2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Revealed With New Turbo Engine and Refined Design

Four new or updated Jeep SUVs are launching this year

It’s been a busy month for Jeep. The updated Grand Wagoneer lineup was revealed a few weeks ago with a fresh design and a new range-extended electric model, and now it’s the turn of the smaller Grand Cherokee to get its own revamp for the 2026 model year.

The big news is the introduction of a new engine option alongside the naturally-aspirated V6. Also carrying the Hurricane name—as used for the six-cylinder engine that powers many Stellantis models—this one is a four-cylinder turbocharged mill with segment-leading horsepower per liter. A fresh face and additional features also form part of the changes made to the Grand Cherokee, and we expect the 2026 model will continue to blur the line between mainstream and luxury offerings.

Hurricane Engine Family Grows

When this generation of the Jeep Grand Cherokee arrived a few years ago, it was available with the thirsty 5.7-liter Hemi V8. A lot has changed in the ensuing years, as the V8 option is now gone, and this year, the downsizing trend goes further. The new Hurricane engine is a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder unit, the first introduction of a new, global engine that’s expected to power multiple Stellantis products.

With 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, it’s easily more powerful than the standard 3.6-liter V6, which still produces 293 hp and 260 lb-ft. The new Hurricane is an advanced engine that debuts the first high-volume use of Turbulent Jet Injection, said to improve both power and efficiency.

A small amount of fuel is ignited in a cup-like pre-chamber on top of each cylinder. As the fuel expands, it jets into the combustion chamber, causing a faster and more complete burn of the air-fuel charge. The variable geometry turbo also provides boost even at low revs; 80% peak torque is available at 2,300 rpm.

“With the Hurricane 4 Turbo, we’ve created a force to exceed the high expectations that Jeep Grand Cherokee owners have for power, performance and refinement, along with the added benefit of enhanced fuel economy,” said Micky Bly, Stellantis senior vice president, head of Propulsion Systems Engineering.

No specific claims have been made about gas mileage, but the new Hurricane is expected to be comfortably more efficient than the V6, which gets 22 mpg combined.

Both engines remain paired to an eight-speed automatic.

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Exterior and Interior Updates

While its profile remains instantly familiar, the 2026 Grand Cherokee gains a refreshed face with an updated seven-slot grille, new headlights, and a modified lower fascia. New trim finishes and three new colors—Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue—are further changes.

There’s a simplified range of trims, starting with the Laredo and progressing to the Limited and Summit. Inside, there’s a new 12.3-inch touchscreen interface, and the Laredo Altitude adds traffic sign recognition and intersection collision assist as standard.

The Limited adds Silver Silk exterior accents, leatherette upholstery, and heated second-row seats, among others. On the Summit, expect high-end features like Palermo leather, a suede headliner, massaging front seats, and a 19-speaker McIntosh sound system.

As is often the case with Jeep, there are many packages to choose from to further customize the primary trims. 

Grand Cherokee L and Plug-In Hybrid Return

If you need more space or better efficiency, the 2026 Grand Cherokee has you covered.

Jeep will continue selling the more spacious Grand Cherokee L, which has a third row, more second-row legroom, and an expanded cargo area. Whereas the normal Grand Cherokee has 37.7 cubic feet of space behind the second row, the Grand Cherokee L boosts that to 46.9 cubic feet. On the Laredo Altitude and above, the Grand Cherokee L now adds USB chargers in the third row.

The PHEV has a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine and electric motors. Together, they produce 375 hp and 470 lb-ft. A total driving range of 470 miles is possible, and this variant will be offered in Limited, Summit, and Trailhawk trim levels.

Pricing and Availability

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will start at $38,735, excluding a destination fee of $1,995. That’s over $2,000 more than the 2025 model, which starts at $36,495. If you want a model with the new Hurricane four-cylinder turbocharged engine, that will set you back $44,140 plus destination. Jeep has said that these prices are not final, with confirmed MSRPs expected to be announced soon. However, they do give us an idea of the SUV’s price point.

Cheaper than other midsize SUVs like the Mazda CX-70, Toyota 4Runner, and Honda Passport, the Jeep also blends luxury and off-road capability better than most.

Besides the 2026 Grand Cherokee, Jeep will also launch the 2026 Cherokee, 2026 Grand Wagoneer, and electric Recon in what will be a busy second half of the year for the brand.

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