2026 Grand Cherokee Ditches V8 for Turbo-Four Power

2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee: New Turbo-Four Engine Arrives, But Does It Deliver?

Jeep is making a big change for the 2026 Grand Cherokee, swapping out the beloved V8 engine for a new turbocharged four-cylinder. This new engine promises more power and better fuel economy on paper. We took this updated SUV for a spin to see if it lives up to the hype. While the Grand Cherokee still offers luxury and capability, this new engine might leave some enthusiasts wanting more.

Performance: Power Without the Punch?

The star of the show is the new 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It puts out a respectable 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. That’s more power-dense than even the mighty Hellcat Redeye engine, which sounds impressive. However, getting off the line doesn’t feel as exciting as you might expect. When we tried a brake-boosted launch, it wasn’t particularly quick.

Switching to Sport mode and just flooring it felt better. The power is there, but the throttle mapping and transmission tuning feel a bit off. Sometimes it doesn’t give you enough gas, then it downshifts and gives you too much torque. This makes smooth driving a bit tricky. It’s not slow once it gets going, but it lacks the immediate thrill some drivers crave.

For comparison, the previous Grand Cherokees offered a 5.7-liter V8. While this new four-cylinder aims for efficiency, it does make some typical direct-injection four-cylinder noises from the outside, which aren’t exactly luxurious. Inside, however, the cabin is well-insulated and quiet.

The Grand Cherokee is still a capable off-roader, with four-wheel drive low and adjustable air suspension that can be set for different terrains like rock, sand, and mud. The ride comfort on rough city streets was surprisingly good, thanks to the air suspension, though the large wheels on our top-trim model might have slightly impacted that.

Interior: Upscale and Tech-Filled

Stepping inside the 2026 Grand Cherokee is a pleasant experience. The top-trim Summit model we tested felt genuinely luxurious, rivaling or even surpassing some competitors like Lincoln. The materials are soft to the touch, and the overall fit and finish are impressive. It feels more upscale than many Ford or Chevy SUVs.

The infotainment system is modern, featuring a large touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and navigation that worked smoothly during our test. We appreciated that Jeep kept physical buttons for climate control, though they are capacitive and require a precise touch. There’s also a screen for the front passenger, which can be handy for entertainment, though it takes some getting used to.

Other nice touches include heated and ventilated seats with massage functions, controlled by physical buttons. The digital gauge cluster is customizable, and there are plenty of USB ports and even an HDMI input for connecting devices. The rear seats offer good space and come with built-in sunshades, a practical feature for families.

Value and Pricing: A Pricey Proposition

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee lineup starts with the V6 engine at $59,995 Canadian. However, the top-trim Summit model, which features the new four-cylinder engine, comes in at a hefty $84,490 Canadian. This puts it in a premium price bracket.

While the interior quality and features justify some of the cost, the price for the four-cylinder engine feels quite high. For that money, some buyers might expect more potent performance or perhaps the return of a V8 or the more powerful inline-six engine option that Jeep also offers in other models.

Verdict: A Comfortable and Luxurious SUV with a Questionable Heart

The 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains a very comfortable and luxurious SUV. It offers a refined interior, plenty of technology, and Jeep’s renowned off-road capability. The updated styling looks good, and the ride quality is excellent.

However, the new turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while powerful on paper, doesn’t quite deliver the thrilling driving experience many expect from a Jeep, especially at this price point. The throttle and transmission tuning needs refinement to match the premium feel of the cabin. If you prioritize comfort, luxury, and capability over outright performance, and you’re comfortable with the price, the Grand Cherokee is a strong contender. But if you’re looking for a sporty SUV experience, you might want to explore other options or hope Jeep brings back more potent engine choices in the future.

Source: NEW ENGINE! We have thoughts! 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Review (YouTube)