2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review

This isn't just a minor update. Jeep has given its adventure-ready family SUV a fresh face, upgraded tech, and a completely new powertrain option that changes the game for this Trail Rated icon. An all-new turbocharged engine promises serious power without sacrificing efficiency. For those who want electric assist with their adventures, the plug-in hybrid SUV option returns stronger than ever. 

Jeep's designers kept the Grand Cherokee's signature look while giving it a modern update. The seven-slot grille now has a more three-dimensional appearance that catches light differently throughout the day. New headlights feature hockey-stick-shaped daytime running lights that make this luxury midsize SUV instantly recognizable on Phoenix roads.

Revised air intakes help cool the new turbocharged engine more efficiently. The lower bumper has been reshaped to improve airflow while maintaining the rugged appearance Jeep fans expect. These aren't dramatic changes, but they're enough to set the 2026 Grand Cherokee in Gilbert AZ apart from earlier versions.

Steel Blue and Fathom Blue offer fresh takes on classic exterior colors, while Copper Shino brings a warm, earthy tone that looks amazing against Arizona's red rock landscapes. For 2026, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk accents switch to red, including the tow hooks. Combined with available black exterior packages and premium wheel options, your Jeep Grand Cherokee in Gilbert AZ can stand out or blend in to suit your personality.

Under the hood sits the star of the show: Jeep's new Hurricane 4 Turbo engine. This 2.0-liter powerplant cranks out 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, which is impressive for a four-cylinder. Don't let the smaller displacement fool you. Advanced technology like variable-geometry turbocharging and dual fuel injection help this engine punch well above its weight class.

What makes this turbo SUV special is how early the power arrives. Around 80 percent of peak torque shows up at just 2,300 rpm. That means strong acceleration from a stoplight and confident passing power on the highway. The engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission that shifts smoothly whether you're cruising or towing. Speaking of towing, this fuel-efficient SUV can still pull up to 6,200 pounds—enough for most boats, campers, and toy haulers.

The 4xe plug-in hybrid SUV remains available for those who want maximum power with electric efficiency. Output jumps to 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from the combination of a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder and two electric motors. 

This setup can drive up to 25 miles on electricity alone, perfect for daily commutes around the Valley. The 4xe can tow up to 6,000 pounds, just slightly less than its gas-powered sibling.

Whether you choose the new Hurricane 4 Turbo or stick with the proven 4xe hybrid, this off-road SUV is ready for whatever Arizona throws at it. From desert trails to highway cruising, the latest Grand Cherokee in Gilbert AZ aims to do it all without breaking a sweat.

Adventure seekers will appreciate that the Jeep Grand Cherokee hasn't lost its off-road edge. Every four-wheel drive model comes with an active transfer case that automatically shifts torque to wheels with the most grip. Selec-Terrain Rock, Snow, and Mud/Sand drive modes adjust throttle response, transmission shifting, and traction control for different conditions.

Available Quadra-Lift air suspension takes capability even further. This system offers five different ride heights and automatically adjusts for terrain. Lower the vehicle for easy entry or better fuel efficiency on the highway. Raise it for extra ground clearance when the pavement ends. The air suspension also smooths out rough roads, making long trips more comfortable for everyone on board.

The Trailhawk model represents the peak of Grand Cherokee capability. This trail-rated SUV gets Quadra-Drive II with rear electronic limited-slip differential and a 2.72:1 low-range gear ratio. The crawl ratio reaches an impressive 47.4:1, allowing precise control over rocks and steep inclines. Selec-Speed Control acts like cruise control for off-roading, maintaining a steady pace without constant brake and throttle work.

Water fording ability on 4xe models reaches 24 inches thanks to special seals protecting electrical components. Steel skid plates guard vital underbody parts from rock strikes. Hill Descent Control works in both forward and reverse, a feature that comes in handy on two-track trails through the Superstition Mountains. 

Step inside and you'll find a cabin designed for comfort on long journeys. Front seats offer 16-way power adjustment with memory settings and available lumbar support. With its third row, the 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee L offers seating for up to seven.

Higher trim levels add massage functions for both driver and front passenger—a welcome feature after a long day exploring Arizona's backcountry. With three-level adjustable cooling, ventilated front seats help beat the desert heat.

Material quality impresses throughout the cabin. Soft-touch surfaces cover the dashboard and door panels. Slim HVAC vents create a cleaner, more modern look. Ambient lighting with daytime and nighttime settings adds atmosphere after dark. Grand Cherokee Summit models offer a choice of five interior lighting colors to match your mood.

Color and material options let you customize the space. Global Black comes standard, but you can upgrade to combinations like Global Black with Wicker Beige or the exclusive Tupelo color. Trailhawk models feature distinctive blue stitching on seats, doors, and console. At the top end, Summit Reserve packages include hand-wrapped quilted Palermo leather and open-pore Waxed Walnut wood trim that rivals luxury brands.

Families will appreciate the thoughtful storage solutions. The standard two-row layout provides 37.7 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats. Fold those seats down and capacity expands to 70.8 cubic feet. Need even more room? A fold-flat front passenger seat allows extra-long items to fit inside. 

Tech takes center stage with a new 12.3-inch Uconnect 5 touchscreen that now comes standard across the lineup. Navigation is built-in from the factory, complete with TomTom predictive search and live traffic updates. The system responds quickly to inputs and supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, so your smartphone connects automatically when you get in.

Front passengers get their own entertainment with an available 10.25-inch interactive display. This screen works independently, allowing passengers to stream content, control navigation, or manage vehicle settings without interfering with the driver's display. It's a smart solution for keeping everyone happy on road trips. HDMI connectivity means passengers can mirror content from phones or tablets.

Audio quality reaches new heights with the available McIntosh premium sound system. This 19-speaker setup includes a 17-channel amplifier that delivers concert-quality sound. McIntosh is legendary in the audio world, and having their system in a tech-packed SUV shows Jeep's commitment to the details. Even the standard audio systems sound impressive, with clear highs and solid bass.

Staying connected is easy with available Wi-Fi hotspot capability that handles up to eight devices simultaneously. Multiple USB ports throughout the cabin keep phones and tablets charged. Wireless charging in the center console eliminates cable clutter. Amazon Alexa integration adds voice control for smart home devices, music streaming, and more. SiriusXM 360L provides personalized stations based on your listening habits.

Safety technology has advanced dramatically in the 2026 Grand Cherokee. Active Driving Assist represents the most significant addition—a hands-free driving system for approved highways. Keep your hands off the wheel and eyes on the road while the vehicle handles steering, acceleration, and braking. The system even adjusts speed automatically before curves and can change lanes with a simple turn signal tap.

Night Vision uses infrared sensors to detect pedestrians and animals in low-light conditions. Their heat signatures appear on the digital instrument cluster, giving extra reaction time when visibility drops. This feature proves especially valuable during early morning or late evening drives when wildlife is most active around Arizona's outskirts.

Intersection Collision Assist monitors cross-traffic when approaching intersections. If the system detects a potential collision, it warns the driver and can apply brakes automatically to avoid or reduce impact severity. This protection is particularly helpful in busy urban environments where split-second decisions matter.

Standard safety features include Forward Collision Warning with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Cross Path Detection watches for vehicles in adjacent lanes and behind when backing up. LaneSense Lane Departure Warning gently guides you back if you drift without signaling. Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go maintains set distances from traffic ahead, even in heavy congestion.

Additional available features include Traffic Sign Recognition that displays speed limits and road signs on the instrument cluster. Drowsy Driver Detection monitors driving patterns and alerts you if it senses fatigue. A 360-degree camera system provides a bird's-eye view when parking, with front and rear camera washers keeping lenses clean in dusty conditions. ParkSense can automatically steer into parallel or perpendicular spaces, taking stress out of tight parking situations.

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee brings fresh energy to the midsize SUV segment. This latest version balances modern technology with proven capability, creating a vehicle that's equally comfortable cruising Cave Creek Road or conquering the backroads beyond South Mountain.

If you're ready to experience what the new Hurricane 4 Turbo or 4xe hybrid can do, our team at Earnhardt CDJR in Gilbert can help. As your Gilbert and Chandler Jeep dealership, we're here to answer questions about features, trim levels, and arrival timing. Our family-run business has built a reputation on great customer service and maintaining a big selection of Jeep vehicles.

Whether you need a capable off-roader for weekend adventures or a comfortable family hauler for daily life around the Valley, the Grand Cherokee deserves a spot on your list. Schedule a test drive at Earnhardt CDJR in Gilbert.

Our knowledgeable staff will help you find the right model for your lifestyle. Come see us anytime—we're looking forward to showing you what makes this Arizona adventure vehicle special.