. Jeep is simplifying the lineup, removing recent expansions like Overland.

Towing capacity remains high. The Grand Cherokee with either gas engine can tow up to 6,200 pounds. The 4xe models can tow up to 6,000.

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Needs to Be a Hit

Grand Cherokee is a crucial model for not just Jeep, but also for Stellantis as a whole. It is by far the bestselling model in the Jeep lineup. Break out Ram truck sales into 1500 and HD sales, and it beats each of those by a large margin as well. That makes an update important, but we would also have expected Jeep to do a bit more. Like more obvious design changes and new features.

Pricing is also likely “upgraded” for 2026, likely starting around $41K. We expect to see a $1,500+ price jump across the range, but final numbers won’t come out until closer to the on-sale date. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will arrive at dealers before the end of 2025.