The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is officially here and is breaking the cycle of being another carryover since 2022, by bringing some major changes along with it. Most notable is its introduction of the all-new Hurricane 4 engine, marking the start of a whole new era for the coveted JeepSUV. As with the Grand Wagoneer, Jeep’s also decided to simplify things by tightening up nomenclature. But with best-in-class range, departure angles, and a plethora of industry-leading off-road features, it very much so holds true to being the exact type of vehicle folks expect from the four-wheeling legend.
By far the biggest change made to the Grand Cherokeefor 2026 is the introduction of the new Hurricane 4 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. This is a brand-new development from Stellantis, making its official debut for the coming model year. While it’s not a Hemi, Mopar is excited to get this engine into production.
As for the specifics, it’s a turbocharged four-cylinder engine set to produce 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The new engine is the first to use Turbulent Jet Ignition technology on this scale. This piece of technology is familiar in F1 territory, and essentially works by igniting the fuel into a special prechamber that distribute combustion events with precision for maximum power and efficiency.
This new four-cylinder is able to achieve the best-in-class driving range of 506 miles on a single tank. The variable geometry turbocharger also helps deliver 80 percent of the engine’s torque at 2,300 RPM, with peak torque from 3,000 to 4,500 RPM. This helps it provide the driving experience owners demand from an SUV while cruising or off-roading. It also remains plenty capable for the utilitarian, with a 6,200-pound towing capacity.
As cool a piece of technology as this Hurricane 4 is, new things take getting used to. Folks who prefer an established engine in their Grand Cherokee will be happy to hear that the Pentastar V6is returning for the 2026 model year alongside the 4Xe plug-in-hybrid option.
For 2026, the Pentastar V6 is a direct carryover offering the same 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque of previous years. 4Xe models are also largely the same. The base 2.0-liter four-cylinder will deliver 270 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque, with the hybrid drivetrain helping achieve a combined output of 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft. All drivelines come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Stelantis 
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee has seen some exterior updates over prior years as well. The seven-slot grille, headlights, and rear and lower fascia have all been massaged for the new model year. Jeeps also introduced three new colors, Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue, along with some new trim finishes.
Inside, there are also a fair bit of changes, starting with the 12.3-inch infotainment and 10.25-inch passenger display. Depending on the trim selected, it can also come with a premium leather interior and optional McIntosh 19-speaker sound system.
Speaking of trim selection, Jeep limits the Grand Cherokee to just three options. Laredo is your entry-level package aimed at giving buyers an economical but capable SUV equipped with the Selec-Terrain 4×4 system. The Limited is your next step up, which is host to larger wheels, leather interior, ventilated seats, digital rearview, off-road camera, and Jeep’s Night Vision system. Finally, Summit is the premium choice, which includes upgrades like Oak and Liquid Chrome interior accents, a suede headliner, Palermo leather seats, the aforementioned McIntosh audio system, and a Quadra-Trac II 4×4 system paired with an air suspension.
4Xe models will also be available in three trim options: Limited, Summit, and Trailhawk. The Trailhawk will return as the ultra-capable off-road variant with best-in-class departure angles. It also boasts best-in-class range, with up to 470 miles being achievable with this PHEV configuration.
Pricing for the 2026 Jeep Cherokee has yet be announced. Production is set to take place at both the Detroit Assembly Complex, Jefferson, and Mack plants. The all-new Hurricane 4 2.0-liter four-cylinder is being produced at the Dundee, Michigan, plant. This marks the second of four new Jeeps to be announced, with the preceding Grand Wagoneer being the first. That leaves two more model releases to debut in the near future.
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