Jeep Kicks Off Dealer Deliveries of 2026 Grand Cherokee With New Turbo Power

Momentum Carries Into 2026

The Jeep Grand Cherokee closed out last month on a strong note after posting its best December retail sales performance since 2021. Now, the midsize crossover is opening a new chapter, as Stellantis has confirmed that the refreshed 2026 model year has already begun shipping to dealerships.

While the 2026 Grand Cherokee retains a recognizable look, the most significant update lies under the hood. Jeep now offers the model with an all-new 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four from the Hurricane engine family. The new forced induction setup produces 324 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, surpassing the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6, which delivers 293 horsepower.

Following the Downsizing Playbook

The numbers may sound promising, but the engine just debuted in a production vehicle, meaning long-term reliability remains an open question. Nevertheless, its arrival reflects a broader industry trend, as more automakers downsize engines to meet tighter emissions standards. The Grand Cherokee’s direct rival, the Nissan Murano, mirrors this approach by ditching its long-running 3.5-liter V6 in favor of a smaller 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four.

For buyers who may be hesitant to roll the dice, Jeep continues to offer its midsize crossover with more familiar powertrain options. These include the aforementioned Pentastar V6 as well as the plug-in hybrid configuration known as 4xe. The latter pairs a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine with two electric motors, delivering a combined 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque. As a PHEV, it also offers an all-electric driving mode, though its range is limited to 25 miles.

Modernizing a Midsize Staple

It is worth noting, however, that the 4xe powertrain – also used in the Wrangler – has faced multiple recalls last year. These include a major campaign affecting more than 320,000 4xe-equipped vehicles due to a high-voltage battery issue.

Aside from powertrain updates, other changes for the 2026 model year include a revised grille design, updated headlamps, and a new 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen.

With the refreshed Grand Cherokee now arriving at dealerships, interested buyers may want to check in with their local Jeep retailers for more details, including final pricing. For reference, earlier reports indicate that pricing starts at $38,735 – excluding the $1,995 destination fee—for the base Laredo trim, which is about $2,000 more than the outgoing 25 MY. Models equipped with the new 2.0-liter Hurricane engine are said to start at $44,140.