The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee features notable updates that deserve a closer look. From a powerful new engine to simplified trim choices and upgraded technology, this refresh addresses the questions Ontario drivers have been asking. Here's everything you need to know about what's new, what's changed, and what makes this model year stand out.
If you're considering the two-row Grand Cherokee, the three-row Grand Cherokee L, or the plug-in hybrid 4xe, understanding these changes helps you make an informed decision.
What's New Under the Hood?
The headline news for 2026 is the all-new 2.0-litre Hurricane 4 Turbo engine. This advanced four-cylinder powerplant delivers 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque—numbers that outperform many larger displacement engines while improving fuel economy and reducing emissions.
The Hurricane 4 Turbo uses Turbulent Jet Ignition technology, an industry-first for high-volume applications. This system ignites fuel in a small pre-chamber above each cylinder, creating jets that trigger faster, more complete combustion. The result is strong power delivery without sacrificing efficiency.
With a variable geometry turbocharger, the engine delivers 90 percent of its peak torque between 2,600 and 5,600 rpm. This means responsive acceleration on the 401 or passing on Highway 7. The engine also delivers an estimated driving range of up to 851 kilometres on a single tank and a towing capacity of up to 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs).
The Hurricane 4 Turbo comes standard on Laredo Altitude and higher trims, while the base Laredo retains the proven 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque.
Are the 4xe and Grand Cherokee L Still Available?
Yes. The 2026 lineup continues to offer both the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee 4xe and the three-row Grand Cherokee L.
Grand Cherokee 4xe:
- 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor
- 270 horsepower from the engine, 134 horsepower from the electric motor
- 470 lb-ft of total system torque—the most of any Grand Cherokee
- Includes the Trailhawk trim with the best-in-class departure angle
- Towing capacity up to 2,721 kg (6,000 lbs)
Grand Cherokee L:
- Three-row seating with best-in-class second-row legroom
- More passenger volume and cargo space behind the third row than competitors
- Optional 60/40 second-row bench seat for added flexibility
- Same simplified trim strategy as the two-row model
- Laredo Altitude and higher trims gain third-row USB chargers
Both variants maintain the Grand Cherokee's core capability while serving different family needs.
How Has the Trim Lineup Changed?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee simplifies its structure to three core trims: Laredo, Limited, and Summit. This streamlined approach makes it easier to find the right configuration without navigating through excessive options.
Laredo:
- Standard 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6
- New 18-inch wheels and chrome accents
- Active Lane Management and ParkSense Rear Park Assist
- Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
- Automatic Emergency Braking
Laredo Altitude (Hurricane 4 Turbo):
- 2.0-litre Hurricane 4 Turbo engine
- 12.3-inch infotainment system
- Selec-Terrain 4x4 system (first time on Laredo trim)
- Traffic Sign Recognition and Intersection Collision Assist
- Premium audio system
Limited:
- Builds on Laredo Altitude content
- Silver Silk exterior accents
- Leatherette upholstery
- Heated second-row seating
- Nine-speaker Alpine premium audio
- Ambient interior lighting
- Available Limited Reserve and Limited Altitude packages
Summit:
- Oak and Liquid Chrome interior accents
- Palermo leather seats with suede headliner
- Driver and passenger massaging seats
- Quadra-Trac II 4x4 system with air suspension
- 19-speaker McIntosh audio system
The Laredo X trim also carries over for buyers seeking popular features bundled as standard, including heated seats, a heated steering wheel, a sunroof, a power liftgate, and a wireless charging pad.
What Technology Updates Should I Know About?
The 2026 Grand Cherokee introduces a new 12.3-inch infotainment system, accompanied by a reworked cabin layout. This larger screen improves visibility and usability while integrating seamlessly with the vehicle's other tech features.
Available technology across the lineup includes:
- 10.25-inch front passenger display
- Active Driving Assist (hands-free driving on compatible highways)
- 19-speaker McIntosh premium sound system (Summit)
- 360-degree camera system
- Integrated off-road camera
- Digital rearview mirror
- Night Vision system
- Rear-facing Fam Cam (three-row models)
The infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with over-the-air software updates to keep the system current.
Has the Exterior Design Changed?
The 2026 model receives thoughtful design updates while maintaining the Grand Cherokee's recognizable profile. Changes include:
- Updated seven-slot grille
- New headlight design
- Modified rear and lower fascia
- All-new exterior trim finishes
- Three new paint colours: Steel Blue, Copper Shino, and Fathom Blue
These refinements modernize the look without abandoning the upright, capable stance that has defined Grand Cherokee for more than 30 years.
What About Safety Features?
Safety equipment expands across the lineup for 2026. Standard features on base models include:
- Active Lane Management
- ParkSense Rear Park Assist
- Blind-spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Rear Cross Path Detection
Higher trims add Traffic Sign Recognition, Intersection Collision Assist, and advanced driver assistance technologies. The Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk includes specialized systems for off-road capability and safety.
How Does the Grand Cherokee L Differ?
The Grand Cherokee L extends the wheelbase to 3,091 mm (121.7 inches) to accommodate three rows of seating. Key differences include:
- Best-in-class second-row legroom
- More passenger volume than any vehicle in its class
- More cargo space behind the third row than competitors
- Optional 60/40 second-row bench seat
- Third-row USB chargers on Laredo Altitude and higher
The L variant utilizes the same 3.6-litre Pentastar V-6 as the base two-row model, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque, with a towing capacity of 2,812 kg (6,200 lbs).
What's the Fuel Economy?
Official EnerGuide fuel consumption ratings for 2026 models will be announced closer to the on-sale date. The Hurricane 4 Turbo's advanced combustion technology and turbocharger efficiency are designed to deliver improved fuel economy compared to the outgoing V-6 options, while maintaining strong performance.
The Grand Cherokee 4xe offers the efficiency of electric-only driving for daily commutes, with the flexibility of the gasoline engine for longer trips.
When Will It Arrive?
The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee is scheduled to arrive at dealerships in late 2025. Production takes place at Stellantis' Detroit Assembly Complex, Jefferson and Mack plants. Pricing for the Canadian market will be announced closer to the on-sale date.
Learn More at Cooksville Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram. The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee brings meaningful updates to an already strong foundation. The Hurricane 4 Turbo engine delivers strong power and efficiency, the simplified trim structure makes selection easier, and the upgraded technology keeps pace with modern expectations.
From the two-row model's agility to the Grand Cherokee L's three-row versatility and the 4xe's plug-in hybrid efficiency, there's a configuration that fits your needs. Visit our team in Mississauga to explore the 2026 Grand Cherokee lineup and discover which model works best for your driving style.
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