This is a very big year for Jeep, the automaker rolling out a variety of new and updated models and powertrains. Among the most significant launches: the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee. As a mid-cycle refresh, there are some modest design updates, new technology and safety features. The big news, however, is the debut of the new Hurricane 4 Turbo, the engine delivering both a big boost in power and a substantial improvement in fuel economy. Headlight.News has this review.

What’s new

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is not quite the typical mid-cycle update, as I discovered during a recent trip to California for a first drive. There are, of course, the usual modest exterior tweaks, starting with a fresher take on the brand’s classic seven-slot grille, along with a new headlight design, modified rear and lower fascia, and new exterior trim finishes that move away from the classic chrome.

Inside, the big SUV gets a bigger touchscreen, while it will also make available features such as a 10.25-inch display for the front passenger. Add an available McIntosh 19-speaker audio system and an active driving assist system permitting limited hands-free operation.

But the big story for 2026 is the new Hurricane 4 Turbo engine which manages to pump out 20% more power than the package it replaces, even while reducing fuel consumption 10% compared to Jeep’s old 4-cylinder package.

Hurricane 4 Turbo

The new 2.0-liter turbocharged engine musters an impressive 324 horsepower and 332 pound-feet of torque – the sort of numbers you might once have expected from a V-8. Indeed, at 162 hp per liter, the Hurricane 4 Turbo delivers a higher specific output than the iconic Hellcat powertrain, noted Micky Bly, the Stellantis global powertrain chief. And that power comes on fast, reaching 80% of peak torque by 2,300 RPMs. Add the fact that the engine allows towing of up to 6,200 pounds.

The secret to achieving these numbers: a little device barely the size of a thimble that permits what Stellantis has dubbed a “turbulent jet ignition system.” The Hurricane 4 actually pairs a port injection system for low-speed operation with a direct injection system that kicks in at higher speeds or when power demands are severe. That little device helps improve the spray of fuel into the cylinder – resulting in a cleaner, more efficient burn at a higher compression ratio of 12:1.

Fuel economy comes in at 21 mpg city, 27 highway and 23 combined for the two-wheel-drive package, with the all-wheel-drive alternatives losing just one mpg in the highway rating. Either way, those are impressive  numbers for a non-hybrid large SUV.

The Hurricane 4 is paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Meanwhile, three different all-wheel-drive systems are offered, including two versions of the Quadra-Trac I, along with the Quadra-Drive II.

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Other powertrain options

In base configuration, the 2026 Grand Cherokee retains the familiar 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6. It’s a good choice for those who don’t to upgrade or go with one of the higher trim packages.

As before, the Pentastar engine delivers a solid 293 horsepower and 260 horsepower. The six is paired with a Torqueflite 8-speed automatic gearbox. Whether you go with the two- or all-wheel-drive configuration, mileage comes in at 19 mpg city, 26 highway and 22 combined, according to the EPA estimate. The Pentastar option matches Hurricane, with a 6,200-pound maximum tow rating.

Looking to the future, meanwhile, Jeep insiders have been dropping strong hints we could see the return of the vaunted Hemi V-8 in the not-too-distance future.

Meanwhile, the 4xe plug-in hybrid is  gone with the 2026 model year.

Driving Impressions

I spent most of my time out West behind the wheel of the two-row version of the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the new Hurricane 4. (The good news is that the three-row Grand Cherokee L remains available this year, a good move considering the number of family buyers who need the extra space.)

In terms of basic driving dynamics, the big SUV hasn’t changed much since the current generation was rolled out for the 2022 model year. A good thing considering Grand Cherokee’s confidence-inspiring steering and cornering. It was easy to forget just how big this rig is as I wandered through the winding canyon roads leading from Westlake Village down to the Malibu coastline.

Grand Cherokee, especially in upper trim packages, can easily replace a traditional luxury vehicle. It delivers a smooth, quiet ride – with all the onboard technology assuring you want hear young family members asking “Are we there yet.”

As for the Hurricane 4, it’s a great addition to the line-up, delivering plenty of power nearly all the way across its RPM range. The only weakness: it needs rev up a little on launch before you feel all that torque kick in. One of the big surprises was the new powertrain’s confident engine note, especially under wide-open-throttle where it sounds a lot gutsier than the typical inline-four.

Off-Road

Sadly, near-Biblical levels of range washed out the off-road course we’d originally intended to take – with plenty of rubble providing unexpected obstacles on the paved portion of my route. But considering how many buyers take Grand Cherokee off pavement, here’s what I wrote about the SUV when this generation came to market in 2022:

I was curious to see if it would live up to Chief Engineer David Partlow’s boast: “You can go over anything. Not around it. Over it.” I had the chance to check it out during an afternoon of driving the Trailhawk edition out in Moab, Utah.

On a series of rugged trails quickly became clear that the Jeep Grand Cherokee is ready to handle whatever you throw at it. It has plenty of wheel articulation but, even one some wildly even pavement, with one or more wheel off the ground, the Trailhawk’s four-wheel-drive system made it easy to muscle forward.

Design

As a mid-cycle update, design tweaks are relatively modest with the 2026 Grand Cherokee, though the updates are obvious when seen side-by-side. That starts with a new, cleaner take on the iconic Jeep 7-slot grille. Headlights get a more modern look and both the front and rear fascia have been updated. Jeep also adds several more color options to the 2026 palette.

The Jeep product development team did a solid job with the current generation Grand Cherokee, among other things delivering more shoulder and legroom for first and second-row passengers. The third row remains tight but isn’t quite the penalty box found in many competing large SUVs.

The look of the instrument panel has been enhanced by a larger, 12.3-inch touchscreen and bigger digital gauge cluster.

Technology

There’s also an optional 10.25-inch screen for the front seat passenger. Like the main touchscreen, it’s powered by the Uconnect 5 operating system. It’s user reconfigurable and is paired with one of the market’s easier-to-use voice control systems.

Other niceties – depending upon trim package and options: plenty of USB ports, a wireless smartphone charger and a premium 19-speaker McIntosh audio system.

Jeep claims the 2026 Grand Cherokee offers as many as 140 active and passive safety systems, depending upon trim and options. The Laredo Altitude trim adds features including Traffic Sign Recognition and Intersection Collision Assist.

Pricing and availability

A look at the numbers shows that the Jeep brand has gone through a few rough years. The automaker has taken a number of steps to put itself back on track. It’s filled a big gap with the return of the Cherokee line for 2026, for one thing. Meanwhile, it’s simplified trim options and realigned pricing on the rest of the line-up, including Grand Cherokee. There are now just three primary trims: Laredo, Limited and Summit.

With some packages prices are actually down a bit, while the overall Grand Cherokee family offers more standard features, whatever the trim.

The base 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo starts at $40,410 in 2WD trim, $42,210 with 4WD. Limited packages start at $45,810 in 2WD, $47,810 in 4WD. Available solely with 4WD, the Grand Cherokee Summit starts at $62,190 – and leaves relatively few options to choose from beyond paint and interior colors. (All prices quoted here include $1.995 delivery fees.

You’ll find the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee now available in U.S. dealer showrooms.